On the RIAA’s 365 Songs of the Century

I encountered an odd note on one of the many Jimmy Buffett obituaries/tributes that poured forth from the Internet the past several days:

Buffett’s best-know song “Margaritaville” was notably chosen for something called the “RIAA Songs of the Century.”

I googled, of course.

In 2001, the RIAA, the Recording Industry Association of America, polled a group of critics to compile a list of songs to “promote better understanding of America’s musical heritage.”

It is a wild list.

From Broadway tunes to early blues to Nirvana to Public Enemy to bluegrass to Duke Ellington, it’s a thrilling grab bag of music.

I heartily recommend a glance!