Today In Rock: April 13th, 2022: Queen Is In The Library
On this day… The Library of Congress announced that Queen’s 1975 single “Bohemian Rhapsody” will be added to the National Recording Registry.
“’Bohemian Rhapsody’ breaks nearly every rule in the playbook for Rock songs: it starts with a gentle a cappella intro; it has a complex structure without a chorus; and it clocks in at nearly six minutes.” wrote the Library in a statement. “Nonetheless, songwriter and vocalist Freddie Mercury, while acknowledging the risk, was convinced that the public would receive it enthusiastically.”
“Guitarist Brian May remembers the band being largely supportive of Mercury’s composition, finding it “intriguing and original, and worthy of work.”
“Bassist John Deacon does remember an attempt to edit the song, but, in the end, he and the band felt nothing should be lost. Ultimately, “Rhapsody” was released in its full length, and audiences embraced it.”
The Library also included Journey’s ’81 single “Don’t Stop Believin’.”The song, written by vocalist Steve Perry with bandmates Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain, has now taken its place, not only as Journey’s greatest legacy, but also as the personal empowerment anthem of millions of people of various generations,” noted the Library.
“The National Recording Registry reflects the diverse music and voices that have shaped our nation’s history and culture through recorded sound.”
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