Thu Dec 05 01:50:00 UTC 2024: ## “Yacht Rock” Documentary Sets Sail on HBO, Exploring the Controversial Genre’s Legacy

**Los Angeles, CA** – HBO’s Music Box series premieres a new documentary this Friday, “Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary,” exploring the surprisingly enduring legacy of the 1970s and 80s soft rock genre, ironically dubbed “yacht rock.” The film delves into the origins and impact of artists like Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Kenny Loggins, and Toto, whose smooth sounds defined a generation before being relegated to the “soft rock” bin.

Director Garret Price, whose previous work included the documentary on Woodstock ’99, sought to shed light on this often-overlooked era. The idea sparked from a connection between the daughters of Christopher Cross and Michael McDonald, leading Price on a journey to interview the key figures. While some, like Christopher Cross, initially found the term “kitschy,” most have come to embrace the “yacht rock” label, recognizing its contribution to their continued popularity and introducing them to new fans. Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen, however, remains a notable exception, offering a characteristically blunt response to the documentary’s premise.

The documentary explores the debate surrounding what constitutes “yacht rock,” acknowledging the genre’s diverse influences and the contrasting styles within it—from the cerebral complexity of Steely Dan to the smoother melodies of Christopher Cross. Price highlights the genre’s roots in R&B, soul, funk, and jazz, emphasizing the role of Black musicians in shaping its sound. The film further demonstrates the ongoing impact of yacht rock on contemporary artists, featuring interviews with musicians like Questlove, Thundercat, and Mac DeMarco, who cite its influence on their own work.

“Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary” offers a blend of humor and reverence, aiming to appeal to multiple generations. The documentary’s release on the day after Thanksgiving positions it as a potential family-friendly option for cross-generational viewing, celebrating the music and the cultural phenomenon it has become.

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