Get ready to cruise through the silky smooth sounds of the late 1970s and early 1980s with HBO’s latest installment in the Music Box series. Music Box: Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary premieres on Friday, November 29, from 9:00–10:35 p.m. ET/PT, and will also be available to stream on Max. Directed by Garret Price (Woodstock 99: Peace, Love, and Rage) and executive produced by Bill Simmons (Andre The Giant, Showbiz Kids), this nostalgic documentary charts the rise, fall, and resurgence of the West Coast soft rock genre that defined a generation.
What is Yacht Rock?
Coined in 2005 by a parody web series, “Yacht Rock” is a playful term for the polished, easy-listening hits of artists like Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Kenny Loggins, Toto, Ambrosia, England Dan and John Ford Coley, and Pablo Cruise. This genre is celebrated for its high production quality, soulful vocals, and breezy, jazzy melodies. Described by Questlove as “perfect sitting down dancing music,” the style offered a soothing balm for turbulent times, delivering messages of hope and optimism.
Fred Armisen humorously notes in the documentary, “The singers all seem to be saying, ‘Hey, it’s going to be OK.’”
Through candid interviews with music legends and historians, Music Box: Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary explores how this quintessentially smooth genre evolved, its influence on pop culture, and its eventual decline, spurred by the rise of MTV and the music video revolution.
A Star-Studded Journey
The film features exclusive commentary from icons like Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Kenny Loggins, Toto’s Steve Lukather, and more. It also includes insights from comedians like Fred Armisen and cultural commentators, including *Yacht Rock* web series creator J.D. Ryznar and host Steve Huey.
Viewers will be treated to rare archival footage of recording sessions, live performances, and behind-the-scenes moments that capture the heart of a genre that has aged like fine wine.
Yacht Rock the Dock: A Dream Lineup of Yacht Rock Legends
Picture this: Ambrosia, John Ford Coley, Peter Beckett (The Voice of Player), and Elliot Lurie sharing the stage for an unforgettable night of smooth sailing hits. Yacht Rock the Dock is the ultimate live celebration of the genre, bringing fans together to enjoy timeless classics in a spectacular showcase of talent.
Yacht Rock Symphony: Keeping the Legacy Alive in 2025
Fans of yacht rock don’t have to stop at the documentary. Selak Entertainment, Inc., in partnership with Chaplin Entertainment, and Musical Direction by Shem von Schroeck is thrilled to announce the 2025 Yacht Rock Symphony Tour. This exclusive tour package brings together some of the genre’s most beloved artists, including Ambrosia, John Ford Coley, and Peter Beckett (The Voice of Player), backed by a full 78 piece orchestra—making for an unforgettable musical journey.
Experience the timeless hits like “You’re The Only Woman”, “How Much I Feel”, “I’d Really Love To See You Tonight”, and “Baby Come Back” performed live!
Don’t Miss the Dockumentary
Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering the smooth sounds of yacht rock, HBO’s Music Box: Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary is your ticket to ride the waves of nostalgia and musical brilliance. Tune in on November 29th at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.
For more updates on the Yacht Rock Symphony tour, stay tuned to Selak Entertainment, Inc. We can’t wait to see you dockside in 2025!
Let the smooth sailing begin! 🎶
