Freddy Fender’s long-lasting classic “Before the Next Teardrop Falls” is one of the great musical success stories. The Library of Congress responded by adding it to the National Recording Registry—it’s that important. Released in 1975, this Hispanic-influenced, bilingual, country classic hit number one on the Hot Country Songs chart. It quickly climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing Fender’s influence on the modern music landscape. Together, his contributions stand as some of the most important acknowledgments of Latino musicians’ profound impact on American culture.
Fender died in 2006 at the age of 69. His monumental life’s work, which includes everything from jazz to hip-hop, still speaks powerfully to today’s audiences as they have for generations. Before the Next Teardrop Falls was selected as one of 25 single recordings and albums to be placed permanently in preservation at the nation’s audio history library for its cultural, artistic and historic significance. This induction increases the Registry’s total to 675 unique titles. The registry’s goal is to select the most significant recordings that document the depth and diversity of the American experience.
The Library of Congress knew just how important Fender’s music was. It’s a beautiful illustration of what makes up America’s rich and multicultural musical inheritance. This year’s selection is a testament to a rising recognition of the role Latino artists have played in our shared, wider narrative of American music. Rep. Joaquin Castro in his closing remarks on the historic mark. He continued, “Today’s announcement is further proof that the Library of Congress is realizing the contributions of Latino musicians to the overall American soundtrack.
Fender’s lasting impact is still being experienced today — not just in terms of his chart-topping hits but the important cultural discussions they continue to spark. His infectious mix of English and Spanish lyrics not only broke through barriers within music genres, but re-introduced country music into previously unexposed communities. We can take this recognition not only as a tribute to his legacy but as an acknowledgment of the ever-evolving development of musical genres in America.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, one of the most influential forces in today’s musical landscape, provided a perfect distillation of the National Recording Registry’s importance. As he put it, “I believe that the National Recording Registry is an artistic expression of a nation’s dialogue with itself.” He noted that this discussion is the scope of the entire history of recorded sound. It provides a glimpse into Fender’s major achievements during that expansive timeline.