Castro Nominates 25 Latino Recordings for Preservation in the Library of Congress

October 15, 2026 Castro Nominates 25 Latino Recordings for Preservation in the Library of Congress SAN ANTONIO, TX— To close out Hispanic Heritage Month, today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released his annual list of Latino songs, albums, and broadcasts nominated for preservation in the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress, established in 2000 to preserve recordings with cultural, historic, or aesthetic significance to American life. The Library of Congress adds 25 recordings each year and now holds 700 titles. Yet Latino artists account for fewer than 5 percent of the registry, despite Latinos making up nearly 20 percent of the U.S. population. This year’s list was shaped by suggestions from the public and adds new nominations from Maná, Julio Iglesias, Los Lobos, Jon Secada, Mazz, and The Royal Jesters. It also renews Rep. Castro’s nomination of the first full-time Spanish-language radio broadcast in the United States, which aired on KCOR in San Antonio in 1946. Congressman Castro is also submitting a separate list of nominations honoring Texas artists. "It is essential to continue to appropriately include and celebrate the contributions of Latino artists who are part of the American story," Congressman Castro wrote in his nomination letter. "The National Recording Registry’s existence speaks to the importance of preserving music and audio in American culture and society. Latino music’s influence sparks innovation and sways trends across the music industry." Since Congressman Castro began submitting nominations in 2022, the Library of Congress has inducted 10 titles from his lists. These include Juan Gabriel’s “Amor Eterno,” Héctor Lavoe’s “El Cantante,” Irene Cara’s “Flashdance…What A Feeling,” Daddy Yankee’s “Gasolina,” Vicente Fernández’s “El Rey,” Freddy Fender’s “Before the Next Teardrop Falls,” Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton,” and most recently Pérez Prado’s “Mambo No. 5” and José Feliciano’s “Feliz Navidad,” both selected in 2026. See the full letter here . Congressman Castro’s Full List of Nominations to the National Recording Registry: First Full Time Spanish-Language Radio Station Broadcast in the United States based in San Antonio, TX (formerly KCOR-TV and later known as KWEX-TV) (1946) (Broadcast) Diamonds and Rust – Joan Baez (1975) (Album) Suavemente – Elvis Crespo (1999) (Song) Caminos Chuecos – Sunny and The Sunglows (1963) (Song) Cien Años – Pedro Infante (1953) (Song) Don Luis El Tejano – Latin Breed (1991) (Song) La Chona – Los Tucanes De Tijuana (1995) (Song) Tu Pum Pum – El General (1989) (Song) Chilanga Banda – Café Tacvba (1996) (Song) Hips Don’t Lie – Shakira (2005) (Song) Regalo del Alma – Celia Cruz (2003) (Album) Introducing Johnny Rodriguez – Johnny Rodriguez (1971) (Album) Blue Bayou – Linda Ronstadt (1977) (Song) Romance – Luis Miguel (1991) (Album) Simplemente Amigos – Ana Gabriel (1988) (Song) Conga – Gloria Estefan, Miami Sound Machine (1992) (Song) The Last – Aventura (2009) (Album) Cypress Hill – Cypress Hill (1991) (Album) Desvelado – Bobby Pulido (1995) (Album) ¿Dónde Jugarán los Niños? – Maná (1992) (Album) 1100 Bel Air Place – Julio Iglesias (1984) (Album) Will the Wolf Survive? – Los Lobos (1984) (Song) Just Another Day – Jon Secada (1992) (Song) No Te Olvidaré – Mazz (1989) (Album) My Angel of Love – The Royal Jesters (1959) (Song) ### Print Email Tweet