Taylor Swift and Beyoncé have reached new career milestones with two of their most iconic recordings.
The performers have been chosen to have their recorded works included among other artists selected for preservation in the Library of Congress. Subsequently, the women, along with 23 others, were chosen for the accolade due to their work’s standing as “audio treasures.”
What Recordings were Taylor Swift and Beyoncé Honored For?
According to the Library of Congress, Taylor Swift’s pop album “1989” and Beyoncé’s song “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)” were honored. Acting Librarian of Congress Robert R. Newlen named 25 recordings, including Swift and Beyoncé, as “audio treasures worthy of preservation for all time based on their cultural, historical, or aesthetic importance in the nation’s recorded sound heritage.”
“Music and recorded sound are essential, wonderful parts of our daily lives and our national heritage. The National Recording Registry works to preserve our national playlist for generations to come,” Newlen said. Thus, “The Library of Congress is proud to select these audio treasures. And will work to preserve them with our partners in the recording industry.”
Robbin Ahrold, chair of the National Recording Preservation Board, added, “The sweep and diversity of the National Recording Registry class of 2026 beautifully captures the scope of the American experience as we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary. From icons of R&B to a holiday favorite en Español, from a legendary sports broadcast to this generation’s superstars, it is a thrilling reflection of America at its best.”
What Other Artists Took Honors Alongside Taylor Swift and Beyoncé?
Along with Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, other legendary music performers of the past 70 years are recognized for their contributions to the music industry.
A Library of Congress press release cites The Go-Go’s debut album “Beauty and the Beat,” Vince Gill’s signature “Go Rest High On That Mountain,” and Weezer’s self-titled debut “Weezer (The Blue Album).”Additionally recognized were Chaka Khan’s crossover hit “I Feel for You” and Broadway’s original cast album of “Chicago.”
The 2026 class spans 70 years of music.
Other inductees include The Byrds’ single “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There is a Season),” and Reba McEntire’s country album “Rumor Has It.” Also added are Rosanne Cash’s LP “The Wheel,” Gladys Knight and the Pips’ “Midnight Train to Georgia,” and Ray Charles’ “Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music.”
Additionally, José Feliciano’s beloved Christmas classic “Feliz Navidad was also nominated. Paul Anka’s “Put Your Head on My Shoulder,” Kaye Ballard’s “In Other Words (Fly Me to the Moon),” Pérez Prado’s “Mambo No. 5,” and the earliest recording, “Cocktails for Two” by Spike Jones and His City Slickers from 1944 were also named.
With the addition of these new titles, the registry now numbers 700. However, this is a small representation of the national library’s vast recorded sound collection of nearly 4 million items.
