Elton John has revealed his family’s annual summer playlist on the latest episode of Rocket Hour on Apple Music, with selections chosen by the singer, his husband David Furnish, and their sons, Zachary and Elijah.
The playlist brings together classic rock, soul and reggae with contemporary dance and electronic music, reflecting the different musical tastes across the family.
How Elton John’s family chooses its summer music
Elton explained that the family uses a voting system to decide which tracks make the playlist. Each proposed song needs at least three family votes to earn a place.
The result is a high-energy collection designed around the family’s preference for upbeat music during the summer.
The selections span several generations of artists, with Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley & The Wailers and Tom Petty appearing alongside a younger generation of electronic and dance producers.
Among the classic tracks included are Wonder’s “Higher Ground”, Bob Marley & The Wailers’ “Could You Be Loved” and Petty’s “Runnin’ Down A Dream.”
Elton also singled out Petty’s 1989 album Full Moon Fever, describing it as one of the finest rock records ever made.
Zachary and Elijah bring dance music to the playlist
The musical choices of Elton’s sons feature prominently in the collection, with contemporary UK dance music sitting alongside the older favourites.
One track Elton particularly highlighted was “Free Your Mind”, the collaboration between Leeds dance duo Prospa and producer Cloonee.
The playlist also includes a number of electronic and crossover releases, including Peggy Gou and Ayra Starr’s “Wo, man”, Jamie xx’s “Baddy On the Floor” featuring Honey Dijon, Barry Can’t Swim’s “Return To Bhibo” and Fisher’s reworking of Bob Sinclar’s “World, Hold On.”
Other artists represented include Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lykke Li, Groove Armada, Kacey Musgraves, Wiz Khalifa and Role Model.
The playlist therefore reflects a mix of Elton’s own long-standing musical influences and the contemporary sounds favoured by his family.
Elton John’s summer playlist is longer than the radio version
Elton clarified that the tracks featured during Rocket Hour represent only an edited selection from the larger playlist the family uses throughout the summer.
The full episode of Rocket Hour is available to stream on demand through Apple Music and Apple Podcasts.
