Music has long been a popular tool in appealing to voters in many presidential campaigns. In the United States, presidential campaign music has been used since George Washington’s campaigning days, when he used the song “God Save Great Washington” (a parody of “God Save the King”) to rally people. Since then, music in presidential campaigns has been used to inspire and motivate voters.

In recent years, a candidate’s choice of music in their presidential campaign has been a telling characteristic of the candidate.

In the current 2016 presidential campaign, music has continued to be an important instrument in appealing to voters. Some candidates have had more luck than others, though; for example, Senator Bernie Sanders used Simon & Garfunkel’s “America” at the Iowa caucuses in February. The song was properly licensed and approved by a representative of the band, allowing him to legally use it. However, not everyone has had the same luck.

Donald Trump has had bands like Aerosmith, Neil Young, R.E.M. and Adele prohibit him from using their songs for his campaign. When Trump used Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World,” Trump was prohibited from using the song and received a public rebuttal from Young. Young then stated his support Sanders for president.

Songs that have appeared in Sanders’ rallies have been “Talkin’ Bout a Revolution” by Tracy Chapman, “The Revolution Starts Now” by Steve Earl, “Revolution” by Bob Marley & The Wailers and “Revolution” by Flogging Molly. These songs represent the “political revolution” that Sanders has proposed in his presidential campaign.

Hillary Clinton released an official 2016 Spotify playlist of songs featured in her campaign. The themes of positivity and reliance in her campaign show throughout the songs in her playlist. Some of the songs featured are “Happy” by Pharell Williams and “Roar” by Katy Perry.