Mamma mia, the Tremendous Mario Bros. theme has been rightfully acknowledged as a key contribution to U.S. historical past. It’s one of many 25 songs that might be added to the National Recording Registry this yr, Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden announced on Wednesday, and the primary online game tune to ever be added.
The Tremendous Mario Bros. theme, formally titled “Floor Theme,” was composed by Koji Kondo, the storied Japanese composer behind lots of Nintendo’s hits. The theme, launched in 1985, has change into ubiquitous — it’s appeared in quite a few subsequent Mario video games, was a theme within the current Tremendous Mario Bros. Film, and has been remixed numerous occasions throughout YouTube, TikTok, and elsewhere. 61-year-old Kondo, who nonetheless works at Nintendo, has made so many contributions to online game music historical past, together with themes for The Legend of Zelda and preparations in Tremendous Smash Bros. video games.
“Having this music preserved alongside so many different traditional songs is such a fantastic honor,” Kondo informed the Library of Congress by way of an interpreter. “It’s really a bit of bit tough to consider.”
This looks like a second of recognition in a yr when Mario has taken the U.S. by storm. Sure, Mario-helmed Nintendo video games have been beloved for years, however up to now six months, Mario has appeared in additional locations than ever. The Tremendous Mario Bros. Film broke field workplace data in its opening weekend, Tremendous Nintendo World opened at Common Studios Hollywood, and the Nintendo Change turned the third-best-selling console of all time, with over 122 million gross sales.
Different additions to the Nationwide Recording Registry this yr embody Mariah Carey’s stone-cold Christmas traditional “All I Need for Christmas is You,” Daddy Yankee’s absolute banger “Gasolina,” and Madonna’s “Like a Virgin.” It’s a yr for icons and classics, and the Mario theme has greater than earned its place in music historical past.