WWOZ Archives Go To Library of Congress

My Arkansas correspondent, Uncle Groover, sent me this link to an NPR story he heard the other day about 'OZ's vast live music archives, which barely survived Katrina, being sent to the Library of Congress for safe-keeping - as the recordings are truly a national treasure. Here's a quote:

It could take more than 10 years to catalog and digitize WWOZ's vast collection. But Gene Deana, head of the recorded-sound section at the Library of Congress, says he's thrilled to get it.

"The collection is remarkable. It is full of treasures. It's absolutely an all-star lineup of New Orleans jazz and blues performers. Right now, we are looking at about 3,000 hours, and I understand that there is more to come."

Jazz and blues performers, Mr. Deana? If you think you're just getting jazz and blues, you're in for a b-i-g surprise. Suffice it to say, the place will never be the same. Kudos to David Freedman and WWOZ for performing an ultimately revolutionary act, completely and utterly funkifying the LOC! And, of course, preserving the music for generations to come. Hat's off to ya.