The Library of Congress added Don McLean’s monumental 1971 hit “American Pie” to their National Recording Registry of 2016.
“American Pie” joins Judy Garland’s “Over The Rainbow,” N.W.A.’s seminal album, Straight Outta Compton and the Eagles’ 1976 Their Greatest Hits as aural treasures worthy of preservation as part of America’s patrimony.
"I have been proud to be an American artist who has represented his country around the world for almost 50 years,” states McLean. “I hope I did a good job because I was always aware of the country I came from. America has a vast musical heritage which is diverse and profound. With few exceptions American music is the whole of popular music. We have done it all. Written the greatest songs and produced the greatest artists. I am so proud to be a part of this creative effort."
Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden today named these recordings and 20 other titles to the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress because of their cultural, artistic and historical importance to American society and the nation’s audio heritage.
“This year’s exciting list gives us a full range of sound experiences,” said Hayden. “These sounds of the past enrich our understanding of the nation’s cultural history and our history in general.”
Under the terms of the National Recording Preservation Act of 2000, the Librarian, with advice from the Library’s National Recording Preservation Board (NRPB), is tasked with annually selecting 25 titles that are “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” and are at least 10 years old. More information on the National Recording Registry can be found at www.loc.gov/programs/national-recording-preservation-board/about-this-program/.
