The National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress has opted to enshrine two more Latin tracks: the ranchera classic “El Rey” by Vicente Fernández, alongside the bilingual country smash “Before the Next Teardrop Falls” by Freddy Fender.
Both songs become part of a select collection of recordings honored this year for their “cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance” to American culture.
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“El Rey” (translated as “The King”), from the 1973 album El Ídolo de Mexico, is among the most iconic songs in regional Mexican music. Composed by José Alfredo Jiménez in 1971, the track reached new heights of popularity when Fernández recorded his iconic version two years later.
With themes of resilience and pride, “El Rey” has come to symbolize Chente’s lasting influence, even spawning a 2022 Netflix series of the same name celebrating his life and work. The mariachi legend — who passed away in 2021 — continues to be one of Mexico’s most revered musical icons, and his induction into the Registry enhances his enduring presence in music history.
On the other hand, Fender’s “Before the Next Teardrop Falls” serves as a testament to the artist’s talent for uniting cultures and musical styles. The 1975 single — featuring lyrics in both English and Spanish — pushed boundaries within the music scene by becoming a crossover success, reaching the top position on both the Hot Country Songs chart and the Billboard Hot 100.
Fender’s heartfelt rendition transformed the song into a timeless classic, highlighting the influence of Latin artists in country music — a genre that historically had limited representation from Hispanic musicians.
The list also encompasses non-Latin artists including Amy Winehouse’s “Back to Black,” Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On”, Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Mary J. Blige’s My Life, and the cast album for the Broadway sensation Hamilton: An American Musical. You can find the full 2025 National Recording Registry inductees here.
To see the entire list of Latin recordings in the Registry, click here.
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
