In an exercise sure to start arguments among music lovers, National Public Radio has created its list of the 100 most important American musical works of the century.
The list started with 300 songs suggested by a group of producers, artists and experts familiar to NPR. In mid-October, NPR allowed the public to vote on the selection. More than 13,000 listeners cast their votes online and through the mail.
A panel of 15 musicians considered the same 300 songs. Classical conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, singer-songwriter Aimee Mann and jazz saxophonist Jane Ira Bloom were among the panelists. Their votes and those of listeners were combined in the final list.
The works, listed alphabetically, don't necessarily represent a performer's best effort. They are pieces that signaled a breakthrough, revealed a new voice or captured the mood of an era.
"Obviously, any list is going to lead to some debate, and that's certainly important and fun," said Michael Abrahams, an NPR spokesman.
NPR will air a feature on one piece each Monday for a year on "All Things Considered." Other works will be featured on NPR programs such as "Weekend Edition Sunday" and "Performance Today."
National Public Radio's 100 most important American musical works of the 20th century:
* "Adagio for Strings": by Samuel Barber (1938).
* "Ain't That a Shame": by Antoine "Fats" Domino and Dave Bartholomew, as performed by Fats Domino (1955).
* "Alexander's Ragtime Band": by Irving Berlin (1911).
* "All or Nothing at All": by Jack Lawrence and Arthur Altman, as performed by Frank Sinatra with Harry James and His Orchestra (1939).
* "Appalachian Spring": Aaron Copland (1944).
* "As Time Goes By": by Herman Hupfeld (1931).
* "Back in the Saddle Again": by Ray Whitley and Gene Autry, as performed by Gene Autry (1939).
* "Blowin' in the Wind": by Bob Dylan, as performed by Bob Dylan (1962).
* "Blue Moon of Kentucky": by Bill Monroe (1946), as performed by Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys (1954).
* "Blue Suede Shoes": Carl Perkins, as performed by Carl Perkins (1955).
* "Body and Soul": words by Edward Heyman, Robert Sour and Frank Eyton, music by Johnny Green (1930), as performed by Coleman Hawkins and His Orchestra (1939).
* "Born to Run": LP, Bruce Springsteen (1975).
* "A Chorus Line": musical, words by Edward Kleban, music by Marvin Hamlisch (1975).
