Barack Obama shares playlist of 20 songs that helped him while he was president

He says he would listen to Jay-Z and Frank Sinatra before debates

Barack Obama has unveiled a playlist of 20 songs that helped inspire him when he was president.

Obama released the compilation of his chosen hits to mark the release of his new memoir, A Promised Land.

Musicians featured on the playlist included Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen and Eminem.

The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac and Jay-Z also made a showing.

Obama, 59, shared the playlist, which also includes Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra and Gloria Estefan, on Instagram and provided some context behind his choices.

“Music has always played an important role throughout my life – and that was especially true during my presidency,” he wrote.

“While reviewing my notes ahead of debates, I’d listen to Jay-Z’s ‘My 1st Song’ or Frank Sinatra’s ‘Luck Be a Lady’. Throughout our time in the White House, Michelle and I invited artists like Stevie Wonder and Gloria Estefan to conduct afternoon workshops with young people before performing an evening show in the East Room.

He continued: “And there were all sorts of performances I’ll always remember – like Beyoncé performing ‘At Last’ for our first dance at our inauguration, Paul McCartney serenading Michelle in the East Room with Michelle and Bob Dylan flashing me a grin before vanishing after his performance of ‘Times They Are a-Changin’.”

“So in honour of my book coming out tomorrow, I thought I’d put together a playlist with some of those songs. Hope you enjoy it.”

Find the full playlist below:

Barack Obama’s playlist of songs that helped him while he was president (Instagram)

Obama, who is known for his diverse music tastes,  shares a playlist of music he’s enjoying every summer.