US National Recording Registry Adds New Music Selections

April 21, 2011

piano

Professor Longhair was an important part of the New Orleans music scene for decades, with his piano style influencing countless other musicians. That 1953 recording of “Tipitina” has just joined the National Recording Registry, along with some of the very first sound recordings from the 19th century. Also added this year is a 1968 Country hit that divided American women. Some were furious with the message of “Stand By Your Man,” released as the women’s movement in the U.S. was on the rise.

The Library of Congress description of the song says it is an “ode to the weakness of men, the strength of their women, love, loyalty, and support.” No matter how you feel about the message of this Tammy Wynette tune, there’s no denying it’s a real American country classic, with a great sing-a-long chorus.

The National Recording Registry is a result of the National Recording Preservation Act of 2000, which aims to develop a national program to guard America's sound recording heritage. The yearly additions to the National Recording Registry are chosen for their cultural significance. Not all are songs: the list this year includes the first mechanically reproduced sounds, known as “phonoautograms,” along with a 1953 sermon by the Reverend C.L. Franklin, the father of Aretha Franklin. Long before his daughter became a household name, her father was a recording star in his own right. Reverend Franklin was among the first ministers to record full length sermons and offer them for sale.