Elton John’s Rocket Hour Host Unveils 2026 Family Summer Playlist

August 24, 2026

Elton John has disclosed his family’s annual summer playlist during the most recent edition of his Rocket Hour program on Apple Music, with the selections put together in collaboration with his husband David Furnish and their sons, Zachary and Elijah.

While speaking with Apple Music 1, the musician explained that the lineup was built through a home voting process, with each proposed track requiring at least three votes to be included. The mix tends to favor brisk, high-energy songs, mirroring the clan’s taste for uplifting tunes during summer.

The roster spans generations, pairing storied performers with contemporary electronic and dance producers.

Among the picks are Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground,” Bob Marley & The Wailers’ “Could You Be Loved,” and Tom Petty’s “Runnin’ Down A Dream.” Reflecting on Petty’s catalog, John highlighted the 1989 release Full Moon Fever as one of the finest rock records ever created.

Representing Zachary and Elijah, the playlist blends current UK club tracks with timeless reggae and pop staples. “Free Your Mind,” a collaboration between Leeds duo Prospa and producer Cloonee, was named by John as a particular favorite of his sons.

Other electronic and crossover selections featured in the broadcast include 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 rework of Bob Sinclar’s “World, Hold On.” The mix also includes tracks by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lykke Li, Groove Armada, Kacey Musgraves, Wiz Khalifa, and Role Model.

John noted that the radio broadcast offers a shortened glimpse of a broader personal playlist the family uses across the season.

The full Rocket Hour episode is available to stream on demand via Apple Music and Apple Podcasts.

Clara Weiss

I write about music as a cultural signal, following the artists, scenes, releases, and movements that shape how people listen today. My work focuses on discovery, context, and the stories behind the sounds that travel beyond borders.