What do The Sound of Music soundtrack, Rumors by Fleetwood Mac, and The Temptations' "My Girl" have in common? According to The Library of Congress, they are all of cultural and historic importance.
Each year the Library of Congress selects 25 works to induct into the National Registry as a means of preservation. The criteria state the title must be at least 10 years old and have "cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance." Nominations are made through a compiling of online submissions from both the public and members of the National Registry Preservation Board which consists of leaders in music and sound preservation.
“This annual celebration of recorded sound reminds us of our varied and remarkable American experience,” Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden said. “The unique trinity of historic, cultural, and aesthetic significance reflected in the National Recording Registry each year is an opportunity for reflection on landmark moments, diverse cultures, and shared memories — all reflected in our recorded soundscape.”
The selections from 2017 announced Wednesday brought the total number of registered titles to 500. One of the 25 selected was Motown hit "My Girl" by The Temptations. Co-written and co-produced by Smokey Robinson and Miracles member Ronald White.
“I’m totally overwhelmed by ‘My Girl’ receiving such an honor,” Robinson told The Library of Congress. “As a songwriter, it has become my international anthem. People in countries where English is not the primary language know and sing ‘My Girl’ when I perform it.”
Other titles include, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" by Tony Bennett, Run-DMC's Raising Hell, and Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine's "Rhythm is Gonna Get You".
For the full registry click here.
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