Barack Obama released his 2026 summer playlist on Thursday, leading with a song by Glen Hansard — the Irish musician who died in a motorcycle accident this week at the age of 56. (Rolling Stone)

The former president posted the list on X, writing: "Here are some of the songs I've been listening to this summer." He opened the playlist with Hansard's "Song of Good Hope," a track from the singer's 2012 solo debut album Rhythm and Repose. In a note accompanying the playlist, Obama wrote: "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." (Rolling Stone)

The Hansard tribute sets a sombre opening note before the playlist widens into its usual mix. The selection spans rock, folk, R&B, and hip-hop, splitting between contemporary releases and well-known classics. The Strokes' "Going Shopping" and Noah Kahan's "Doors" sit alongside Coldplay's "Charlie Brown," The Beatles' "Revolution," and David Bowie's "Modern Love." Mumford & Sons and Hozier appear with "Rubber Band Man," while Tyla featuring Zara Larsson contributes "She Did It Again." (Rolling Stone)

Hip-hop gets representation across generations. A Tribe Called Quest's 1993 single "Award Tour" appears alongside current acts including Vince Staples, BossMan Dlow, and a collaboration between Doechii and SZA. The country thread runs from Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues" to Charley Crockett's "One Eyed Jacks." Kelela's "Idea 1" and Luther Vandross's "Anyone Who Had a Heart" are on the list too. (Rolling Stone)

The range extends further. Temper City's 2026 hit "Self Aware" appears next to Neil Young's 1972 single "Heart of Gold." Drake, Sonny Rollins, Nina Simone, Buena Vista Social Club, Los Lobos, Chaka Khan, Sam & Dave, October London, Gvrden Boy, Gabriel Jacoby, and Baby Rose round out the selections. (Rolling Stone)

Obama's X post is available at x.com/BarackObama/status/2082862654549299340. The Obama Foundation is also hosting a free, public listening party titled "President Obama's Summer Playlist on the Plaza," featuring DJ Mike P spinning songs from the 2026 list. (Obama Foundation)

The annual summer playlist has become a fixture of Obama's post-presidency public life, watched each year for which artists get a nod and which songs he chooses to foreground. This year, that first slot carried a different weight.