Former US President Barack Obama has unveiled his annual summer playlist alongside his traditional summer reading list, continuing a tradition that has become highly anticipated by fans of music and literature worldwide.
Obama shared both lists on Instagram, saying they reflect what he has been listening to and reading during the summer. This year’s music selection also carried a heartfelt tribute to the late Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard, whose work opens the playlist.
Tribute to Glen Hansard
In his Instagram post, Obama explained that the first song on the playlist holds a special place for him and former First Lady Michelle Obama.
“Here are some of the songs I’ve been listening to this summer. 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.”
Hansard, the Oscar-winning Irish musician best known for the film Once and the Academy Award-winning song Falling Slowly, died earlier this week following a motorcycle crash in Ireland at the age of 56. His death prompted tributes from fellow musicians, actors and public figures who praised his songwriting and lasting influence on contemporary folk music.
A mix of music and books
Alongside the playlist, Obama released his 2026 summer reading list, featuring books by a range of authors and across genres.
The reading list continues another tradition that dates back to his presidency, when he began sharing recommendations for books he found thought-provoking or enjoyable. Over the years, the lists have helped shine a spotlight on both established and emerging writers, with many titles seeing renewed interest after receiving Obama’s endorsement.
Like previous editions, this year’s selections cover fiction and non-fiction, reflecting a variety of themes and perspectives.
Annual tradition
Obama’s seasonal recommendations have become a fixture on social media every summer. His playlists typically combine classic songs with recent releases, while his reading lists feature books from diverse voices across the literary world.
In the same post, Obama invited followers to join the conversation by sharing songs they believe he should add to his listening rotation.
“I am always looking for new songs to listen to, so please share any recommendations in the comments.”
The invitation quickly attracted thousands of responses, with followers recommending artists from different genres and discussing their favourite books and songs.
Music beyond politics
Since leaving the White House in 2017, Obama has regularly shared his favourite books, films and music with the public. The annual recommendations have become one of his most followed traditions online, often sparking discussions among readers, music lovers and cultural commentators.
This year’s edition stands out not only for its mix of music and literature but also for the tribute paid to Hansard, whose song was chosen to open the playlist in his memory.
