Lin-Manuel Miranda, Vicente Fernández, and Freddy Fender Just Got Added to the National Recording Registry–It’s What They Deserve
The National Recording Registry inducted Lin-Manuel Miranda, Vicente Fernandez, and Freddy Fender. They join more than two dozen other Latine artists officially in the Library of Congress. The National Recording Preservation Act of 2000 officially established the National Recording Registry. For 25 years, the National Recording Registry has captured and preserved audio recordings that “are culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant, and inform, or reflect life in the United States.”
The National Recording Registry has new Latine inductees
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Vicente Fernandez, and Freddy Fender are joining the list of other significant Latine musicians. The honor acknowledges the cultural impact their music and sound have made in the United States. In total, 25 new recordings and albums are part of the new inductees preserved in the Library of Congress.
“Hamilton” by the original Broadway cast is being honored in the National Recording Registry. The musical premiered 10 years ago and became a phenomenal success. “Hamilton” won a record-breaking 11 Tony Awards during the 2016 ceremony, including Best Musical. Touring productions carried “Hamilton” across the globe and Disney+ streamed the play during the early days of the 2020 Covid lockdowns.
“I think the National Recording Registry is an artistic version of a nation’s conversation with itself,” Miranda said in a statement, according to NBC News. “I feel incredibly honored that ‘Hamilton’ is a point in that timeline.”
There were 2,600 nominations for this year’s induction
It quickly became the most popular cover of the iconic song when it was released in 1973.Very few Latine people in the U.S. have made it through life without hearing the song. The ranchera is the background of so many of our lives. Seeing it added to the registry is an incredible nod to Latine culture in the U.S.
Freddy Fender’s “Before the Next Teardrop Falls” rounds out the list for the newest National Recording Registry inductees. The song became an instant classic after being released in 1975. “Before the Teardrop Falls” reached the No. 1 spot of the Hot Country Songs and Billboard Hot 100 charts. The success was the first real example of Mexican American artists in Texas reaching broad audiences.
“Today’s announcement represents the Library of Congress’ growing recognition that music by Latino musicians has shaped the soundtrack of American life,” said Congressman Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20) in a statement. He continued: “I am proud to see that these three iconic recordings from iconic artists are rightfully taking their place as legends in American music history.”
To date, 675 recordings have made the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress. Twenty-nine of them are from Latine artists and that represents 5 percent of all inductees. The Library of Congress continues to immortalized our music. The latest inductees are the proof. Other notable Latine inductees include Juan Gabriel’s “Amor Eterno” and Selena’s album “Ven Conmigo.” Latine culture has long made significant impacts on American history. Latine culture and history are American history.
