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Barack Obama shares Summer 2021 music playlist

By Evelyn Ulrich

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Former President Barack Obama gives a thumbs up after the 59th inaugural ceremony on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. During today's inauguration ceremony Joe Biden becomes the 46th president of the United States. (Photo by Patrick Semansky-Pool/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Former President Barack Obama gives a thumbs up after the 59th inaugural ceremony on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. During today's inauguration ceremony Joe Biden becomes the 46th president of the United States. (Photo by Patrick Semansky-Pool/Getty Images) /
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Summer get-togethers are always a fun event with smiling people, good food, and upbeat music.  In fact, the music is what sets the entire cookout vibe.  But if you’re struggling to figure out what to play, you’re in luck: Former President Barack Obama has shared his annual summer playlist and it’s full of hits both old and new.

Obama has shared his music playlists publicly for years, including during his tenure as President in the White House. The purpose is to help spread unity with the language of music. From his playlist from 2020, some songs were featured at the 2020 Democratic National Convention, with Billy Porter, Beyonce, and Sheryl Crow topping that list.

His 2201 summer playlist is a combined blend of iconic and present-day artists, with even some new ones merging in. Aside from the diverse choice of artists, the list is also a mix of different genres. From jazz legend and trumpeter Louis Armstrong with his hit tune A Kiss To Build A Dream On to the new Bruno Mars/Anderson/Paak/Silk Sonic collaboration, Leave the Door Open, the mix has a smooth and relaxing beat.  Other recognizable names on this year’s list include George Harrison of The Beatles, pop songstress Rihanna, and 60’s rock mogul, Bob Dylan.

“With so many folks getting together with family and friends, there’s a lot to celebrate this summer,” Obama tweeted over the weekend.  “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

With COVID restrictions lessening across the country thanks to increased vaccinations, many want to spend time with families and friends and get back to something like a pre-pandemic lifestyle. For most, it has been a difficult year as quarantining and work adjustments had to be made, taking a toll on overall health.  Having a semblance of normalcy such as going out and reuniting with loved ones is liberating and mood-boosting. And the given selections from the list all carry that mood amplification.

The former president is not the only political figure to share his musical tastes – as great as they are – publicly.  For Inauguration Day 2021, President Joseph Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris shared their exclusive playlist with songs representing strength and unity.

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What are your favorite summer tunes and what did you think of Barack Obama’s choices?  Let us know in the comments.

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