March 27, 2005 Library of Congress to Announce Third Annual National Recording Registry on April 5

Michael Feinstein to Perform on the Gershwin Piano

Press Contact: Sheryl Cannady (202) 707-6456

WHAT: The Library of Congress will announce the selection of the 50 historic sound recordings to be added to the third annual National Recording Registry during a news conference. A press package, including a CD-ROM of selected audio clips and complementary images, will be available at the briefing.

Michael Feinstein will perform a musical selection represented on the Registry on George Gershwin’s piano, now at the Library of Congress and on view in the George and Ira Gershwin Room, a permanent exhibition for materials from the Library’s extensive Gershwin Collection.

The Library also will announce the discovery and preservation of a previously unknown jazz recording of major significance.

Representatives associated with recordings selected to the Registry, as well as members of the National Recording Preservation Board, will be available for interviews at the conclusion of the news conference.

WHEN: 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 5

WHERE: Whittall Pavilion, ground floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street S.E., Washington, D.C.

WHO: Chuck D, rap superstar and founder of Public Enemy

Michael Feinstein, one of the premiere interpreters of American popular song, and member of the National Recording Preservation Board

Gregory Lukow, chief, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division

BACKGROUND

The National Recording Registry was established by the National Recording Preservation Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-474) “to maintain and preserve sound recordings and collections of sound recordings that are culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” The purpose of the registry is to draw attention to the need to preserve and restore America’s recorded sound heritage. This heritage is threatened by the deterioration of most of the recording media invented in the last 100 years, including modern audiotape.

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PR 05-074
2005-03-28
ISSN 0731-3527