Library of Congress Inducts 10 BMI Musical Works into National Recording Registry

Posted in News on March 24, 2021

Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress, today named 25 recordings worthy of preservation for all time in the National Recording Registry based on their cultural, historical or aesthetic importance in the country’s recorded sound heritage. Of the 25, BMI is very proud to announce that ten are BMI registered works.

“The National Recording Registry will preserve our history through these vibrant recordings of music and voices that have reflected our humanity and shaped our culture from the past 143 years,” Hayden said. “We received about 900 public nominations this year for recordings to add to the registry, and we welcome the public’s input as the Library of Congress and its partners preserve the diverse sounds of history and culture.”

The 25 new inductees bring the number of titles on the registry to 575. This year, NPR’s “1A” will host several features on the selections in the series, The Sounds of America. You can follow the conversation about the registry on Twitter and Instagram @librarycongress and #NatRecRegistry.

Below is the list of BMI singles and albums that have been added to the National Recording Registry this year. To read more about the musical works, please visit the Library of Congress website. Congratulations to the entire 2020 NRR class of extraordinary music creators!

“Lord, Keep Me Day by Day” (Single: Albertina Walker/the Caravans 1959) Songwriter: Eddie Williams

“Once a Day” (Single: Connie Smith 1964) Songwriter: Bill Anderson

“Born Under a Bad Sign” (Single: Albert King 1967) Songwriter: Booker T Jones

Harder They Come (Jimmy Cliff, et al. 1972) Album by Jimmy Cliff et al.

“Lady Marmalade” (Single: Patti Labelle 1974) Songwriter: Bob Crewe, Kenny Nolan*

Bright Size Life (Pat Metheny 1976) Album by Pat Methen

“Celebration” (Single: Kool & the Gang 1980) Songwriters: Robert & Ronald Bell, George Brown, James “JT” Taylor

Rhythm Nation 1814 (Janet Jackson 1989) Album by Janet Jackson, Jimmy Jam*, Terry Lewis*

Partners (Flaco Jimenz 1992) Album by Flaco Jimenez

SOURCENews TAGS Washington, D.C. Bill Anderson Robert Bell Ronald Bell George Brown Jimmy Cliff Bob Crewe Janet Jackson Flaco Jimenez Booker T. Jones Kool & The Gang Patti LaBelle Pat Metheny Kenny Nolan Connie Smith James “JT” Taylor Albertina Walker Eddie Williams