25 years ago on this exact day, a timeless 1939 ballad performed by Judy Garland was named the Song of the Century. The iconic track, “Over the Rainbow,” from the beloved film “The Wizard of Oz,” claimed the top spot on the Recording Industry of America Association (RIAA) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) list of the top 365 songs of the 20th century back in 2001.
Judy Garland, at just 16 years old, first recorded “Over the Rainbow” in 1938 for the groundbreaking film “The Wizard of Oz.” With music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by E.Y. Harburg, the song became a cultural phenomenon, winning the Oscar for Best Original Song at the 12th Academy Awards in 1940 and later named the greatest movie song of all time by the American Film Institute.
Garland’s rendition of “Over the Rainbow” with Decca Records in 1939 was recognized for its cultural significance when it was inducted into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress in 2017. The track became synonymous with Garland’s career, with the singer expressing her enduring love for the song during a press conference in 1967.
Two years after her poignant remarks, Garland tragically passed away in June 1969 at the age of 47. In honor of her musical legacy, the RIAA and NEA once again declared “Over the Rainbow” as the No. 1 song of the 20th century in March 2001.
Among the top 10 songs named by the RIAA and NEA for the 20th century, the list features a diverse range of artists and genres, from Bing Crosby and Aretha Franklin to Woody Guthrie and the Andrews Sisters. The full list, encompassing 365 songs, showcases the depth and breadth of musical talent that defined the 20th century.
For more on the RIAA and NEA’s Top Songs of the 20th Century, including the full list of notable tracks and artists, visit their website. Judy Garland’s unparalleled impact on the music industry continues to resonate with audiences around the world, cementing her status as a timeless musical legend.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.