HBO Max Launches 'Yacht Rock: A DOCKumentary' Exploring the Smooth Sounds of the 70s and 80s
HBO Max's latest documentary explores the smooth sounds of Yacht Rock, a genre of soft rock music that dominated the airways during the 1970s and 1980s. The film features interviews with genre pioneers and modern artists who've been influenced by the movement.
Yacht rock band performs on stage
"Yacht Rock: A DOCKumentary" showcases legendary artists including Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, Michael McDonald, and members of Toto, who created the signature smooth sound that defined the era. The documentary also features contemporary musicians like Thundercat, Questlove, and Vampire Weekend's Brian Robert Jones, discussing the genre's lasting impact.
The film chronicles how this once-dismissed style of music has experienced a cultural renaissance, earning newfound respect and appreciation. While initially criticized by rock purists, Yacht Rock's sophisticated arrangements and expert musicianship have helped cement its place in music history.
Directed by Garret Price, the documentary is part of HBO's Music Box series, produced by Ringer Films in association with Margot Station. It joins other notable music documentaries in the series, including features on Woodstock '99, DMX, and Kenny G.
Through archival footage and new interviews, the documentary examines how these artists crafted their distinctive sound and explores the genre's influence on modern music. It presents Yacht Rock not just as a nostalgic curiosity, but as a legitimate musical movement that continues to resonate with audiences today.
The film stands as both a celebration of the genre and a serious examination of its musical legacy, offering viewers an in-depth look at one of popular music's most distinctive movements.
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