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Presidential Playlists: The Music Tastes of America's Leaders

Posted by Hanoch Hickman

February 20, 2023 12:22:41 PM EST

In honor of Presidents Day, let's take a look at some U.S. presidents who were also talented musicians.

Throughout history, the United States has been led by a diverse group of individuals with unique talents and interests. While many U.S. presidents have been known for their political accomplishments, some have also made their mark in the world of music. From playing multiple instruments to writing songs, these presidents demonstrated a deep appreciation for the art form.

Thomas Jefferson

tcb thomas jeff

Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, was an accomplished violinist who often played for his family and guests at Monticello. He believed in the power of music and its ability to inspire and uplift people. Here are some of his favorite songs:

  1. "The President's March" by James Sanderson
  2. "Yankee Doodle"
  3. "The Star-Spangled Banner" by Francis Scott Key
  4. "Hail Columbia" by Philip Phile and Joseph Hopkinson
  5. "My Days Have Been So Wondrous Free" by Francis Hopkinson
  6. "Robin Adair" by Lady Caroline Keppel
  7. "Adeste Fideles" (O Come All Ye Faithful)
  8. "Non Nobis Domine" by William Byrd
  9. "Le Nozze di Figaro" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
  10. "Les Charmes de la Vie" by André Grétry

It's worth noting that Jefferson had an eclectic taste in music and enjoyed a variety of genres, including classical music, folk songs, and patriotic anthems. These songs offer a glimpse into his musical preferences and the cultural milieu of his time.

 

John Tyler

tcb John Tyler

John Tyler, the tenth president of the United States, was a violinist who performed at the White House during his presidency. He once said, "Music is the universal language of mankind." Here are some of his favorite songs:

  1. "Auld Lang Syne" by Robert Burns

  2. "Hail Columbia" by Philip Phile and Joseph Hopkinson

  3. "My Old Kentucky Home" by Stephen Foster

  4. "Yankee Doodle"

  5. "Star-Spangled Banner" by Francis Scott Key

  6. "God Save the King" (or "Queen" depending on the reigning monarch at the time)

  7. "Rule Britannia" by James Thomson and Thomas Arne

  8. "Non Nobis Domine" by William Byrd

  9. "La Marseillaise" by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle

  10. "The President's March" by James Sanderson

Tyler's musical tastes were reflective of his era, which was marked by the rise of nationalism and patriotic sentiment. He enjoyed a mix of traditional folk songs, national anthems, and classical music. These songs provide insight into his musical preferences and the cultural context in which he lived.

Abraham Lincoln

tcb Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth president of the United States, was known to enjoy singing and playing the harmonica. He believed that music was an important part of life, saying, "I have always loved music; whoso has skill in this art is of a good nature, and has the best of characters." Here are some of his favorite songs:

  1. "Dixie" by Dan Emmett

  2. "The Battle Cry of Freedom" by George F. Root

  3. "Hail Columbia" by Philip Phile and Joseph Hopkinson
  4. "The Star-Spangled Banner" by Francis Scott Key

  5. "Aura Lee" (later adapted to "Love Me Tender") by George R. Poulton and W. W. Fosdick
  6. "We Are Coming, Father Abra'am" by James Sloan Gibbons
  7. "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" by Julia Ward Howe
  8. "Home, Sweet Home" by John Howard Payne and Henry Bishop
  9. "America" (My Country 'Tis of Thee) by Samuel Francis Smith
  10. "Oh! Susanna" by Stephen Foster

Lincoln's musical taste was diverse and reflected the cultural milieu of his time. He enjoyed a mix of patriotic songs, folk songs, and hymns. These songs offer a glimpse into his musical preferences and the historical context in which he lived.

 

Theodore Roosevelt

tcb Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt, the twenty-sixth president of the United States, was a skilled pianist who enjoyed playing for his family and even composed his own pieces.  He believed that music was one of the most forceful instruments for refining manners and softening character.  Here are some of his favorite songs:

  1. "My Country 'Tis of Thee" by Samuel Francis Smith

  2. "The Star-Spangled Banner" by Francis Scott Key

  3. "Auld Lang Syne" by Robert Burns
  4. "Hail to the Chief" by James Sanderson
  5. "La Marseillaise" by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle
  6. "Non Nobis Domine" by William Byrd
  7. "Yankee Doodle"
  8. "Rule, Britannia!" by James Thomson and Thomas Arne
  9. "John Brown's Body" (later adapted to "The Battle Hymn of the Republic") by William Steffe and Julia Ward Howe
  10. "The President's March" by James Sanderson

He enjoyed a mix of national anthems, patriotic songs, and classical music. These songs provide insight into his musical preferences and the historical context in which he lived.

 

Woodrow Wilson

tcb Woodrow Wilson

Woodrow Wilson, the twenty-eighth president of the United States, was a trained singer and pianist who even performed at the White House during his presidency. He believed that music was an essential part of life, saying, "I would rather be able to play a tune than speak a foreign language."  Here are some of his favorite songs:

  1. "The Star-Spangled Banner" by Francis Scott Key
  2. "Hail to the Chief" by James Sanderson
  3. "My Old Kentucky Home" by Stephen Foster
  4. "Dixie" by Dan Emmett
  5. "Lead, Kindly Light" by John Henry Newman and John B. Dykes
  6. "Adeste Fideles" (O Come All Ye Faithful)
  7. "Marche Funèbre" by Frédéric Chopin
  8. "Non Nobis Domine" by William Byrd
  9. "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny" by James A. Bland
  10. "Joy to the World" by Isaac Watts and Lowell Mason

Wilson's musical taste was diverse, reflecting his love of both classical music and popular songs of his time. He also enjoyed hymns and patriotic songs. These songs offer a glimpse into his musical preferences and the historical context in which he lived.

 

Harry S. Truman

tcb Harry S. Truman

Harry S. Truman, the thirty-third president of the United States, was a talented pianist who often played the piano for his family and friends. He believed that the piano was a marvelous instrument that resonated in sympathy with the human spirit.  Here are some of his favorite songs:

  1. "Toot, Toot, Tootsie! (Goo' Bye)" by Gus Kahn, Ernie Erdman, and Dan Russo

  2. "The Missouri Waltz" by J. R. Shannon and Frederick Knight Logan

  3. "Danny Boy" by Frederic Weatherly
  4. "Chattanooga Choo Choo" by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren

  5. "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree (With Anyone Else But Me)" by Lew Brown, Charles Tobias, and Sam H. Stept

  6. "Tangerine" by Johnny Mercer and Victor Schertzinger

  7. "The Nearness of You" by Hoagy Carmichael and Ned Washington

  8. "Moonlight in Vermont" by John Blackburn and Karl Suessdorf

  9. "Stardust" by Hoagy Carmichael and Mitchell Parish

  10. "My Funny Valentine" by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart

Truman's musical taste was reflective of his time, which was marked by the emergence of jazz and popular music. He enjoyed a mix of big band tunes, show tunes, and classic American standards. These songs provide insight into his musical preferences and the cultural context in which he lived.

 

Bill Clinton

tcbBill Clinton

Bill Clinton, the forty-second president of the United States, was a skilled saxophonist who performed on The Arsenio Hall Show during his presidential campaign. Clinton's love of music continued after his presidency, and he often played with famous musicians like B.B. King and Carlos Santana.  Here are some of his favorite songs:

  1. "Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley

  2. "Misty" by Errol Garner and Johnny Burke
  3. "Take the 'A' Train" by Duke Ellington

  4. "When a Man Loves a Woman" by Percy Sledge

  5. "Satin Doll" by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn

  6. "My Funny Valentine" by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart

  7. "Summertime" by George Gershwin, DuBose Heyward, and Ira Gershwin

  8. "A Change is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke

  9. "Harlem Nocturne" by Earle Hagen and Dick Rogers

  10. "In the Midnight Hour" by Wilson Pickett

Clinton's musical taste was diverse, reflecting his love of rock and roll, soul, jazz, and other genres. He was especially drawn to music that conveyed a sense of emotion and passion. These songs offer a glimpse into his musical preferences and the cultural context in which he lived.

 

HONORABLE MENTION

Barack Obama

tcbBarack Obama

In addition to the U.S. presidents who were skilled musicians, it is worth mentioning President Barack Obama as an honorable mention for his love of music and spontaneous singing during speeches. Obama was known to have a great appreciation for music and frequently invited musicians to perform at the White House during his presidency. He also demonstrated his love of music by breaking into song on several occasions during his speeches, such as his rendition of "Amazing Grace" during the eulogy for Reverend Clementa Pinckney, who was killed in the Charleston church shooting. This display of musical talent and emotion showcased Obama's love of music and its ability to unite people in times of sorrow and joy.  Here are some of his favorite songs:

  1. "Ready or Not" by Fugees
  2. "Respect" by Aretha Franklin

  3. "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye

  4. "I'm On Fire" by Bruce Springsteen

  5. "Sinnerman" by Nina Simone

  6. "Memories" by Frank Sinatra

  7. "So Much Trouble in the World" by Bob Marley and the Wailers

  8. "Letter to Me" by Brad Paisley

  9. "The Weight" by The Band

  10. "City of Blinding Lights" by U2

Obama's musical taste is wide-ranging and reflects his appreciation for diverse genres, including soul, rock, and country. He has also been known to support emerging artists and new forms of music. These songs offer a glimpse into his musical preferences and the cultural context in which he lived.

Live music can add a special touch to any wedding or private event. If you are planning a celebration and looking for a live band for hire, consider the music-loving U.S. presidents who came before us. They recognized the power of music and the positive impact it can have on people's lives.

We wish everyone a happy Presidents Day, and encourage you to add live music to your upcoming wedding or private event. Whether you prefer the violin, piano, saxophone, or any other instrument, live music can create a memorable experience that your guests will cherish for years to come.

 

Our professional cover band is available for private events, corporate events, and weddings.  Go HERE for a RAPID QUOTE.

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