For the past couple years, the National Recording Preservation Board has been deeming 50 recordings per year as culturally significant. This year’s list is out.
Here’s the ones I know:
- First official transatlantic telephone conversation. (Jan. 7, 1927)
- Joe Louis-Max Schmeling fight, Clem McCarthy, announcer. (June 22,1938)
- “Blueberry Hill.” Fats Domino. (1956)
- “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.” Jerry Lee Lewis. (1957)
- Time Out. The Dave Brubeck Quartet. (1959)
- Are You Experienced? Jimi Hendrix Experience. (1967)
- Switched-On Bach. Wendy Carlos. (1968)
- “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.” Gil Scott-Heron. (1970)
- Songs in the Key of Life. Stevie Wonder. (1976)
- Daydream Nation. Sonic Youth. (1988)