The Former President’s Annual Summer Picks Pair a 46-Song Playlist Featuring Current Stars, Global Performers and Classics With a New Reading List
Former President Barack Obama has returned with one of his most anticipated annual traditions, releasing a 2026 summer playlist filled with contemporary hits, timeless R&B and music from around the world.
Obama shared the 46-song collection Thursday, July 30, across social media. The nearly three-hour playlist moves between today’s rising artists and records that have remained favorites for generations.
“This year’s playlist begins with one of Michelle’s and my favorite songs from the late, great Glen Hansard, who we were lucky enough to know,” Obama wrote.
The playlist opens with Hansard’s “Song of Good Hope,” honoring the Oscar-winning Irish musician who died July 29 at age 56 following a motorcycle crash in Dublin. Hansard was widely known for starring in the 2007 film “Once” and co-writing its Academy Award-winning song, “Falling Slowly.”
Doechii, Drake and Raye Make Obama’s List
Some of the year’s biggest names appear throughout Obama’s newest musical roundup.
Doechii and SZA made the playlist with “girl, get up.,” while Drake appears alongside Future and Molly Santana on “Ran to Atlanta.” Raye’s “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” also earned a spot.
Other recent selections include Vince Staples’ “White Flag,” BossMan Dlow’s “Motion Party,” Tyla and Zara Larsson’s “DID IT AGAIN” and Baby Rose and Leon Thomas’ “Friends Again.”
Obama also included music from Kelela, October London, Anderson .Paak, Gabriel Jacoby, Yebba and Lizz Wright.
Obama’s Playlist Celebrates R&B and Soul Classics
The former president’s summer selections continue to show his appreciation for the artists who helped define R&B, soul, gospel and hip-hop.
Luther Vandross appears with “Anyone Who Had a Heart,” alongside Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody,” Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Can’t Hide Love” and Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On.”
The playlist also includes The Temptations’ “(I Know) I’m Losing You,” Sam & Dave’s “Hold On, I’m Comin’,” Nina Simone’s “In the Dark” and Ledisi’s “You Go to My Head” featuring Paul Jackson Jr.
Fred Hammond represents gospel music with “I Feel Good,” while A Tribe Called Quest’s “Award Tour” and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley’s “Road to Zion” featuring Nas add hip-hop classics to the mix.
Obama’s international and cross-genre choices include Buena Vista Social Club, Rawayana and Manuel Turizo, Habib Koité, David Bowie, The Police, Coldplay, Neil Young, Johnny Cash and The Beatles.
Obama has released summer playlists since 2015, turning his listening habits into an annual cultural conversation and often introducing millions of followers to lesser-known performers.
“I’m always looking for new songs to listen to, so please share any recommendations in the comments,” Obama wrote.
Obama Also Shares His Summer Reading List
Music was not the only thing on Obama’s summer recommendation list. The former president also shared 11 books he plans to read or recommends for the season, blending fiction, history, technology and cultural commentary.
The list includes “Kin” by Tayari Jones, “The Things We Never Say” by Elizabeth Strout, “A World Appears” by Michael Pollan, “Whistler” by Ann Patchett and “This Land Is Your Land” by Beverly Gage.
Obama also selected “Vigil” by George Saunders, “One Sun Only” by Camille Bordas, “Seek Immediate Shelter” by Vincent Yu, “Data Empire” by Roopika Risam, “Transcription” by Ben Lerner and “Cool Machine” by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Colson Whitehead.
The reading list continues Obama’s annual tradition of highlighting established writers alongside newer voices, giving followers recommendations for both their bookshelves and summer soundtracks.
