On Monday, November 16th, Barack Obama posted on his Instagram unveiling a playlist to accompany his memoir “A Promised Land,” which is to be released on November 17th.
The playlist includes 20 songs which Obama described as playing an important role throughout his presidency. Aretha Franklin, the Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Wonder, and more are included on the playlist.
In his Instagram post, Obama said, “Music has always played an important role throughout my life––and that was especially true during my presidency. While reviewing my notes ahead of debates, I’d listen to Jay-Z’s ‘My 1st Song’ or Frank Sinatra’s ‘Luck Be a Lady.’
Throughout our time in the White House, Michelle and I invited artists like Stevie Wonder and Gloria Estefan to conduct afternoon workshops with young people before performing an evening show in the East Room. And there were all sorts of performances I’ll always remember — like Beyoncé performing ‘At Last’ for our first dance at our inauguration or Paul McCarthy serenading Michelle in the East Room with, ‘Michelle.’
So in honor of my book, A Promised Land, coming out tomorrow, I thought I’d put together a playlist with some of those songs. Hope you enjoy it.”
Music has always played an important role in my life—and that was especially true during my presidency. In honor of my book hitting shelves tomorrow, I put together this playlist featuring some memorable songs from my administration. Hope you enjoy it. pic.twitter.com/xWiNQiZzN0
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 16, 2020
This isn’t the first time Obama has shared songs that are meaningful to him in a certain part of his life. Back in August, the former president released his “2020 Summer Playlist.” In December 2019, he posted his favorite music of 2019.