Inside the National Recording Registry

Sly and the Family Stone want you to stand up

In 1969, Sly and the Family Stone provided a funky soundtrack to the fight for freedom and equality. It’s just as relevant now as it was then.

Sly and the Family Stone want you to stand up

Celia & Johnny: They invented salsa

Celia & Johnny: They invented salsa

Talking Heads’ ‘Remain in Light’

Talking Heads’ ‘Remain in Light’

Don McLean’s ‘American Pie’

Don McLean’s ‘American Pie’

Mel Brooks and ‘The 2000 Year Old Man’

Mel Brooks and ‘The 2000 Year Old Man’

Richard Pryor’s ‘Wanted: Live in Concert’

How therapy revealed some of Richard Pryor’s best material.

Richard Pryor’s ‘Wanted: Live in Concert’

‘Sorry, Wrong Number’

The groundbreaking radio drama about crossed signals, and a phone call you weren’t supposed to hear.

‘Sorry, Wrong Number’

‘I Will Survive’ at 40

When Gloria Gaynor recorded the B-side to her 1978 single, she knew it was a hidden hit.

‘I Will Survive’ at 40

Wilson Pickett’s ‘In the Midnight Hour’

How the 1965 R&B classic made Wilson Pickett a star.

Wilson Pickett’s ‘In the Midnight Hour’

What made Wes Montgomery a legend

How the jazz great ditched guitar picks and created a masterpiece.

What made Wes Montgomery a legend

George Carlin's "Class Clown"

A look back at George Carlin's 1972 landmark album with Marc Maron and Carlin's manager, Jerry Hamza.

George Carlin's "Class Clown"

Sly and the Family Stone Want You to Stand Up

In 1969, Sly and The Family Stone provided a funky soundtrack to the fight for freedom and equality. It’s just as relevant now as it was then.

Sly and the Family Stone Want You to Stand Up

Clifton Chenier’s “Bogalusa Boogie”

The story behind Zydeco performer Clifton Chenier.  

Clifton Chenier’s “Bogalusa Boogie”

Making Fun of the Kennedys

The First Family broke new ground for comedy by openly mocking the Kennedys — even though it was recorded during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Making Fun of the Kennedys

"I Will Survive:" The Best Song to Grace a B-Side

 When Gloria Gaynor recorded the B-side to her 1978 single, she knew it was a hidden hit. 

"I Will Survive:" The Best Song to Grace a B-Side