We asked our 40 Under 40 Class of 2023: What song always makes you happy?

We asked this year's 40 Under 40 honorees: What song always makes you happy? Here's what they told us.

Be sure to check out the playlist of their picks, too.

Dr. Michelle E. Bates: "Big" by Pastor Mike Jr.

Karen Elizabeth Bussey: "Do It" by Chloe x Halle

Dr. Elizabeth Victoria Caldwell: "Smooth Criminal" by Michael Jackson

Tiffany D. Campbell: "Bright" by Kehlani and "Stronger" by Kelly Clarkson

Christopher Cauley: "This Year" by the Mountain Goats

Deanna L. Coleman: "Hands Dirty" by Delta Rae

Qu'Derrick R. Covington: "In God I Trust" by Kevin Gates

Jamaal M. Doran: "Juneteenth" by Bea$t (streaming on all major platforms) When listening to this track the message empowers me to be bold and proud as a person of color despite the current obstacles in the world. This track encourages me to celebrate Juneteenth by exercising my freedom in America, to push for unity, explore entrepreneurship, and strive for economic independence to reinvest in my community in a way to bring change. The song ends by paying homage to those who have lost their lives due to injustice, which serves as a reminder on my birthday, June 19, to live a full and free life while I can.

Erica Dunham: "It's Your Time" by Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers

Manika N. Greene: "I’m Alive" by Rich Tolbert Jr.

Jasmine Harris: "Love Ballad" by L.T.D.

Basil Hasapis: "Aurora" by Full Tilt (happy) and "Vengeance" by Zack Hemsey and "Hard in da Paint" by Waka Flocka Flame for motivation ... all of these would change daily.

Morgan Hrabovsky: "Abigail" by the Chatham Rabbits (a local to NC band — check them out!). It's a true story about a girl who has no education but makes a better life for herself with the help of her horse.

Joshua N. James: "Play Safe" by Backtrack is very motivating.

Bryan D. Johnson: "Be Alright" by Zapp always puts me in a good mood, and "Because He Lives," a hymn popularized by Cleophus Robinson, motivates me.

Tyson Johnson: "Never Lost" by Elevation Worship featuring Tauren Wells

Rakeem "Keem" Jones: "Big Decisions" by Morray

Dr. Shameka R. Joyner: "I Need You" by Donnie McClurklin

Krissy Khan: "Knuck If You Buck" by Crime Mob featuring Lil Scrappy

Katana Lemelin: "Leaves and Lemons" by Patty Gurdy

Amy Love: "I Was Here" by Beyonce

Hannah Lucas: "The Motto" by Drake

Dr. Erika McCormick: "Better Than Good to Me" by Lady Harmony

Anna Meyer: "It's Givin" by Latto

Michael Molina: "24K Magic" by Bruno Mars

Michael O'Key: "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver

Michaela Penix: "Currentsea" by Toni Jones

Adam Phillips: "Africa" by Toto

Chasity Poole: "Don’t Stop Believin'" by Journey

Catharin Lawrence Shephard: "Shake it Out" by Florence + The Machine

Shelby Thompson: "Chain Breaker" by Zach Williams

Adrienne Trego: David Bowie’s "Heroes." It is both a love song and a protest song, and an example of the power of art. Bowie wrote it about lovers on opposite sides of the Berlin Wall, and it actually played a role in the fall of the Wall.

Tercel D. Walker: "Nothing Without You" by Karen Clark Sheard

Jamaisha Rochelle Ward: "Video" by India Arie

Deontae K. Watson: "Boogie Wonderland" by Earth, Wind & Fire

Adrian T. Williams: "Thank You For It All" by Marvin Sapp!

Phillip Woods: "I Don't Get Tired" by Kevin Gates. Great motivation on a long day.

Matthew John Wynne: "Praise is What I Do" by William Murphy

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: 40 Under 40 honorees share the songs that always make them happy