Barack ROCKS!

Musicians have expressed profound support for Obama, and he was recently interviewed for a cover feature in Rolling Stone (click for audio or transcript of the interview). The magazine endorsed him back in March (read the eloquent endorsement).

The article notes that the Grateful Dead were playing when Obama walked in for the photoshoot for the cover. He recognized the music immediately, saying "those guys did a concert for me during the primary-they got back together again. And not only do I enjoy the music, but I just like them as people."

Are we going to have a Deadhead in the White House?

"I'm not sure I fully qualify as a Deadhead--I don't wear tie-dye and I've never followed them around anywhere. But I enjoy the songs."

“I have pretty eclectic tastes,” the Democratic presidential contender said. Growing up in the ‘70s, Obama said, he listened to the Rolling Stones, Elton John and Earth, Wind & Fire. Stevie Wonder is his musical hero from the era. The Stones’ “Gimme Shelter” tops his favorites from the band.

The Illinois senator’s iPod playlist contains these musicians, along with about 30 songs from Dylan and the singer’s “Blood on the Tracks” album. Jazz legends Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Charlie Parker are also in the mix.

“Actually, one of my favorites during the political season is ‘Maggie’s Farm,”’ Obama said of one of Dylan’s tracks. “It speaks to me as I listen to some of the political rhetoric.”In the song, Dylan sings about trying be himself, “but everybody wants you to be just like them.”

Other Favorites:
Aretha Franklin
Stevie Wonder:
Earth, Wind & Fire
The Rolling Stones
Elton John
John Coltrane
Miles Davis
Charlie Parker
Sheryl Crow
Yo-Yo Ma
Howlin' Wolf
Jay-Z

Bob Dylan and others have recently declared their support for Obama's presidency. In fact, several musicians on Obama’s iPod support his bid for the White House, including Bruce Springsteen. Earlier this month, Dylan told a British newspaper that he believes Obama is redefining politics in the United States and could deliver change to a nation in upheaval.

“I’ve got to say, having both Dylan and Bruce Springsteen say kind words about you is pretty remarkable,” Obama said. “Those guys are icons.”

Obama talked to Bruce Springsteen on the phone and The Boss expressed his support for the presidential hopeful. The interviewer asked Obama if he called Springsteen "The Boss." Obama replied, "you've got to." He continued, "Not only do I love Bruce’s music, but I just love him as a person. He is a guy who has never lost track of his roots, who knows who he is, who has never put on a front.”

Barack also met with Bono in January of 2007 to discuss foreign assistance and poverty alleviation programs (more info click here).

Asked what he thought of rap, Obama said the genre has broken down barriers within the music world, though he’s concerned about his daughters — Malia, 9, and Sasha, 7 — listening to it.

“I am troubled sometimes by the misogyny and materialism of a lot of rap lyrics,” he said, “but I think the genius of the art form has shifted the culture and helped to desegregate music.”

"Music was very segregated back in the Seventies and Eighties--you'll remember that when MTV first came on, it wasn't until Thriller that they played Michael."

"I know Jay-Z. I know Ludacris. I know Russell Simmons. They are great talents and great businessmen... It would be nice if I could have my daughters listen to their music without me worrying that they are getting bad images of themselves"

With the support of artists and musicians, Barack Obama's campaign is gaining strength, enthusiasm, and power. I can't wait for the concerts that will undoubtedly be part of the fundraising and voter registration process in the upcoming weeks and months!

ROCK THE VOTE! was founded nearly twenty years ago in response to a wave of attacks on freedom of speech and artistic expression, and it quickly established itself as the premier organization representing the intersection of young people, politics, and popular culture. Rock the Vote uses connections with artists to grab the attention of young people, and engage them in building a political movement to fight for young people and the issues that affect their lives. Check it out!