The congressman is asking for suggestions of Texas songs and albums that deserve to be preserved.
SAN ANTONIO — For the last four years, San Antonio Rep. Joaquin Castro has invited the public’s participation in his efforts to boost Latino voices in the National Film Registry, an effort that’s helped get “Spy Kids,” “American Me,” “Selena” and other movies inducted.
Now the Democratic congressman is turning his attention to Texas music.
On Tuesday, for the first time, Castro put the public call out on social media for suggestions of Lone Star State artists who should be featured in the National Recording Registry. Like the film registry, it chooses 25 songs or albums each year that underscore American cultural heritage for preservation.
“From George Strait’s soul-stirring country to Beto Villa’s orquesta Tejana, Texas artists represent a blend of various cultures, styles, and languages,” Castro is quoted as saying in a release. “This year, I want to honor their legacy by nominating Texas artists who have shaped the music industry in Texas and beyond.”
Some notable Texans are already in the registry, including the Queen of Tejano herself—Selena’s 1990 album “Ven Conmigo,” recorded in San Antonio, was inducted into the National Recording Registry in 2019.
Also immortalized in the registry are Flaco Jimenez’s 1992 album “Partners,” Lydia Mendoza’s energetic 1934 song “Mal Hombre,” Mance Lipscomb’s 1960 blues collection “Texas Sharecropper and Songster” and Bob Wills’ 1940 single “New San Antonio Rose.” Willie Nelson, The Chicks and Kenny Rogers are also represented.
Castro is looking for more. According to his office, Texas musicians make up less than 4% of the registry.
The only stipulation is that songs and albums must be at least a decade old, and considered culturally significant. The congressman’s social media announcement teases he’s already thinking about getting Kelly Clarkson and Beyonce into the registry to boost the catalogue’s star power even further.
Have a suggestion of your own? The deadline to submit is midnight on Sept. 21.