Yacht Rock: Exploring the Origin and Misconceptions of the Genre
Picture yourself cruising down the coast with the sun on your face and some smooth tunes in the background. That’s the vibe of Yacht Rock, a music genre that defined a generation in the late 1970s and early 1980s. With artists like Christopher Cross, Toto, and Kenny Loggins leading the way, this West Coast sound is all about blending pop/rock with jazz and R&B melodies.
If you’re curious about the origins and misconceptions surrounding Yacht Rock, check out Music Box’s documentary, “Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary,” available on HBO Max starting November 29. Director Garret Price dives deep into the genre and sets the record straight on what makes Yacht Rock so special.
One of the biggest misconceptions about Yacht Rock is that it’s all about boats and nautical themes. In reality, the name actually comes from a comedy web series that playfully reinvented the genre in 2005. Despite its quirky name, Yacht Rock is all about smooth, polished music with a lot of heart.
The documentary features interviews with iconic artists like Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Kenny Loggins, and members of Toto. Surprisingly, contemporary artists like Questlove, Thundercat, and Mac DeMarco also weigh in on how Yacht Rock influenced their own musical journeys.
So, if you’re ready to set sail on a musical adventure, don’t miss “Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary” and discover the magic of this unique genre for yourself. And remember, while the name may be whimsical, the music is no joke. Get ready to groove to some of the best Yacht Rock hits with the ultimate mixtape curated by Garret Price himself.