Led Zeppelin, Kendrick Lamar, Steely Dan on Joe Biden, Kamala Harris Inauguration Playlist

2021-01-20

Led Zeppelin, "Mothership," album cover. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris' official inauguration playlist features Led Zeppelin's "Fool in the Rain."

Led Zeppelin, “Mothership” album cover – Story by Anne Erickson

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ official inauguration playlist features songs by Led Zeppelin, Kendrick Lamar, Steely Dan, Bob Marley and more

The Presidential Inaugural Committee has shared its official inauguration playlist for the Joe Biden, Kamala Harris campaign, and the tally includes both classic and modern artists from a range of genres. DJ D-Nice and Raedio, the record label of “Insecure” actress, writer and producer Issa Rae, put together the playlist, which is available now via streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal and YouTube.

When it comes to classic rock bands and artists, the inauguration playlist includes Led Zeppelin’s “Fool in the Rain,” Bob Marley & The Wailers’ “Could You Be Loved,” Daryl Hall and John Oates’ “You Make My Dreams (Come True),” The Doobie Brothers’ “What a Fool Believes,” Bruce Springsteen’s “We Take Care of Our Own” and Steely Dan’s “Do It Again.” Classic artists outside the rock world include Marvin Gaye’s “Got to Give It Up – Pt. 1,” Stevie Wonder’s “Uptight (Everything’s Alright),” Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue’s “Whatta Man” and Earth, Wind & Fire’s “That’s the Way of the World.”

Some modern acts on the inauguration playlist — which features 46 songs in honor of the 46th President taking the oath of office — include Kota the Friend, Kendrick Lamar, The Internet, Mac Miller, New Radicals, Vampire Weekend and Beyonce, among others. The Biden-Harris campaign’s celebration theme song, “Higher Love” by Kygo and Whitney Houston, is also included.

“During a tumultuous year that has kept so many loved ones apart, music has been a consistent vehicle that has kept us connected,” Presidential Inaugural Committee CEO Tony Allen said in a statement. “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.”

Stream and view the full inauguration playlist here. The Presidential Inaugural Committee is also producing a prime-time television special the night of the inauguration (Jan. 20).

Anne Erickson
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Posted by Anne Erickson | Music, Rock, Rock News