It’s hard to imagine a more fitting time for Barack Obama’s new memoir to come out. With the office of the presidency top of mind for so many, A Promised Land is full of insight into life in the White House. It’s also a testament to the former president’s thoughtfulness, curiosity and love of storytelling—as is this playlist for classic R&B, rock, jazz, pop and hip-hop he’s curated in honour of the book's release. “Music has always played an important role throughout my life—and that was especially true during my presidency,” Barack said in a statement. “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. And there were all sorts of performances I’ll always remember—like Beyoncé performing ‘At Last’ for our first dance at our inauguration or Paul McCartney serenading Michelle in the East Room with ‘Michelle’.” Hear these artists and more on President Obama’s A Promised Land playlist.