Trending Now - Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Weezer Among 2026 Registry Inductees
WHO:
Variety - R&B-pop artist Dawn Richard, singer-songwriter Valerie June, Nigerian guitar innovator Mdou Moctar, and electronic artist Porches will perform at the 2026 Libera Awards.
Rolling Stone - Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Weezer, The Go-Go’s, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Chaka Khan, Johnny Cash, Jamie Principle, Frankie Knuckles.
WHAT:
Variety - The Libera Awards are presented by the Foundation for Independent Music and the American Association of Independent Music.
Rolling Stone - The 2026 class of the National Recording Registry includes "Mambo No. 5" and the soundtrack for the video game Doom.
Kottke - The 2026 National Recording Registry inductees were announced, including the first recordings by Taylor Swift and Beyoncé.
Billboard - Ray Charles becomes one of the few artists with two recordings in the Registry, with “What I’d Say” being one of the inaugural selections in 2002.
WHERE:
Pitchfork - The inductees are recognized by the Library of Congress.
WHEN:
Variety - The 2026 Libera Awards will take place in New York on Monday, June 8.
Kottke - The 2026 selections mark the first recordings by Taylor Swift and Beyoncé chosen for the registry.
WHY:
Rolling Stone - The National Recording Registry aims to preserve recordings that are culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.
HOW:
Pitchfork - The Library of Congress continues its efforts to recognize significant contributions to American music through the National Recording Registry.
Pitchfork - The Library of Congress inducts recordings into the National Recording Registry as part of its efforts to recognize significant contributions to American music.
(UPDATED May 14, 2026 21:28 UTC)
The 2026 Libera Awards are set to take place in New York on Monday, June 8. The event will feature performances by R&B-pop artist Dawn Richard, singer-songwriter Valerie June, Nigerian guitar innovator Mdou Moctar, and electronic artist Porches. These awards are presented by the Foundation for Independent Music and the American Association of Independent Music.
--
(UPDATED May 14, 2026 17:34 UTC)
The Library of Congress has announced the 2026 class of the National Recording Registry, which includes the iconic "Mambo No. 5" and the soundtrack for the classic video game Doom. This initiative highlights the ongoing efforts to recognize significant contributions to American music. The National Recording Registry continues to celebrate a diverse range of influential works that have shaped the musical landscape.
--
(UPDATED May 14, 2026 15:45 UTC)
The Library of Congress has announced the 2026 National Recording Registry inductees, which include the first recordings by both Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. Among the honorees, Ray Charles stands out as one of the few artists with two recordings in the Registry, including his iconic track "What I’d Say," which was one of the inaugural selections back in 2002. This initiative aims to preserve recordings that hold cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance, ensuring that these important contributions to American music are recognized and celebrated.