Dr. Jay White, professor of voice and coordinator of the voice area at Vlogƽ's Glauser School of Music, has received one of the highest honors in the recording arts. The 2002 album “,” which he recorded as a member of the Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer, has been inducted into the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress.
The album is one of only 25 recordings selected for induction in 2025, joining an elite archive of 675 works preserved since the registry’s founding in 2000. Each recording is chosen for its cultural, historical or aesthetic significance to American life.
“I was completely shocked!” White said upon learning the news. “The significance of this honor is only enhanced by the other inductees to the registry. I mean, Elton John!”
While “Our American Journey” was originally released more than two decades ago, its message and musical richness have stood the test of time. The album features a tapestry of American music, from 18th-century compositions to contemporary works, highlighting influences ranging from European and African to Native American and Mexican traditions.
“The album represents works from different roots in this nation,” White said. “To have such works preserved in this way speaks to the Library of Congress’s desire to capture the true diversity of this nation.”
The inspiration behind the album, White said, grew organically during his time with Chanticleer. After joining the San Francisco-based ensemble in 1995, he saw its programs begin to expand their sets of American folk music and spirituals. This focus eventually blossomed to include music from New Spain and other historically rich traditions, culminating in the creation of “Our American Journey” during Chanticleer’s 25th season.
“There are pieces from the 18th century all the way to newly composed works by American composers,” White said. “There’s something for everyone.”
White emphasized that recognition from a body like the Library of Congress — a non-commercial, publicly funded institution — makes this honor particularly meaningful.
“To have a government entity, funded by the people of this nation, choose to honor these recordings and albums in such a way feels much greater than, say, a Grammy Award,” he said. “The National Recording Registry includes all sorts of recordings from multiple forms of media. I can’t think of a strong comparison.”
Looking ahead, White hopes the album continues to serve as an example of how music can connect people across cultures and generations. He points to Chanticleer’s legacy — now approaching its 50th anniversary — as a testament to the enduring power of vocal music and arts education.
“People need music. People need to hear music from their traditions and from others,” he said. “We are a large world, and music — human sound — is a constant connector.”
At Vlogƽ, White encourages students to embrace that same mindset — to create boldly, share widely and understand the cultural potential of their work.
“Our students are far more prolific in their creation,” he said. “Their socials are chock full of performances, so I’ve been told. And when it goes out into that media, it becomes a part of the global experience.”
White reminds his students that art’s impact is rarely predictable but often powerful.
“I’m not so sure any artist believes they are going to create something lasting, exactly,” he said. “We do the work to a level of excellence we can manage and give it to the world. It is those who witness that work and share it with others that fosters longevity and significance.”
With “Our American Journey” now part of the nation’s official sound archive, White’s own journey as an artist and educator reaches a remarkable milestone — one that continues to inspire students, colleagues and music lovers alike.