I’m sure we can all relate when I say we are literally counting down the days until January 20. Why? It’s when the United States finally gets a new president. And though we cannot attend the official inauguration ceremony in person due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, and the recent events on Capital Hill, we can still celebrate with and at-home watch party. With that being said, what’s a party without music?
Yesterday, the inauguration team for president-elect Biden and VP-to-be Kamala Harris released an official inaugural playlist, with 46 songs – to represent the incoming 46th president. As we’ve gotten to know Joe Biden, it’s become evident that he is quite an eclectic soul. When you fuse that together with Harris’ youthful personality, you get this diverse and culturally relevant playlist. Composed entirely of genre-crossing records, the 46-track roster includes compositions from Beyoncé, Stevie Wonder, Major Lazer, Tame Impala, Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller, SZA, the late MF DOOM, and more!
One artist in particular was very excited to discover her name on the presidentially curated playlist saying, “JUST FOUND OUT WE MADE IT TO THE INAUGURATION PLAYLIST 😭 WE DID IT JOE ✨,” which playfully alludes to the video of VP-to-be Kamala calling President-elect Biden the day their election was announced.
The inaugural committee joined forces with DJ D-Nice and Raedio (the record label founded by Issa Rae) to assemble the playlist, which is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and Amazon Music.
According to a statement from the Biden/Harris team, the playlist “represents the diversity of our nation, and our strength and resilience as we look forward to new leadership and a new era in America.”
Indeed, music absolutely has the power to bring people together, and after a year of national challenges and division, this collection serves as an indication of the path our nation is headed in. It’s as if a dark cloud is finally passing from above us, finally making way for a new beginning, positive change and a reminder that though our nation is the melting pot of the world we all are fluent in the language of music.
Presidential Inaugural Committee CEO Tony Allen also shared a statement in which he says, “During a tumultuous year that has kept so many loved ones apart, music has been a consistent vehicle that has kept us connected,” he continues, “These songs and artists reflect the relentless spirit and rich diversity of America. They are the score to a new chapter and will help bring people together as the Biden-Harris Administration begins its important work to unite our country.”
The Biden/Harris team has announced a glitzy roster of A-list stars for next week’s celebration, which will include Lady Gaga (as the National Anthem singer), Jennifer Lopez, Fall Out Boy, James Taylor, Jon Bon Jovi, Demi Lovato, Justin Timberlake and Ant Clemons and the Foo Fighters, among many others.
Joe Biden will be sworn in as President of the United States on Wednesday, January 20. Until then, you can listen to the full “Biden + Harris 2021 Inauguration Playlist” below.
