In his latest interview with Rolling Stone’s editor-in-chief Jann S. Wenner, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama praised his favorite singing artists, many of whom – Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Jay-Z – have shown him affection with endorsements.

When asked by the Rolling Stone journalist to make known the contents of his iPod, the presidential candidate described his musical preferences as “old school”.

"If I had one musical hero, it would have to be Stevie Wonder," said Obama as quoted by the magazine. The politician grew up ont the rhythms of Seventies R&B and rock fundamentals including Earth, Wind and Fire, Elton John and the Rolling Stones. “When I was at that point where you start getting involved in music, Stevie had that run with “Music of My Mind,” “Talking Book,” “Fulfillingness’ First Finale” and “Innervisions”, and then Songs in the “Key of Life”.

Those are as brilliant a set of five albums as we’ve ever seen.” Also on the senator's iPod are Howlin Wolf, Yo-Yo Ma and Sheryl Crow. In a different radio interview, Obama said he listened to Beyonce too, because his daughters influenced him to.

Even though his musical affinities lean towards the old-school, Obama is in touch with nowadays creative top singers. He has talked policy with Ludacris, referenced Jay-Z’s “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” in a campaign speech, and joined rally acts of performers ranging from Usher to Will.i.am.

“Every time I talk to Jay-Z, who is a brilliant talent and a good guy, I enjoy how he thinks,” says Obama in the interview. “He’s serious and he cares about his art,” he added as quoted by the Rolling Stone.

Several of the artists that find themselves in the politician’s musical graces also support his try for the presidency, including Bruce Springsteen and Dylan, who on June 5 told the London Times, Obama is changing America and "redefining the nature of politics from the ground up."