Steve Jobs, the legendary co-founder of Apple, remains one of the most influential figures of the 20th and 21st centuries. His groundbreaking vision not only transformed computing and mobile technology but also forever changed the way we listen to and consume music. Jobs, who passed away in October 2011 after an eight-year battle with pancreatic cancer, left behind a legacy of innovation, artistry, and a profound appreciation for creativity.
While Jobs was widely admired for his technical genius, what set him apart from many of his Silicon Valley peers was his deep connection to the humanities and the arts. He often described himself as “a humanities person who liked electronics,” emphasizing his belief in standing at the crossroads of science and creativity. This philosophy became a cornerstone of Apple’s DNA, merging technology with beauty, simplicity, and artistry.
Music: A Lifelong Inspiration
Jobs’ connection to music was more than just casual enjoyment. Music influenced his creativity, inspired his imagination, and even guided his meditative practices. As Martin Mills, chairman of Beggars Group, once explained:
“Steve Jobs’ legacy to music is immense. Apple had the strength to manhandle music licenses out of big companies intent on doing it themselves, and iTunes’ independent editorial policy benefited thousands of new artists.”
It’s no coincidence that Jobs was the driving force behind the iPod and iTunes revolution, changing how billions of people discovered and consumed music.
Steve Jobs’ iPod Playlist
In conversations with his biographer, Walter Isaacson, Jobs revealed the contents of his iPod — a collection that reflected the heart of a kid from the 1970s with his soul in the 1960s. While contemporary artists such as U2, Talking Heads, Moby, Dido, and Seal were part of the mix, most of his playlist celebrated the folk, rock, and jazz legends that shaped his worldview.
When asked to choose between The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, Jobs didn’t hesitate:
“If the vault was on fire and I could grab only one set of master tapes, I would grab the Beatles. Somebody else could have replicated the Stones. Nobody could have been Dylan or the Beatles.”
This statement reflects not just a preference but a deep admiration for the unique artistry of Bob Dylan and The Beatles, two acts that profoundly influenced Jobs’ philosophy of originality and vision.
Steve Jobs’ Favourite Songs
Here are the songs that Jobs personally identified as his favorites, offering a glimpse into the soundtrack of his life:
- Bob Dylan – ‘One Too Many Mornings’
- Bob Dylan – ‘Sad Eyed Lady Of The Lowlands’
- Bob Dylan – ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’
- John Lennon – ‘Imagine’
- Cat Stevens – ‘Hard Headed Woman’
- Bob Dylan – ‘Highway 61 Revisited’
- J.S. Bach – ‘The Goldberg Variations’
- The Grateful Dead – ‘Truckin’’
- Jackson Browne – ‘Late For The Sky’
- Miles Davis – ‘Blue In Green’
- The Rolling Stones – ‘Beast Of Burden’
- The Who – ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’
- Peter, Paul and Mary – ‘Blowin’ In The Wind’
- Joan Baez – ‘Love Is A Four Letter Word’
- Joni Mitchell – ‘Both Sides Now’
- The Grateful Dead – ‘Uncle John’s Band’
- The Beatles – ‘Here Comes The Sun’
- Bob Dylan – ‘Like A Rolling Stone’
- Bob Dylan – ‘Shelter From The Storm’
- The Rolling Stones – ‘Sympathy For The Devil’
Why This Playlist Matters
Steve Jobs’ playlist is not just a list of favorite tracks — it’s a window into the mind of a visionary. His love for Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Grateful Dead highlights his appreciation for artists who broke rules, defied expectations, and reshaped culture — much like Jobs himself did in technology.
From Dylan’s protest songs to Lennon’s timeless Imagine, these tracks mirror Jobs’ belief in the power of art to inspire change.
👉 What do you think of Steve Jobs’ music taste? Which of his favorite songs would make it into your own playlist?
