The National Recording Registry is a list of sound recordings that "are culturally, historically, or aesthetically important, and/or inform or reflect life in the United States." The registry was established by the National Recording Preservation Act of 2000, which created the National Recording Preservation Board, whose members are appointed by the Librarian of Congress.

Fifty recordings were added to the registry in the first four years (2002-2005). The 2006 registry was 25 recordings.

In late 2006, National Public Radio broadcast a five-part series of programs spotlighting selections from the 2005 Registry.