Barack Obama's Summer playlist 2026 mixes new hits, classics and a heartfelt tribute

Every summer, Barack Obama gives music fans a glimpse into what's playing through his headphones, and his 2026 summer playlist is one of his most personal yet

© ABC via Getty Images
Shirley GomezSenior Writer
JULY 31, 2026 3:59 PM EDT

Every summer, Barack Obama gives music fans a glimpse into what's playing through his headphones, and his 2026 summer playlist is one of his most personal yet. Released on Thursday, July 30, the former president's annual tradition opens with an emotional tribute to Oscar-winning Irish musician Glen Hansard, who died in a motorcycle accident just one day earlier. 

Obama said he chose Hansard's "Song of Good Hope" because it holds special meaning for him and former First Lady Michelle Obama. "Here are some of the songs I've been listening to this summer," Obama wrote while sharing the playlist on social media. "It starts with a song Michelle and I love by Glen Hansard, a great musician who passed tragically this week. Our hearts go out to his family." 

Former first lady Michelle Obama and former President Barack Obama embrace during the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center© Getty Images
Obama said he chose Hansard's "Song of Good Hope" because it holds special meaning for him and former First Lady Michelle Obama.

Barack Obama's 2026 summer playlist spans generations and genres

As fans have come to expect, Obama's latest playlist blends current chart-toppers with timeless classics, creating a soundtrack that crosses decades and musical styles.

After the opening tribute, the mood quickly shifts with newer releases including Gabriel Jacoby's "The One" and Doechii and SZA's collaboration "Girl, Get Up." The playlist also features tracks from Noah Kahan, Tyla, Baby Rose, Leon Thomas, Raye, Kelela and BossMan Dlow, highlighting Obama's continued interest in emerging artists alongside established stars. 

Former US president Barack Obama plays air guitar during the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago© AFP via Getty Images
Former US president Barack Obama plays air guitar during the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago

The 46-song collection also revisits legendary performers such as:

  • Earth, Wind & Fire
  • Luther Vandross
  • Chaka Khan
  • David Bowie
  • The Beatles
  • Marvin Gaye
  • Nina Simone
  • Neil Young
  • Johnny Cash
  • The Police
  • The Temptations
  • Sam & Dave

BossMan Dlow and Sheryl Crow react to Obama's playlist

Several artists featured on the playlist quickly noticed the recognition.

Florida rapper BossMan Dlow celebrated his inclusion by referencing lyrics from his own song "Motion Party" in the comments on Obama's Instagram post. "It's A Motion Party We Gotta Let Obama Innn😂♻️♻️⛹🏾‍♂️," he wrote. 

Barack Obama's 2026 summer playlist is here with 46 songs, honoring Glen Hansard while featuring SZA, Doechii, Noah Kahan, Drake, David Bowie and more. © Getty Images
Barack Obama's 2026 summer playlist is here with 46 songs, honoring Glen Hansard while featuring SZA, Doechii, Noah Kahan, Drake, David Bowie and more.

Meanwhile, Sheryl Crow expressed surprise that Obama selected "The Book," a lesser-known track from her 1996 self-titled album. "Man, I'm super honored that someone I admire so much is listening to a deep deep cut from my second record," Crow commented. "Very cool, @barackobama!" 

The complete 46-song playlist

Obama's 2026 summer playlist includes:

  1. Song of Good Hope, Glen Hansard
  2. The One, Gabriel Jacoby
  3. Girl, Get Up., Doechii & SZA
  4. West Memphis, Yebba
  5. Doors, Noah Kahan
  6. Can't Hide Love, Earth, Wind & Fire
  7. Going Shopping, The Strokes
  8. Idea 1, Kelela
  9. Make Me Wanna, October London
  10. I Feel Good, Fred Hammond
  11. One Eyed Jack, Charley Crockett
  12. Inglés en Miami, Rawayana & Manuel Turizo
  13. White Flag, Vince Staples
  14. Rubber Band Man, Mumford & Sons featuring Hozier
  15. Motion Party, BossMan Dlow
  16. La Father (Remix), Vale Pintos, Brytiago, Casper Mágico & Héctor "El Father"
  17. Fiesta, Gvrden Boy
  18. Self Aware, Temper City
  19. She Did It Again, Tyla featuring Zara Larsson
  20. Friends Again, Baby Rose featuring Leon Thomas
  21. Anyone Who Had a Heart, Luther Vandross
  22. Ain't Nobody, Chaka Khan
  23. Emmanuele, Abel Selaocoe
  24. Message in a Bottle, The Police
  25. Modern Love, David Bowie
  26. The Book, Sheryl Crow
  27. Award Tour, A Tribe Called Quest featuring Trugoy The Dove
  28. Revolution, The Beatles
  29. Hit the Ground, Lizz Wright
  30. Charlie Brown, Coldplay
  31. Don't Worry Baby, Los Lobos
  32. Let's Get It On, Marvin Gaye
  33. I Ka Barra, Habib Koité & Bamada
  34. (I Know) I'm Losing You, The Temptations
  35. Do the Do, Howlin' Wolf
  36. Road to Zion, Damian Marley featuring Nas
  37. Where Is My Husband!, Raye
  38. In the Dark, Nina Simone
  39. Heart of Gold, Neil Young
  40. Ran to Atlanta, Drake featuring Future & Molly Santana
  41. Folsom Prison Blues, Johnny Cash
  42. Hold On, I'm Comin', Sam & Dave
  43. Candela, Buena Vista Social Club
  44. Yada Yada, Anderson .Paak
  45. You Go to My Head, Ledisi featuring Paul Jackson Jr.
  46. Strode Rode, Sonny Rollins

Obama's summer playlists remain a fan favorite

Obama has been sharing curated summer playlists for more than a decade, and they have become an anticipated annual tradition for music lovers. The playlists often introduce listeners to rising artists while reminding fans of classic songs that have stood the test of time. 

The playlists often introduce listeners to rising artists while reminding fans of classic songs that have stood the test of time. © WireImage
The playlists often introduce listeners to rising artists while reminding fans of classic songs that have stood the test of time.

Before signing off, Obama also encouraged fans to keep the recommendations coming. "I'm always looking for new songs to listen to," he wrote. "So please share any recommendations in the comments."

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