Former President Barack Obama is back with one of the internet’s favorite annual traditions: his summer playlist.
On Thursday, Obama shared his latest musical roundup across social media, once again offering an eclectic mix that spans generations, genres and continents. But for Black music lovers, the 2026 edition is packed with standout selections, blending timeless soul and R&B classics with today’s biggest stars and emerging voices.
“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, opening the list with Hansard’s “Song of Good Hope” following the Oscar-winning Irish musician’s death earlier this week at age 56.
Among the playlist’s contemporary standouts are Doechii and SZA’s “girl, get up.,” Vince Staples’ “White Flag,” Drake’s “Ran to Atlanta” featuring Future and Molly Santana, BossMan Dlow’s “Motion Party,” Tyla and Zara Larsson’s “She Did It Again,” and Baby Rose and Leon Thomas’ soulful collaboration “Friends Again.”
Obama also sprinkled in plenty of beloved classics, reminding listeners that his playlists have always been just as likely to include legends as today’s chart-toppers. This year’s selections feature Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Can’t Hide Love,” Luther Vandross’ “Anyone Who Had a Heart,” Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody,” Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On,” The Temptations’ “(I Know) I’m Losing You,” Sam & Dave’s “Hold On, I’m Comin’,” Nina Simone’s “In the Dark,” A Tribe Called Quest’s “Award Tour” featuring the late Trugoy the Dove, Fred Hammond’s gospel favorite “I Feel Good,” and Ledisi’s “You Go to My Head” featuring Paul Jackson Jr.
As has become customary, Obama balanced those selections with music from around the globe, including tracks from Habib Koité & Bamada, Rawayana and Manuel Turizo, Buena Vista Social Club, David Bowie, The Police, Coldplay, Neil Young, Johnny Cash and The Beatles, underscoring the wide-ranging musical tastes that have made his playlists a yearly cultural conversation.
Obama has shared annual summer playlists since 2015, turning the tradition into a social media event that regularly introduces listeners to up-and-coming artists while also shining a spotlight on classic records that helped shape his own musical tastes.
The former head of state also left room for audience suggestions, welcoming engagement by adding, “I’m always looking for new songs to listen to, so please share any recommendations in the comments.”
What songs would you recommend Obama give a listen to? Which of these playlist picks do you have on repeat?
