Music

Barack Obama unveils his 2021 summer playlist featuring The Rolling Stones, Migos, Drake

Former President Barack Obama sits down for a one-on-one interview with “Good Morning America” Co-Anchor Michael Strahan for “Juneteenth: Together We Triumph – A ‘Soul of a Nation’ Special Event” airing Friday, June 18, 2021 on ABC.

By Lauren Booker, The Boston Globe

July 10, 2021

Former president Barack Obama released his decade- and genre-spanning 2021 summer music playlist Saturday to help set the tone for the season with the sounds of The Rolling Stones, Migos, Drake, and Bob Dylan.

“With so many folks getting together with family and friends, there’s a lot to celebrate this summer. Here’s a playlist of songs I’ve been listening to lately — it’s a mix of old and new, household names and emerging artists, and a whole lot in between,” Obama wrote on Twitter.

With so many folks getting together with family and friends, there’s a lot to celebrate this summer. Here’s a playlist of songs I’ve been listening to lately—it’s a mix of old and new, household names and emerging artists, and a whole lot in between. pic.twitter.com/xwTPun9wsw

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 10, 2021

The 38-song playlist begins with Jazmine Sullivan’s “Pick Up Your Feelings,” and goes on to include songs released this year, such as Silk Sonic’s “Leave the Door Open,” Drake featuring Lil Baby’s “Wants and Needs,” Brandi Carlile’s “Speak Your Mind,” and Migos’ “Straightenin.” Oldies that Obama has been playing on repeat include “If You Really Love Me” by Stevie Wonder, “Tumbling Dice” by The Rolling Stones, and “I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight” by Bob Dylan. Here’s a look at his Spotify summer playlist.