Jeffrey Epstein Positioned Himself as a Cultural Savant. What Music Did He Really Listen To?

Rolling Stone

by Cheyenne Roundtree

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Jeffrey Epstein, once portrayed as a cultural savant surrounded by influential figures and known for his eclectic tastes, was revealed to have rather pedestrian musical preferences. Despite his image as a connoisseur of high culture, Epstein’s Spotify data showed a strong affinity for soft rock and mellow gold genres. His top tracks in 2016 included classic hits like Diana Ross’s “I’m Coming Out” and Sam & Dave’s “Hold On I’m Comin’,” suggesting a taste that aligned more with his generation than with the sophisticated persona he cultivated. Epstein’s habits, such as pestering acquaintances for playlists and requesting music lessons from younger women, highlighted his efforts to appear erudite. His emails, often poorly written and grammatically incorrect, contrasted sharply with the polished image he projected. This disparity between his public persona and private interests underscores how Epstein carefully curated his reputation to manipulate and control those around him. The revelation of Epstein’s true tastes, gleaned from thousands of investigative files, also sheds light on his personality. His preference for mainstream music and pop culture reflects a man who sought to blend in while maintaining an air of superiority. This insight into his daily habits humanizes him but also deepens the understanding of his manipulative nature—using charm and pretense to conceal his darker deeds. For readers interested in cultural dynamics, Epstein’s story reveals how power and influence can be wielded through carefully crafted personas. It highlights the importance of critically examining public figures’ claims to sophistication and the lengths they may go to maintain an illusion of cultural refinement.

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Originally published on Rolling Stone on 2/26/2026