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Inside the National Recording Registry

A look at the Library of Congress’ most significant recordings. Produced in partnership with BMP Audio.

The album that became a Civil Rights anthem. The recording that became a comedy bible. The radio drama that broke all the rules. Every year the Library of Congress chooses a few recordings to preserve in the National Recording Registry. Studio 360's Peabody Award winning series takes you behind the music.
Produced in partnership with BMP Audio, with support from the Library of Congress.

Arts, Culture & Media

Sly and the Family Stone Want You to Stand Up

Studio 360

January 05, 2017

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.

Arts, Culture & Media

Clifton Chenier’s “Bogalusa Boogie”

Studio 360

December 15, 2016

The story behind Zydeco performer Clifton Chenier.  

Arts, Culture & Media

Making Fun of the Kennedys

Studio 360

November 17, 2016

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

Arts, Culture & Media

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

Studio 360

November 03, 2016

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

Arts, Culture & Media

“Mary, Don’t You Weep”: the Life of a Song

Studio 360

April 07, 2016

In the 1950s, the Swan Silvertones turned the old spiritual “Mary, Don’t You Weep” into a recording that has inspired everyone from Paul Simon to Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.

Arts, Culture & Media

“The Boys of the Lough”

Studio 360

January 07, 2016

In the 1920s, you had to know an Irish person to hear Irish music. Michael Coleman’s “The Boys of the Lough” came along, and we’re still hearing the reverberations.

Arts, Culture & Media

"Sorry, Wrong Number"

Studio 360

November 26, 2015

“Sorry, Wrong Number” broke all the rules of radio drama by killing off its main character — a harmless, if unpleasant, bedridden woman.

Arts, Culture & Media

Sly and the Family Stone Want You to Stand Up

Studio 360

November 19, 2015

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.

Arts, Culture & Media

Linda Ronstadt: “Heart Like a Wheel”

Studio 360

December 18, 2014

Linda Ronstadt’s “Heart Like a Wheel” made her a household name. Now it’s in the National Recording Registry.

Arts, Culture & Media

Celia & Johnny: They Invented Salsa

Studio 360

December 04, 2014

As Latin music was fading from popular culture, a blend of Caribbean rhythms going by the name salsa got a new generation dancing.

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