is there a yacht rock station on sirius xm

First Listen: SiriusXM’s Yacht Soul

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Each year SiriusXM’s Yacht Rock Radio reignites some ongoing, mostly playful skirmishes among radio people and music fans. Is “Yacht Rock” what the term’s creators define it as — ’70s/early-’80s soft rock with some element of R&B/jazz/disco fusion? Is it what SXM plays — a wider version of soft pop from the late ’70s/early ’80s? Why are we canonizing this music from pop music’s doldrums in the first place?

But if you’re eager to play along with that discussion, SXM has just launched Yacht Soul, as a pop-up format currently appearing on SiriusXM’s channel 105 through July 8, after which time it will remain available on the SXM app. The channel is hosted by George Benson, whose reminiscences about songs and artists are interspersed several times an hour.

The new channel is a reminder of R&B’s place at the center of yacht rock. However much weight you want to put on them at a fraught time for pop music, I’d rather hear Benson’s “Give Me the Night” or “Turn Your Love Around” than a lot of other hits from the same period. In turn, Benson, Quincy Jones, Al Jarreau, and George Duke & Stanley Clarke were chief among the artists who were able to cross over during the worst moments of the “disco backlash” that kept other great things happening in R&B away from pop radio in 1980-82.

Like SXM’s Yacht Rock Radio, Yacht Soul is a broad mix of mellow R&B from the same era. The hook promos include some things that seem defining (Dennis Edwards’ “Don’t Look Any Further,” Bobby Caldwell’s “What You Won’t Do for Love,” Chaka Khan’s “Through the Fire”) and others that feel less likely (Evelyn King’s “Love Come Down,” Diana Ross’ “Love Hangover,” Natalie Cole’s “Sophisticated Lady”). Chances are you just disagreed with at least one of my characterizations. Such is the discussion.

Here’s Yacht Soul at 9:30 a.m. on July 3:

• Fourplay, “101 Eastbound” — early ’90s instrumental that seems like more of a fit for Smooth Jazz
• Brothers Johnson, “Strawberry Letter 23”
• Quincy Jones f/Patti Austin, “Something Special”  
• Kool & the Gang, “Too Hot” — preceded by a vignette of George Benson talking about witnessing the band’s ascent
• Brenda Russell, “New York Bars” — her hits (“So Good So Right” and “Piano in the Dark”) were nearly a decade apart, in 1979 and 1988; this is from a 1983 album
• Bill Withers, “Lovely Day”
• Patti Labelle, “New Attitude”
• Manhattans, “Shining Star”
• Average White Band, “School Boy Crush”
• L.T.D., “Love Ballad” — Benson talks about hearing the original for the first time: “One of the best songs I ever heard.” Later, he would have a 1979 hit with his own uptempo version
• Atlanta Rhythm Section, “So Into You” — It did crack the R&B chart (No. 93) in 1977. Not the hit single, but what sounded like a longer album version
• William DeVaughn, “Be Thankful for What You Got” — 1974 hit that seems prescient in this context
• Bee Gees, “How Deep Is Your Love”
• Lionel Richie, “All Night Long (All Night)”
• El DeBarge, “Someone”
• George Benson, “This Masquerade” — Benson talks about not knowing the Leon Russell original, or Russell, when the song was brought to him, and his initial reluctance to cover it, or include a vocal on the Breezin’ album

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Hey Sean, Checking out Yacht Soul a bit. A little surprised to hear some cover versions (Everbody Plays The Fool – Aaron Neville and I Never Can Say Goodbye – Issac Hayes), but they are smooth and the channel is inyeresting and easy to listen to. JH

Caught Yacht Rock Radio for the first time, today. Channel 311, had to go looking. In 45 minutes’ time, listening….never heard a single female singer.

I like the mix mainly because it stretches about 25 years, more than double the approximate 10 years of traditional yacht rock. My only complaint so far is “Caravan of Love” being listed as by the Isley Bros.

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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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Thurston Howell Band: Your Premier Yacht Rock Spectacular

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.

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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!

Times Played: 93

Still The One

Times Played: 92

Baby Come Back

Times Played: 89

• Bill Withers  

Times Played: 88

So In To You

• Atlanta Rhythm Section  

Times Played: 87

Make It With You

Times Played: 86

Laughter In The Rain

• NEIL SEDAKA  

Times Played: 85

I'd Really Love To See You Tonight

• J.F.Coley  

Shower The People

• James Taylor  

Times Played: 84

Make a Little Magic

• Nitty Gritty Dirt Band  
• Nicolette Larson  

Biggest Part Of Me

Times Played: 83

• John Stewart  

Times Played: 82

Goodbye Stranger

• Supertramp  

Escape (The Pina Colada Song)

• Rupert Holmes  

• Robbie Dupree  

You're The Only Woman

Times Played: 81

Kiss You All Over

I Just Wanna Stop

• Gino Vanelli  

Diamond Girl

Times Played: 80

• Boz Scaggs  

Smooth Operator

Times Played: 79

You’re Only Lonely

• J.D. Souther  

Feels So Good

• Chuck Mangione  

• Paul Davis  

Baker Street

• Gerry Rafferty  

Times Played: 78

After The Love Has Gone

• Earth, Wind & Fire  

That Girl Could Sing

• Jackson Browne  

Times Played: 77

I Love a Rainy Night

• Eddie Rabbitt  

Times Played: 76

We're In This Love Together

• Al Jarreau  

Lido Shuffle

Times Played: 75

Let Your Love Flow

• Bellamy Brothers  

Times Played: 74

• Kool & The Gang  

Fooled Around And Fell In Love

• Elvin Bishop  

Morning Dance

• Spyro Gyra  

Times Played: 73

Reminiscing

• Little River Band  

Heart To Heart

• Kenny Loggins  

Times Played: 72

Turn Your Love Around

• George Benson  

Show and Tell

• Al Wilson  

• Bob Welch  

Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)

• Looking Glass  

Cool Change

Times Played: 71

• Andrew Gold  

Love Will Find A Way

• Pablo Cruise  

Whatcha Gonna Do

I Believe In Love

Times Played: 70

Never Too Much

• Luther Vandross  

Summer Breeze

Wishing You Were Here

Times Played: 69

Fool (If You Think It's Over)

• Chris Rea  

Thunder Island

• Jay Ferguson  

Searchin' So Long

Times Played: 68

• Kim Carnes  

Times Played: 67

Leather And Lace

• Stevie Nicks  
• Don Henley  

• Samantha Sang  

• Christopher Cross  

HOLD THE LINE

Afternoon Delight

• Starland Vocal Band  

Times Played: 66

Moonlight Feels Right

How 'Bout Us

• Champaign  

Devil Woman

• Cliff Richard  

Times Played: 65

Running On Empty

What You Won't Do For Love

• Bobby Caldwell  

• Dobie Gray  

Sentimental Lady

• Bertie Higgins  

Couldn't Get It Right

• Climax Blues Band  

Times Played: 64

Give Me the Night

It Never Rains In Southern California

• Albert Hammond  

How Much I Feel

Times Played: 62

Show And Tell

Into The Night

• Benny Mardones  

Ride Like The Wind

Nobody Does It Better

• Carly Simon  

Times Played: 61

Stumblin' In

• Chris Norman, Suzi Quatro  

Just Remember I Love You

Times Played: 60

Times Played: 59

Silly Love Songs (Remastered)

Times Played: 58

• Michael Martin Murphey  

Times Played: 57

• Daryl Hall  
• John Oates  

Times Played: 56

Save It For A Rainy Day

• Stephen Bishop  

Right Down The Line

Times Played: 55

Listen To The Music

• Doobie Brothers  

You Are The Woman

One Of These Nights

You Can Do Magic

Times Played: 54

I Keep Forgettin' (82)

• Michael McDonald  

• Fleetwood Mac  

Times Played: 51

Ride Captain Ride

• Blues Image  

Magnet And Steel

• Walter Egan  

Heart Of The Night

So Far Away

• Carole King  

Times Played: 50

Arthur's Theme

The Things We Do For Love

Love Is The Answer

Times Played: 49

Let Me Love You Tonight

• Pure Prairie League  

Every Kinda People

• Robert Palmer  

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