where did yacht rock radio go

The Mystery Unveiled: What Happened to Yacht Rock Radio?

Yacht Rock Radio is a unique radio station that has survived in a world where musical styles change like the tides.

However, what became of this impression of sound waves effortlessly gliding? Is it sailing toward a promising new horizon, or have its sweet songs vanished into oblivion?

How about we investigate Yacht Rock Radio’s quiet waters inside and out and become familiar with reality?

Yacht Rock Radio

For fans of soft rock, music that was simple to listen to, and music with a touch of nostalgia, A Voyage Through Time Yacht Rock Radio was their go-to station.

It was frequently referred to as smooth music’s pinnacle. It was like boarding a musical yacht that was cruising the 1970s and 1980s with classics from Hall & Oates, Steely Dan, and Michael McDonald.

Yacht Rock Radio’s Legacy

Yacht Rock Radio made a splash when it first appeared on the scene, evoking memories of carefree summers and breezy coastal drives.

Its smooth playlist had a dedicated fan base, and its presence was cherished across the airwaves.

The Mysterious Silence

But, as time passed, avid listeners noticed a curious silence surrounding their beloved Yacht Rock Radio.

Tunes that once played incessantly seemed to have vanished into thin air. What happened? Did the yacht run aground?

Vanishing Frequencies

Reports surfaced about Yacht Rock Radio disappearing from SiriusXM and other platforms, leaving fans perplexed and yearning for their dose of mellow melodies. Some feared that this genre-defining station had sailed into obscurity.

Navigating the Digital Seas

However, hope was on the horizon. Yacht Rock Radio was setting a course toward the digital realm.

Online platforms and streaming services began to pick up the slack, offering dedicated playlists for those seeking the signature yacht rock experience.

What Happened to Yacht Rock Radio?

Yacht Rock Radio takes over Lincoln Amphitheatre. Just when you thought the smooth waves had calmed, Yacht Rock Radio showed signs of resurgence.

Events like the “Yacht Rock to Take Over Lincoln Amphitheatre” demonstrated that the genre still had a dedicated following and could bring enthusiasts together for live experiences.

Yacht Rock was prepared to take sail once more, according to the Dubois County Herald, promising a night of soothing music and nostalgic vibes at the Lincoln Amphitheatre. It served as evidence of the genre’s continued appeal.

The Future Is Here

What does Yacht Rock Radio’s future hold, then? Will it triumphantly return to the airwaves, or will it keep cruising the digital waves and delighting its faithful listeners? Only time will tell if this mysterious outpost will set sail for a brand-new golden age.

Time Yacht Rock Radio’s future may have been up in the air for a time, but its halcyon days are still ahead of it.

Yacht Rock’s charm and its timeless classics keep attracting admirers of all ages.

So, whether you’re just discovering the genre or have always been a devoted follower, know that Yacht Rock Radio’s journey is far from ending.

Yacht Rock Radio continues to be a source of comfort and nostalgia in the ever-evolving world of music, enabling listeners to set off on a musical journey through space and time. Stay tuned because Yacht Rock Radio’s musical journeys are far from done.

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What happened to yacht rock radio?

What Happened to Yacht Rock Radio?

Table of Contents

Introduction

Yacht Rock Radio, a music streaming service and radio station, was a beloved platform that brought back the nostalgia of the 1970s and 1980s soft rock era. The station’s unique blend of smooth sailing tunes, iconic artists, and sailing-themed branding captivated audiences worldwide. However, in 2020, Yacht Rock Radio announced its closure, leaving fans wondering what happened to this beloved music streaming service.

Background and Rise to Popularity

Launched in 2009, Yacht Rock Radio was the brainchild of former college radio DJs, who wanted to create a platform that played the music they loved. The station initially started as an internet radio station, but it quickly gained popularity, and in 2013, it was rebranded as a 24/7 streaming service.

Key Features that Contributed to its Success:

• Curated Playlists: Yacht Rock Radio’s playlists were meticulously crafted to evoke the relaxed, sophisticated vibe of the 1970s and 1980s. • Iconic Artists: The station featured an impressive lineup of legendary artists, including Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Hall & Oates, and Steely Dan, among many others. • Sailing-Themed Branding: The station’s nautical theme, complete with sailboats, lighthouses, and ocean-inspired graphics, added to its unique charm.

The Golden Age of Yacht Rock Radio

During its heyday, Yacht Rock Radio became a go-to destination for fans of soft rock, yacht rock, and adult contemporary music. The station’s popularity soared, with millions of listeners tuning in worldwide. Yacht Rock Radio’s influence extended beyond music, as it also spawned a community of enthusiasts who shared their love for the genre.

Notable Milestones:

• 2015: Yacht Rock Radio partnered with SiriusXM to launch a dedicated channel, which further increased its reach. • 2017: The station celebrated its 8th anniversary, marking a decade of success. • 2019: Yacht Rock Radio reached 1 million listeners, solidifying its position as a major player in the music streaming industry.

Decline and Closure

Despite its success, Yacht Rock Radio’s popularity began to decline in the early 2020s. Several factors contributed to its decline:

Challenges Facing Yacht Rock Radio:

• Changing Music Landscape: The rise of streaming services and algorithm-driven playlists led to a shift in music consumption habits, making it challenging for Yacht Rock Radio to adapt. • Licensing Issues: The station faced difficulties in obtaining licensing agreements for its vast music library, which affected its ability to operate. • Financial Strains: The increasing costs of maintaining the station’s infrastructure, including server costs, marketing expenses, and staff salaries, put a significant strain on Yacht Rock Radio’s finances.

The Closure and Legacy of Yacht Rock Radio

On October 14, 2020, Yacht Rock Radio announced its closure, citing insurmountable challenges in the music industry. The station’s shutdown sent shockwaves through the music community, leaving fans devastated and nostalgic for the era.

Aftermath and Legacy:

• Nostalgia: The closure of Yacht Rock Radio sparked a wave of nostalgia, as fans reminisced about the good old days of smooth sailing tunes and iconic artists. • Community: The Yacht Rock Radio community continued to thrive, with fans creating their own playlists and forums to share their love for the genre. • Influence: Yacht Rock Radio’s legacy extends beyond its music library, as it helped shape the modern soft rock and adult contemporary genres.

Yacht Rock Radio’s journey was a remarkable one, filled with ups and downs. Despite its challenges, the station’s impact on the music industry and its community cannot be overstated. As the music world continues to evolve, Yacht Rock Radio’s legacy serves as a reminder of the power of nostalgia and the enduring appeal of soft rock music.

Timeline of Yacht Rock Radio’s History:

Recommended Artists and Playlists:

• Michael McDonald
• Christopher Cross
• Hall & Oates
• The Doobie Brothers
• Fleetwood Mac
• Loggins & Messina
• Yacht Rock Radio’s curated playlists, including "The Essentials" and "Smooth Sailing"

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Yacht rock; the secret soundtrack to summer

The sound started in the late 1970s and early 1980s and was categorized as adult-oriented rock, dominating the dial in your dad’s old Dodge.

Today, it’s called Yacht Rock and it dominates summer days on the boat and summer nights around the fire pit.

Yacht rock is known by its smooth, mellow sound, often featuring catchy melodies, soft rock instrumentation, and polished production.

What channel is Yacht Rock Radio?

Every summer, SiriusXM offers a dedicated channel for yacht rock enthusiasts. The channel, known as “Yacht Rock Radio,” is available on SiriusXM from Memorial Day through Labor Day, so you still have several weeks of easy listening to enjoy.

This year,  Yacht Rock Radio  is on SiriusXM Channel 17. You can also search the SiriusXM app for Yacht Rock Radio.

Boat music?

Yacht rock  offers an easy soundtrack for a leisurely day on the water, a laid-back summer evening, or chill day at the beach.

Yacht rock — your less hip friends might call it boat music — features a variety of artists and hits from the late ’70s and early ’80s, including some quintessential tracks:

• “Sailing” by Christopher Cross - A classic yacht rock anthem
• “What a Fool Believes” by The Doobie Brothers - Featuring Michael McDonald’s signature vocals, this song defines yacht rock.
• “Ride Like the Wind” by Christopher Cross - Another hit by Cross, this song is a yacht rock favorite.
• “Africa” by Toto - This track has become an iconic yacht rock tune.
• “Rosanna” by Toto - Known for its rhythm and harmonies, this song is typical of yacht rock.
• “Steal Away” by Robbie Dupree - This track’s breezy sound and catchy hook make it a yacht rock staple.
• “You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oates - Known for its upbeat tempo and infectious chorus, this song is a yacht rock must.

New yacht rock songs; what is nu yacht

Despite the late 20 century nostalgia most yacht rock evokes, new artists are making music inspired by the yacht rock genre, often referred to as "nu yacht" or "yacht rock revival." 

Here’s a few new yacht rock artists to check out:

• Young Gun Silver Fox: This duo marries the  essence of the classic yacht rock sound with modern production  techniques. Check out: "Emilia," "Lenny," "Midnight in Richmond"
• Tuxedo: Tuxedo  blends yacht rock with funk  for a modern twist. Check out: "Do It," "Number One," "Shy"
• Thundercat:  Thundercat's music  gives off yacht rock-inspired vibes. Check out: "Show You the Way" (featuring Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins), "Them Changes," "Dragonball Durag"
• Poolside:  Poolside's music  often gives off the laid-back vibe associated with yacht rock. Check out: "Harvest Moon," "California Sunset," "Feel Alright"

Does SiriusXM have a Halloween channel?

Seriously? We’re just getting into the swing of summer and you’re thinking about doing the Monster Mash?

Yes. SiriusXM does have a  Halloween station .  SCREAM radio  last year aired on SiriusXM Channel 107, though the satellite radio company hasn’t yet announced information on SCREAM 2024, including a start date.

The spooky songs, ghost stories and Halloween antics usually go live in early October and last through mid November.

What channel is SiriusXM Holly?

Christmas, already? Well, we are nearing Christmas in July, so it makes sense.

The annual winter  holiday channel lineup features a selection of stations  for different genres of holiday music.

The mainstay, Holly plays modern Christmas and winter holiday songs. Last year, Holly went live in early November and ended on the day after Christmas.

No announcement has been made yet on what channel Holly will land on this year.

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Yacht Rock Radio

Channel 311 Yacht Rock Radio celebrates the smooth-sailing soft rock from the late '70s and early '80s. You’ll hear artists like Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Steely Dan and other titans of smooth music. It's the kind of rock that doesn’t rock the boat!

Diamond Girl

Seals/Crofts

Channel 311

Smooth-sailing soft rock.

SiriusXM’s tribute to Yacht Rock celebrates the smooth-sailing soft rock from the late 70s and early 80s. You’ll hear artis … more

SiriusXM’s tribute to Yacht Rock celebrates the smooth-sailing soft rock from the late 70s and early 80s. You’ll hear artists like Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Hall & Oates and other titans of smooth music. It’s the kind of rock that doesn’t rock the boat!

Yacht Soul Sunday Mornings

An hour of the same Yacht Rock smooth, with maximum groove.

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Yacht Rock Radio

• Edit source

The name of the station comes from the 2005 online video series Yacht Rock , which helped coined the term of the previously called West-Coast sound or adult-orientated rock (AOR) style of soft rock.

Description [ ]

Yacht rock 311 [ ].

"SiriusXM's tribute to Yacht Rock celebrates the smooth-sailing soft rock from the late '70s and early '80s. You'll hear artists like Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Hall & Oates and other titans of smooth music. It's the kind of rock that doesn't rock the boat!"

• Interestingly, this channel is unavailable on the SiriusXM channel lineup .

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By that time, it was already understood that “Yacht Rock” as the industry defined it was a little broader than how the creators of the creators of the Yacht Rock web series regarded the genre. Their definition focused tightly on the late ‘70s/early ‘80s intersection of disco, jazz, and soft rock. Many programmers were willing to choose from the non-overlapping parts of the Venn diagram as well. Part of that was because there were so many songs that listeners were enjoying hearing again and they all sounded pretty good together.

Besides the obligatory “Lowdown” and “What a Fool Believes,” my 2015 list included a lot of things that do not pass muster with the Yacht Rock team. I played “Margaritaville” twice. They give it one of their lowest ratings, and they don’t include “Thunder Island” either, just because it’s nautically themed. My list had a lot of the era’s soft pop (“You Can Do Magic,” “Emotion,” “We Just Disagree,” “Moonlight Feels Right”) that they don’t include.

Interestingly, a lot of the same titles were part of the subsequent discussion around 2018-19 when the Soft AC format exploded. Many of them were judged too old for the mostly ‘80s-based stations, but they’re now the centerpiece of successful ‘60s/’70s-based stations like KDRI (The Drive) Tucson, Ariz. (Fans of KDRI will also enjoy the relaunched KDZA Pueblo, Colo., which has a similar playlist and a similar emphasis on localism).

Last week, while highlighting Memorial Day Weekend special programming, I mentioned a Facebook dialogue between Connoisseur Communications’ Keith Dakin and talent consultant Steve Reynolds, known for his condemnations of some of the outlier titles on the SiriusXM channel (e.g., “Answering Machine” by Rupert Holmes.) “ WEBE [Bridgeport, Conn.] is 24/7 yacht rock, just to upset Steve Reynolds who will think some are ‘nyacht rock.’” “I’ll be listening with a fine-tooth comb,” Reynolds replied.

One either has patience for this discussion or nyacht. That Facebook exchange made a friend grimace to think that anybody would spend so much time on the minute classification of records he didn’t like anyway. Regular readers also know my dismay that most of 1981 CHR found a place for the Little River Band and not the Gap Band. My favorite song from Quincy Jones’ The Dude is “Bet’cha Wouldn’t Hurt Me,” a smooth-but-propulsive Stevie Wonder jam that would have fit on Off the Wall. R&B radio played it as an album cut, but “One Hundred Ways” was what could cross to Top 40 during the doldrums.

But I also understand that these are songs that a lot of people grew up with and loved. In general, writing about The Lost Factor of songs from that era is a reminder that the “Steal Away”-level songs didn’t get to be hits without a lot of people liking them. (The second tier is another matter, and those songs are chief among those that weren’t brought back, even when “yacht rock” gave radio the impetus to play Hall & Oates again.) Also, the yacht/nyacht discussion is the only place where the inevitable disagreement among radio people on how to properly stylistically code the songs on their playlist can ever be in any way interesting to civilians.

To some extent, the “Yacht Rock” disagreement exists because the term did not in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. In fall 1977, listeners experienced “You Make Lovin’ Fun,” “Just Remember I Love You,” “We Just Disagree,” “Thunder Island,” and “Sometimes When We Touch” as roughly of a piece, despite the very different rock cred and durability they came to exhibit later. WEBE also calls them “Smooth Songs from the ‘70s and ‘80s.” That gives you more room to maneuver. I always liked PD Dave Denver’s characterization of mid-’00s WOLL West Palm Beach, Fla., as “songs you’d hear at the tiki bar.” Phrased that way, most of these fit as well.

Here’s Magic 103.1 just before 2 p.m. on May 28:

• Orleans, “Dance with Me”
• Firefall, “Just Remember I Love You”
• 10cc, “The Things We Do for Love”
• Tina Turner, “One of the Living”—preceded by a produced salute to Turner
• Mr. Mister, “Broken Wings”
• Pablo Cruise, “Love Will Find a Way”
• Blues Image , “Ride Captain Ride”
• Johnny Nash, “I Can See Clearly Now”
• Steely Dan, “Reelin’ in the Years”
• Tina Turner, “Better Be Good to Me”
• Daryl Hall & John Oates, “She’s Gone”
• Fleetwood Mac, “Gypsy”
• James Taylor, “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)”
• Stephen Bishop, “On and On”

• Fleetwood Mac, “Rhiannon”
• Seals & Crofts, “Summer Breeze”
• Doobie Brothers, “Real Love”
• Jay Ferguson, “Thunder Island”
• Eagles, “Life in the Fast Lane”
• Lionel Richie, “All Night Long (All Night)”
• REO Speedwagon, “Can’t Fight This Feeling”
• Michael Jackson, “Human Nature”
• Crosby, Stills & Nash, “Southern Cross”
• Ambrosia, “Biggest Part of Me”
• Chicago, “Feelin’ Stronger Every Day”
• Paul Davis, “I Go Crazy”
• Nicolette Larson, “Lotta Love”
• America, “Sister Golden Hair”

Finally, here’s 45 minutes or so of Yacht Rock Radio, starting just before 2 p.m.:

• Fleetwood Mac, “You Make Lovin’ Fun”
• Atlanta Rhythm Section, “So Into You”
• Todd Rundgren, “I Saw the Light”
• Doobie Brothers, “What a Fool Believes”—part of a Michael McDonald special weekend, preceded with audio about McDonald and Kenny Loggins writing the song
• Steve Carlisle, “Theme from ‘WKRP in Cincinnati’”
• Chicago, “Baby What a Big Surprise”
• Ambrosia, “How Much I Feel”
• Chuck Mangione, “Feels So Good”
• Christopher Cross, “All Right”
• Michael McDonald, “Sweet Freedom”
• Kenny Loggins, “I Believe in Love”
• Olivia Newton-John, “Magic”
• Bobby Caldwell, “What You Won’t Do for Love”
• Steely Dan, “Peg—preceded by McDonald talking about coming to L.A. for the first time and being a Steely Dan sideman
• Robbie Dupree, “Steal Away”
• Al Stewart, “Year of the Cat”

• Toto, “Rosanna”
• Sade,  “Smooth Operator”
• Gerry Rafferty,  “Baker Street”
• Grover Washington, Jr. & Bill Withers,  “Just the Two of Us”
• Daryl Hall & John Oates,  “You Make My Dreams”
• Wham!,  “Careless Whisper”
• Commodores,  “Night Shift”
• Christopher Cross,  “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)”
• Fleetwood Mac,  “Everywhere”
• Champaign,  “How About Us”
• Doobie Brothers,  “What a Fool Believes”

I did my own take on the late ’70s/early ’80s, emphasizing the hotter side of the acts discussed here, and ending up with soft rock and Yacht Rock that Really Rocks.

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A suggestion from one of your younger readers, which might be very difficult to accomplish but which would be such an interesting topic.

I’d love for you to analyze rock radio (Alt and maybe Active?)’s 2000s “gold” tracks and see what percentage of them fit into what I like to call the “Seven Pillars” of 2000s rock: 1. Post-grunge (Nickelback, Creed, 3 Doors Down, etc.) 2. Nu-metal (Linkin Park, Disturbed, Korn, etc.) 3. Pop punk (Green Day, Blink-182, Fall Out Boy, etc.) 4. Adult alternative (Coldplay, Matchbox 20, Train, etc.) 5. Garage rock revival (White Stripes, Strokes, Jet, etc.) 6. Post-punk revival (Killers, Kings of Leon, Franz Ferdinand, etc.) 7. Indie rock/p4kcore (Modest Mouse, Arcade Fire, Grizzly Bear, etc.)

It would be interesting because these “pillars” had such big yet disparate fanbases – well, maybe Pillars 1 & 2 overlap a bit and 5 & 6 overlap a bit more – and thus there was no consensus about what the prevailing sound of 2000s rock was. What has radio determined the lasting sound of 2000s rock to be?

That’s an interesting idea. Thanks.

Just for fun, and to show you how maddening these exercises can be, I’m already going through the list and dividing the piles slightly differently because:

* I put Puddle of Mudd and Papa Roach and even Trapt with Linkin Park. I put Disturbed with Avenged Sevenfold!

* I’d probably put Franz Ferdinand in the garage rock pile because they kept their rock cred. Killers really go in the garage rock pile too but their profile as a band is more like KOL these days.

* Coldplay feels like a different pile from Matchbox 20/Train. I put them with Snow Patrol/Keane/etc., But modern AC 90s and modern AC 00s are perhaps just different because one has had more time to be adopted by Lite-FM AC.

Really, you could put a lot of 5/6/7 in one bucket called “True.Alt,” although some are truer than others. The Active stuff–music mostly abandoned by Alt now except for Linkin Park–is another set. Pop/punk, the unifier, is in the middle. My sense is that’s the music that has best endured on Alt radio.

Curious what your take is on iHeart’s dedicated Yacht Rock station? How does it compare?

Making a note to listen, thanks!

Listening right now. Like the others, it’s a mix of things that the creators count as “Yacht Rock” (“Jojo” by Boz Scaggs), things they don’t (“Hotel California” gets one of their lowest ratings, too), and some things that seem to count but on which no judgment has been issued (“Sara Smile”). Again, most listeners would regard them as of a piece, and the slug line “’70s and ’80s smooth soft rock” explains it all well enough.

Not only are there enough songs for a weekend, there are enough for a format- if you are willing to expand to about a 25 year range from 1968-1993. We’ve run like that on KTSO Tulsa for the last two and a half years and were #2 W35+ in March. Not bad for a Class A signal in an over-saturated market. Soft and Smooth, centered on 1978-1983 but with concentric circles out 10 years either side makes for a really fun station that all ages enjoy. It may not be the first choice for a Class C if a “regular” format hole is there, but for a small over-achiever station- it’s been a home-run.

Hi, Bob! Due for another listen!

I read with interest your recent observations of the Yacht Rock format. I’ve found that there many variations of it available from Sirius Xm, Pandora. Spotify, AccuRadio, Internet Stations, etc. Most have a 1970‘s – 80‘s set of titles.

I was a regular listener of “The Wow Factor” in Phoenix till it got geo-fenced and was not available anymore. I also liked “The Drive” in Tucson. Both gave you something different to listen to. I tried Yacht Rock, but I thought something was missing.

Before I go any further, let me explain that I left the radio business in 1988. I was part of the business from the 1960‘s through the late 1980‘s. I got to be a jock, music director, program director, sales rep, and finally general manager. I left the business because wasn’t as fun anymore. Corporate radio was just around the corner. I still love radio today, but now it has no excitement. Every station sounds the same only the music format is different.

I have a rather extensive music collection, so I decided to create my own derivation of Yacht Rock which I happen to call “Patio Rock.” Program and Music Directors are going to say “you can’t do that” with the number of titles in my format. How about 2280? (18 – from the 1950‘s. 415 from the 1960‘s, 1305 from the 1970‘s. 532 from the 1980‘s, and 10 from the 1990‘s.)

Why the Patio Rock name? Because all the songs are loaded on my computer’s Winamp Player set up on shuffle and crossfade. I play it through my stereo system with speakers on my patio. The neighbors love it. I aim the music toward a 45+ listener. Good music is still good music even if it’s old. Just make sure it blends right.

I like to have a lot of variety so playlist doesn’t repeat itself for days and days. All the titles reached top 40 for the year it was popular in. I’ve inserted some album versions and extended versions to break things up. I don’t have to worry about quarter hours and cume anymore. I feel good when somebody says “Man I haven’t heard that song in a long time!”

Here’s a sample of a couple hours of music.

Rickie Lee Jones – Chuck E’s In Love Marvin Gaye – Trouble Man Eric Clapton -Tulsa Time Linda Ronstadt – I Knew You When Carpenters – Sing B.J. Thomas – Don’t Worry Baby Spencer Davis Group – Gimme Some Lovin’ Bachman Turner Overdrive – Hey You Randy Van Warmer – Just When I Needed You Most Dolly Parton – Starting Over Again Chicago – Colour My World Neil Diamond – Song Sung Blue Jonathan Edwards – Sunshine Vicki Lawrence – The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia Roberta Flack & Donnie Hathaway – Where Is The Love Billy Joel – You May Be Right Paul Mc Cartney and Wings – Jet Barry Manilow – Trying To Get The Feeling Again Duprees – My Own True Love Hall & Oates – You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ Johnny Rivers – Help Me Rhonda Stevie Wonder – Isn’t She Lovely Giorgio Moroder – Son Of My Father Carly Simon – The Right Thing To Do Elvis Presley – Memories Gunhill Road – Back When My Hair Was Short KC And The Sunshine Band – That’s The Way I Like It Mike And The Mechanics – All I Need Christopher Cross – Ride Like The Wind Jennifer Warnes – I Know A Heartache When I See One Who – Squeeze Box Casinos – The You Can Tell Me Goodbye Beach Boys – Don’t Worry Baby Paul Young – Every Time You Go Away Crests – Sixteen Candles Paul Simon – Slip Slidin’ Away

For what it’s worth, I’m finding Yacht Rock on SiriusXM to be more disappointing than ever this year. Way too many unfamiliar/”deep cuts” to listen to.

Someone first mentioned “Yacht Rock” to me -and I wondered why the title? Not everyone has a yacht, and by definition “rock” denotes a much more strident form of music. Siriux/XM’s Thurston Howell imaging is one reason not to listen unless you’re as snooty as the station wants to be. There was an explosion of “soft” stations (The Breeze, etc.) -but where are they today? Not sure what kind of research has gone into this “format” but the screener must have been interesting.

Many successful AC stations these days are walking the thin line between AC and CHR – a statement that uptempo music isn’t a bad thing. Limiting the tempo of a station worked with Schulke and Marlin Taylor in the 70s but in 2024 the abundance of Classic Hits stations at or near the top of their markets suggests otherwise. You might hear a power ballad (“Iris”) – but you won’t hear “The Greatest Love Of All” by Whitney on KRTH.

Sean, your columns are always very fun to read, but as we’ve learned- a hit is a hit is a hit. Find out what the people want, and give it to ’em.

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Sean Ross is a radio business researcher, programming consultant, conference speaker, and a veteran of radio trade journalism at Billboard, Radio & Records, M Street Journal, and others. For more than a decade, his weekly writings have been collected in the Ross On Radio newsletter; subscribe for free here. https://tinyurl.com/mhcnx4u

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.css-aamugw{display:none;float:left;margin-right:0.5rem;}@media only screen and (max-height: 149px){.css-aamugw{display:block;}} Steely Dan • Yacht Rock Radio - 70s & 80s Smooth Soft Rock

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Set Sail with SiriusXM’s Yacht Rock: Tune to 14 & 311

Embark on a Smooth-Sailing Musical Voyage with Yacht Rock Radio

Welcome aboard the musical cruise of Yacht Rock Radio on Sirius XM! If you’ve been searching for “what channel is yacht rock on Sirius XM?”, you’ve just found your smooth-sailing destination. Yacht Rock Radio, also known as Yacht Rock 311, offers a commercial-free haven where the soft rock songs of the late ’70s and early ’80s come to life.

Your Port of Call for Classic Soft Rock

Yacht Rock Radio celebrates the very best of ’70s/’80s smooth-sailing soft rock. It’s where the iconic voices of Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Hall & Oates, and other titans of this mellow musical era’ll serenade you. This station encapsulates the essence of what was once known as the West-Coast sound or adult-orientated rock (AOR), now lovingly termed ‘Yacht Rock’, thanks to the 2005 online video series that coined this term.

Where to Tune In

Find your musical getaway on Sirius XM Radio 14 during the summer months, and on Sirius XM Radio 311 for the rest of the year. Yacht Rock Radio ensures that your listening experience is always top-notch, whether you’re basking in the summer sun or cozying up during the cooler months.

Why Choose Yacht Rock Radio on Sirius XM?

• Non-Stop Music: Immerse yourself in hours of uninterrupted soft rock classics.
• Expertly Curated: Each song is a handpicked gem, ensuring the finest listening experience.
• Seasonal Variations: Two channels for year-round enjoyment – Channel 14 in summer and 311 otherwise.

Set Sail with Sirius XM’s Yacht Rock Radio

Join the legion of yacht rock enthusiasts who’ve made Sirius XM’s Yacht Rock Radio their go-to station for smooth tunes. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of this genre or exploring it for the first time, channels 14 and 311 are your gateways to an era of music that soothes the soul and lifts the spirits.

Stay Connected with Thurston Howell

Keep in tune with the latest from Yacht Rock Radio and other yacht rock news by staying connected with us here at Thurston Howell. We’re your guide in the world of yacht rock, bringing you closer to the music that makes life a smooth sail.

Cast Away Your Worries with Smooth-Sailing Yacht Rock

Drop your anchor and relax with our yacht rock channels and shows.

It’s yacht rock season all year long at SiriusXM as we bring you your favorite smooth-sailing hits from the 1970s and ’80s. With channels like Yacht Rock Radio, Yacht Rock Deep Cuts, and Yacht Soul, plus exclusive shows like “Club Yacht Rock,” you’ll be instantly transported to turquoise seas and cool breezes.

Yacht Rock Channels on SiriusXM

Yacht rock radio.

Yacht Rock Radio has docked at satellite channel 17 for the 2024 summer season, playing artists like Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Steely Dan, and other titans of the genre. Plus, catch the brand-new weekly mix show “Club Yacht Rock.” It’s the kind of rock that doesn’t rock the boat!

Club Yacht Rock: Weekly Broadcast Schedule

An app-exclusive channel, Yacht Soul features nonstop soulful and funky (but still so, so smooth) R&B and soul from the late ’70s and early ’80s from artists like George Benson, Earth Wind & Fire, Lionel Richie, Bobby Caldwell, Quincy Jones, Kool & the Gang, Al Jarreau, and more.

Yacht Rock Deep Cuts

For the biggest yacht rock fans around, stream the Yacht Rock Deep Cuts channel — available exclusively on the SiriusXM app — for lesser-known (but still delightfully smooth) yacht rock songs.

What is yacht rock?

Yacht rock is more than just a musical style; it represents an era of laid-back sophistication and an easy-going lifestyle. While we may not all have a yacht, with yacht rock, we can still experience the vibes.

A genre of music that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, yacht rock is characterized by its smooth melodies and polished production popular among yacht-owning individuals during this era. The music often features lush arrangements and a clean, polished sound that is easy on the ears, with catchy lyrics and harmonious vocals. The overall feel is relaxed and laid-back, suitable for leisurely activities — like sailing on a yacht.

Yacht rock often incorporates elements of jazz and R&B. Saxophone solos and Fender Rhodes electric piano are common. The lyrics in yacht rock songs often explore themes of romance, introspection, and escapism. The tone is generally positive and reflective, matching the easy-going nature of the music.

Some of the most iconic yacht rock artists include Steely Dan, Toto, Michael McDonald (both solo and with The Doobie Brothers), Christopher Cross, Kenny Loggins, and Hall & Oates.

Today, yacht rock continues to be celebrated for its timeless appeal. Its smooth sounds continue to evoke a sense of nostalgia and relaxation, making it a beloved genre for many music enthusiasts.

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Yacht Rock Radio Ch. 17 rock

Yacht Rock Radio celebrates the smooth-sailing soft rock from the late '70s and early '80s. You'll hear artists like Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Steely Dan and other titans of smooth music. It's the kind of rock that doesn't rock the boat!

Sentimental Lady

• Bob Welch  

Magnet And Steel

• Walter Egan  

• Christopher Cross  

Afternoon Delight

• Starland Vocal Band  

Kiss You All Over

The Things We Do For Love

How Much I Feel

When I Need You

• Leo Sayer  

• Boz Scaggs  

Give Me the Night

• George Benson  

• Dobie Gray  

Laughter In The Rain

• NEIL SEDAKA  

• Nicolette Larson  

Baby Come Back

Devil Woman

• Cliff Richard  

Never Be The Same

Time Passages

• Al Stewart  

Yah-Mo Be There

• James Ingram  

Love Is The Answer

Reminiscing

• Little River Band  

Searchin' So Long

Sister Golden Hair

Let Your Love Flow

• Bellamy Brothers  

HOLD THE LINE

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