The Recording Academy has announced the 2008 Grammy Hall of Fame Recordings - the 70 new entries drawn from all genres, bringing the current tally in the Hall of Fame to 798.

Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy, said, “This year’s inductees span nine decades and represent a diverse array of genres from classical and show tunes to blues, jazz, and rock and roll. They exemplify the best qualities that make the recording arts such a vital part of our culture—and each not only uniquely reflects the zeitgeist of its time but also possesses the enduring power of transcending time.

The selections range from 1905’s “Give My Regards To Broadway” by Billy Murray, to Michael Jackson’s 1982 album, Thriller. Sixteen of the new entries came from the classical field, including such recordings as Arturo Toscanini’s 1953 Verdi: Otello, Otto Klemperer’s 1963 Mahler: Symphony No. 2, Arthur Fiedler’s 1935 Gade: “Jalousie,” Vladimir Horowitz’s 1932 Liszt: Sonata In B Minor and Arthur Nikisch’s 1914 Beethoven: Symphony No. 5. Other recordings also chosen this year include the Mamas & The Papas’ “Monday Monday,” The Beatles’ “Help!,” Marian Anderson’s “He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands,” Cabaret — Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, Dionne Warwick’s “Alfie,” Jackie DeShannon’s “What The World Needs Now is Love,” Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird,” and Louis Armstrong’s “St. Louis Blues.” Other artists with selections include Fred Astaire, Pink Floyd, Etta James, Billy Joel, The Police, Frank Sinatra, Sister Sledge, Barbra Streisand, and Willie Nelson.

The Grammy Hall Of Fame was created in 1973 to honor landmark recordings issued prior to the first Awards in 1968. Now The Hall of Fame is open to any recording that has been in release for at least 25 years.

The 50th Annual Grammy Awards air February 10th at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

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