Anchors Aweigh: HBO Charts the Rise of Yacht Rock in New Doc
HBO’s latest Music Box entry, Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary, sails into harbor on November 29, offering a deep dive into the smooth grooves and timeless melodies of 1970s soft rock. Directed by Garret Price, known for Woodstock 99: Peace, Love, and Rage and Love, Antosha, the film explores the genre’s golden age and its surprising cultural resurgence in recent years. Watch the trailer below.
The Captains of Smooth Sailing
With cheeky charm and a nod to its laid-back roots, the documentary features profiles of artists who defined the era, including Michael McDonald, Steely Dan, Kenny Loggins, Toto, and Christopher Cross. Fans can expect a harmonious blend of nostalgia and insight as the film revisits a soundscape dominated by breezy melodies, intricate musicianship, and a pinch of excess.
While the genre was initially dismissed as overly polished or “easy listening,” Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary highlights how the impeccable artistry of its titans redefined pop sensibilities. The likes of McDonald’s soulful harmonies, Steely Dan’s cerebral arrangements, and Christopher Cross’s Grammy-winning hits helped carve out a niche that remains beloved today.
Behind the Helm
Price brings his storytelling finesse to the project, supported by producers Adam Gibbs and Madison Cross, and executive producers Jody Gerson, Marc Cimino, and Bill Simmons, creator of ESPN’s 30 f0r 30 docuseries. Co-executive producers Geoff Chow and Sean Fennessey round out the team. The documentary promises a blend of behind-the-scenes anecdotes and a celebration of hits that dominated the FM dial.
Smooth Sailing Awaits
The trailer teases a nostalgic wave of yacht rock essentials, from “What a Fool Believes” to “Africa.” Whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious about this soft-rock phenomenon, Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary promises smooth sailing into one of music’s most fascinating eras.
