The original 1959 Broadway cast recording of the musical Gypsy, featuring a score by Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim and starring Ethel Merman, has been added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry.
In addition, 24 other recordings were added, including the Metropolitan Opera’s 1953 recording of Tristan und Isolde starring Kristen Flagstad and Lauritz Melchior; Little RIchard’s Tutti Frutti (1955); Bill Cosby’s I Started Out As a Child (1964); Eddie Palmieri’s Azucar Par Ti (1965); The Band’s self-titled 1969 album; Loretta Lynn’s Coal Miner’s Daughter (1970); Willie Nelson’s Red Headed Stranger (1975); Patti Smith’s Horses (1975); R.E.M.’s Radio Free Europe (1981); and Tupac Shakur’s Dear Mama (1995).
Recordings must be at least year 10 years old to qualify. There are currently 300 recordings that are part of the Registry.
