Obama says he leans on daughters to create year-end playlists

Former President Obama in a new interview said that he didn’t consult his daughters, Sasha and Malia, on the playlist he released last month to accompany the release of his new memoir, but he relies on them to share other compilations.

Obama, who publishes a now-annual summer playlist in addition to sharing some of his other favorite tunes, told Peter Hamby, host of Snapchat’s “Good Luck America,” that his most recent playlist was reflective of his presidential campaigns, his time in office and more.   

“This one was the playlist of music that is featured in the book. Paul McCartney, singing ‘Michelle’ to Michelle. So that’s in there. Or U2’s ‘A Beautiful Day’ is what we played during our campaign after speaking at a rally. My year-end playlists, those are the fresh cuts. And there, I will confess that I do consult with Malia and Sasha throughout the year,” Obama told Hamby.

Obama released the 20-song playlist to accompany his memoir, “A Promised Land,” on Nov. 16. It features “The Weight” by Aretha Franklin, “The Rising” by Bruce Springsteen, as well as hits from Beyoncé, Stevie Wonder and others.

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

The former president also said in the interview released Thursday that he is “constantly” listening to his daughters’ music “sometimes by request, and sometimes just because that’s what’s blaring in our house.” 

“I pick up on some trends. Sasha is more protective of her music. There’s certain things on SoundCloud that she has like a private playlist that she won’t share all of them with me because she’s not sure I’m hip enough to handle it. But nah man, you know, I’m keeping up for an old guy,” he said.

Former first lady Michelle Obama said in an interview earlier this year that she, her husband and her daughters have occasionally tried each other’s patience while stuck at home during the coronavirus pandemic.

Asked during an appearance on daytime TV host Rachael Ray’s eponymous show if the former president and the couple’s daughters have gotten on her nerves, Michelle Obama joked that “Yes, girl! Ah, my God. They can.”