HBO Max's Yacht Rock Documentary Charts the Rise of Smooth '70s & '80s Pop

HBO Max's Yacht Rock Documentary Charts the Rise of Smooth '70s & '80s Pop

By Marcus Stevenson

December 2, 2024 at 09:38 AM

HBO Max's new documentary explores the world of Yacht Rock, a genre of soft rock music that dominated the airwaves during the 1970s and 1980s. The film delves into the rise, fall, and resurgence of this distinctive musical style.

Yacht rock band performs on stage

Yacht rock band performs on stage

The documentary features interviews with iconic artists who shaped the genre, including Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, Michael McDonald, and members of Toto. Contemporary musicians like Questlove, Thundercat, and Vampire Weekend's Brian Robert Jones also offer their perspectives on Yacht Rock's influence and legacy.

The film showcases the genre's signature smooth, polished sound that dominated FM radio, featuring hits from bands like Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers, and other soft rock pioneers. While initially dismissed by critics, Yacht Rock has experienced a cultural renaissance, earning newfound respect and appreciation.

"Yacht Rock: A DOCKumentary" is part of HBO Documentary Films' Music Box series, produced by Ringer Films in association with Margot Station. Directed by Garret Price, the documentary joins other notable Music Box releases exploring pivotal moments in music history, including features on Woodstock 99, DMX, and Kenny G.

The film not only celebrates the music but also examines its cultural impact and enduring influence on contemporary artists. Through archival footage and expert interviews, it provides a comprehensive look at a genre that defined an era of American popular music.

The documentary adds to HBO's Music Box collection, which continues to document significant musical movements and artists that have shaped modern music culture.

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