National Recording Registry Adds Music With Ties To Texas For 2025

The National Recording Registry has added 25 culturally important songs and sounds for 2025, according to NPR.

The purpose of the collection, curated by the Library of Congress, is to preserve the United States' sonic heritage by identifying historically important recordings. And this year, Texas absolutely has a strong and important presence on the list.

The most obvious Texas connection is the addition of Freddy Fender's 1975 single "Before the Next Teardrop Falls."

Freddy Fender was born, raised, and eventually passed away in Texas. He began his career singing Tejano in clubs at the tender age of ten. He found massive crossover success in the 1970s on the pop and country charts.

He was the recipient of many accolades and honors during his long and distinguished career and continues to be an inspiration to many. If you love classic country (as many of us do) , you love Freddy Fender.

Speaking of classic country GIANTS, also added to the National Recording Registry is Charlie Pride's "Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'."'

Sadly for us, Charlie Pride wasn't born in Texas, however, he was raised here. So we claim him, and Mississippi can just get over it.

"Kiss An Angel Good Mornin" was a massive crossover hit in the 1970s. Much like Freddy Fender, Charlie Pride also accrued a massive list of accolades and honors during his long and distinguished career.

Steve Miller Band's "Fly Like An Eagle" was also added to the list as a culturally significant song. And much like Charlie Pride, Steve Miller was not born in Texas but was raised here, so yet again, we will be claiming him.

The Steve Miller Band had many hits (and about 1000 members, including the legendary Boz Scaggs), and remarkably, Steve Miller Band is still active- you can catch them on tour this year.