Chicago Sounds Added to Library of Congress

By Scott Smith in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 12, 2006 3:07PM

Three recordings by artists with strong Chicago ties were added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry this year: Nat "King" Cole for his recording of "Straighten Up and Fly Right"), Mahalia Jackson’s "Move On Up a Little Higher" and an interview with James Baldwin conducted by Studs Terkel in 1962. Sadly, neither “Veronica Hates Me” or “Cindy’s On Methadone” by Screeching Weasel were included this year.

Born in Chicago, Cole achieved his first national hit with his version of “Straighten Up,” which was based on a sermon given by his father at the True Light Baptist Church here in Chicago (though NKC was at this time living in Los Angeles). Jackson, one of the leading figures in gospel music, moved here in 1927 from her birthplace in New Orleans. “Higher” would go on to be the best-selling gospel record of the time. Terkel’s interview with African-American writer Baldwin was originally broadcast on “The Studs Terkel Program” on WFMT Radio.

Other recordings added this year include Fats Domino’s “Blueberry Hill”, “Crazy Blues” by Mamie Smith, Harry Smith’s entire Anthology of American Folk Music, “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On” by Jerry Lee Lewis and Sonic Youth’s Daydream Nation album.

Next year, we're totally nominating Dirty Mind.