Inducted Alongside Recordings from Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Paul Anka, Broadway’s “Chicago,” The Byrds, Rosanne Cash, Ray Charles, Chaka Khan, José Feliciano and Others

NASHVILLE –MAY 14, 2026—Acting Librarian of Congress Robert R. Newlen today named 25 recordings as audio treasures worthy of preservation for all time based on their cultural, historical or aesthetic importance in the nation’s recorded sound heritage. Vince Gill’s “Go Rest High On That Mountain” has been selected for inclusion.

Robbin Ahrold, the chair of the National Recording Preservation Board, said in a statement “The sweep and diversity of the National Recording Registry class of 2026 beautifully captures the scope of the American experience as we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary,” adding that this year’s picks are “a thrilling reflection of America at its best.”

During a recent interview at the Library of Congress, Gill reflected on the selection of his iconic song and said, “It’s a song people gravitate to when they are going through their hardest times. That’s when the song matters more and the connection with the audience is deeper.” 

“I’ve been writing songs for over 50 years, and if you asked me what’s the one song you’d want to be remembered for, I would pick this one, hands down. Wouldn’t even be close,” Gill said. “In my era of success, it was probably the least charting record I’ve had, but what this song has gone on to do for other people is what makes it special to me.  It was written while I was grieving the loss of my big brother, and the truth is, I had never planned on recording it. But a fellow I worked with, Tony Brown, heard the song and said ‘you have to record it. The world should hear this song.’”

This year’s class of inductees span 70 years of music and recorded sound, including: Taylor Swift’s album 1989, Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It),” The Byrds’ single “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There is a Season),” Chaka Khan’s hit “I Feel for You,” Gladys Knight and the Pips’ “Midnight Train to Georgia,” Ray Charles’ Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, José Feliciano’s Christmas classic “Feliz Navidad,” and Broadway’s original cast album of “Chicago.” All are among the 25 selected as some of the defining sounds of history and culture that will join the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress in 2026.

L-R Acting Librarian of Congress Robert Newlen and Vince Gill

Photo credit: Shawn Miller/Library of Congress

About Vince Gill One of the most popular artists in modern country music, Vince Gill is famous for his top-notch songwriting, world-class guitar playing, and warm, soaring tenor, all wrapped up in a quick and easy wit. Gill achieved his big breakthrough in 1990 with “When I Call Your Name,” which won both the Country Music Association’s (CMA) Single and Song of the Year awards as well as a Grammy Award® for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male. In total, Gill has won 18 CMA Awards, 22 Grammy Awards®, 8 Academy of Country Music Awards, and in 2025, he was presented with the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1991, Gill was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and in 2007, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. In 2012, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.A gifted songwriter, Gill’s compositions earned him entry into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005 and the prestigious BMI Icon award in 2014. Throughout his career, he has released 21 albums, sold over 30 million albums, and charted 45 singles. In 2022, Gill was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame. Always considering himself a musician above all else, Gill has been a part of some iconic bands, including Pure Prairie League, The Notorious Cherry Bombs, and The Time Jumpers. In 2017, Gill was asked to join the Eagles on the road, and he continues to be a part of that historic band’s tour. 2025 marked the 50th anniversary of Gill leaving home to pursue a music career. To honor that milestone, he signed a lifetime contract with his record label, MCA, and is releasing an EP series of brand-new music every month for a year, titled 50 Years From Home.

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