yacht rock radio voice siriusxm

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.

Is Yacht Rock On Sirius? (Here’s What You Need to Know)

Are you a fan of smooth and mellow music? If so, Yacht Rock is the perfect genre for you.

But is it available on SiriusXM? In this article, we will answer that question and provide a deeper look into the genre of Yacht Rock.

We will explore what Yacht Rock is, what SiriusXM is, and how to listen to Yacht Rock on SiriusXM.

Additionally, we will discuss the benefits of listening to Yacht Rock, popular Yacht Rock artists, and the genres influencing Yacht Rock.

Get ready to learn about Yacht Rock on SiriusXM.

Table of Contents

Short Answer

Yes, yacht rock is on Sirius.

It is on SiriusXM Channel 3, and can be heard on the SiriusXM app.

It plays classic yacht rock hits from the 70s and 80s, as well as newer yacht rock tracks.

It also includes special programming such as artist interviews and deep cuts.

What is Yacht Rock?

Yacht rock is a popular music genre that has been around since the late 1970s.

This music is typically characterized by a smooth, relaxing sound, often accompanied by soft rock and pop elements.

While the genre has its roots in the soft rock of the 70s, it has evolved over the years to incorporate elements from a variety of other genres including R&B, jazz, and even funk.

The genre is often referred to as yacht music due to its relaxed, laid-back sound and its association with the leisurely lifestyle of wealthy individuals who own yachts.

The lyrics of yacht rock songs often focus on themes such as love, friendship, and relaxation.

While some songs may tell a story, many are simply about enjoying life and taking things slow.

This relaxed sound and easy-going lyrical content makes yacht rock a great choice for those looking to unwind and relax.

Yacht rock is also known for its catchy melodies, often featuring a distinctive saxophone or guitar solo.

Yacht rock is a genre of music that has seen a resurgence in recent years.

With the popularity of streaming services like Spotify, fans of the genre can now easily access a wealth of yacht rock songs from the comfort of their own homes.

In addition, SiriusXM now offers a dedicated Yacht Rock channel that plays nothing but the smoothest, most relaxing tunes from this era.

With this channel, fans of the genre can get their fill of all their favorite yacht rock hits.

So, if youre looking for a relaxing way to enjoy your day, be sure to check out SiriusXMs Yacht Rock channel.

What is SiriusXM?

SiriusXM is a satellite radio service that offers a huge variety of music, news, and sports programming.

The service is available in both the United States and Canada and offers over 200 different channels of programming, including dozens of music genres, sports talk shows, and news programs.

Music channels feature a variety of genres, including alternative, classic rock, hip-hop, and country.

SiriusXM also offers a selection of comedy channels, talk shows, and public radio stations.

It also offers a range of entertainment options, such as radio plays, podcasts, and more.

SiriusXM also offers a wide variety of exclusive programming, such as exclusive live performances, artist Q&As, and exclusive interviews with musicians, actors, and other celebrities.

In addition to its music, talk, and sports programming, SiriusXM also offers a variety of special channels, such as its Yacht Rock channel.

This channel offers a smooth and relaxing selection of classic yacht rock hits from the 1970s and 1980s, perfect for relaxing on the deck of your boat or just kicking back after a long day.

So if you’re looking for a relaxing way to enjoy your day, be sure to check out SiriusXM’s Yacht Rock channel.

Yacht Rock on SiriusXM

The Yacht Rock channel on SiriusXM is the perfect way to get your fill of smooth and relaxing tunes from the late 1970s.

This channel plays nothing but the best yacht rock hits from the era, making it the ultimate destination for fans of this genre.

From relaxing classics like Sailing by Christopher Cross to timeless hits like Ride Like the Wind by Michael McDonald, the Yacht Rock channel has something for everyone.

Plus, with the SiriusXM app, you can listen to the channel anywhere you go, so you can always have your favorite yacht rock tunes with you.

With the Yacht Rock channel, you can enjoy all the smooth and soothing tunes you love without having to endure the often noisy and chaotic atmosphere of a radio station.

Additionally, the channel offers a variety of programming, including weekly specials, live performances, and curated playlists.

This means that youll never get bored of hearing the same songs over and over again.

With its wide selection of smooth and soothing tunes, youll be able to kick back and relax in no time.

Benefits of Listening to Yacht Rock

Yacht rock is the perfect genre of music to relax and unwind with.

It’s smooth, melodic sound creates a tranquil atmosphere that can help to calm the mind and soothe the soul.

The genre is heavily influenced by the popular music of the late 70s and early 80s, so it is sure to bring back a wave of nostalgia for those who lived through that era.

Additionally, since the music is so chill, it makes for great background music when you need to concentrate on work or studying.

Yacht rock also has a unique sound that is distinct from other genres.

Its sound is made up of a combination of pop, rock, and R&B elements, which come together to create an easy-listening vibe that is perfect for any occasion.

Whether youre looking for something to chill out to, or some upbeat music to get you through the day, yacht rock has something for everyone.

One of the best ways to listen to Yacht Rock is through SiriusXMs dedicated Yacht Rock channel.

This channel plays nothing but the smoothest, most relaxing tunes from this era, so you can get your fill of all your favorite yacht rock hits.

Not only will you get to hear all of your favorite songs, but you’ll also be able to discover new music from the genre.

Yacht rock is a great genre of music to listen to, and with SiriusXMs dedicated Yacht Rock channel, you can easily access all your favorite songs.

So if youre looking for a chill way to enjoy your day, be sure to check out the Yacht Rock channel on SiriusXM.

Popular Yacht Rock Artists

Yacht rock is a genre of music that has been enjoyed by fans since the late 1970s.

It is typically characterized by a smooth, mellow sound that is heavily influenced by the pop, rock, and R&B of the time.

Many popular artists have been associated with the genre, including Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, and Hall & Oates.

Other notable yacht rock artists include Steely Dan, Toto, The Doobie Brothers, and Christopher Cross.

The genre gained its name from the fact that it was often heard on the radio while sailing on yachts in the Mediterranean Sea.

For those looking to listen to some of the best yacht rock hits, SiriusXM now offers a dedicated Yacht Rock channel.

This channel plays nothing but the smoothest, most relaxing tunes from this era, giving fans of the genre their fill of all their favorite yacht rock hits.

So if youre looking for a relaxing way to enjoy your day, be sure to check out SiriusXM’s Yacht Rock channel.

Genres Influencing Yacht Rock

Yacht rock, or “smooth rock,” is a genre of music that draws from a variety of influences, including pop, rock, R&B, and even jazz.

At its core, it is characterized by a smooth, relaxing sound that has been described as “soft rock” or “adult contemporary.

” It was popularized in the late 1970s and early 1980s as a style of music that was easy to listen to and had wide appeal.

Yacht rock has its roots in a few different styles of music.

It draws from the soulful sounds of classic R&B, the harmonies of pop, the energy of rock and roll, and the improvisational aspects of jazz.

All of these influences come together to create a sound that is both soothing and uplifting.

The yacht rock genre is often associated with the era of its origin, the late 1970s and early 1980s.

During this time, many of the popular artists of the day were influenced by the genre, including Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Toto, and Steely Dan.

These artists helped to popularize the genre, and it has continued to be a popular choice for music fans ever since.

Now, SiriusXM is offering a dedicated Yacht Rock channel that plays nothing but the smoothest, most relaxing tunes from the era.

So, if you’re looking for a relaxing way to enjoy your day, be sure to check out SiriusXM’s Yacht Rock channel.

How to Listen to Yacht Rock on SiriusXM

Listening to Yacht Rock on SiriusXM is easy! All you need to do is tune in to channel 30 on your SiriusXM radio and you’ll be able to enjoy all the smooth, relaxing tunes from the Yacht Rock genre.

The channel is available in both the US and Canada, so no matter where you are, you can take advantage of the smooth sounds of Yacht Rock.

If you’re not a subscriber to SiriusXM, you can still enjoy the Yacht Rock channel by streaming it online.

Just visit SiriusXM’s website and sign up for a free trial.

During your trial period, you’ll have access to all the channels available on SiriusXM, including the Yacht Rock channel.

When your trial period ends, you can decide whether or not you want to continue your subscription.

If you’re looking for an even more convenient way to listen to Yacht Rock on SiriusXM, you can download the SiriusXM app for your smartphone or tablet.

The app is available for both Android and iOS devices, so no matter what type of device you have, you’ll be able to enjoy the Yacht Rock channel whenever and wherever you go.

So there you have it.

Listening to Yacht Rock on SiriusXM is simple and convenient.

With the dedicated Yacht Rock channel, you can get your fill of all your favorite yacht rock hits whenever you want.

Final Thoughts

Yacht rock is a unique and relaxing genre of music that has been around since the late 1970s.

Now, with SiriusXM’s dedicated Yacht Rock channel, fans of the genre can get their fill of all their favorite hits.

This channel offers a great way to relax and enjoy the day with music from some of the most popular yacht rock artists.

So, if you want to take a break from your day and enjoy some smooth, relaxing tunes, be sure to check out SiriusXM’s Yacht Rock channel.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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Yacht Rock Radio Presents

Rock the dock, saturday, april 27, 2024.

Yacht Rock Radio presents Ambrosia, Peter Beckett the Voice of Player, John Ford Coley, and Walter Egan. Saturday April 27 at the Bergen PAC in Englewood, NJ. Sail Away with these Ocean Size Yacht Rock Hits from the original artists! Biggest Part of Me, How Much I Feel, You’re The Only Woman, Baby Come Back, This Time I’m In It For Love, It’s Sad To Belong, I’d Really Love To See You Tonight, Love Is The Answer, Magnet and Steel, and a Yacht more!

Yacht Rock Radio is available for your terrestrial radio station. This 2 hour weekly show is perfect for Classic Hits, Light Rock, Soft Rock, Oldies, and Variety radio. Contact Yacht Rock Radio program director Captain Adam at [email protected] for more details.

Welcome to Yacht Rock Radio

Climb aboard with your Captain’s Hat and Cold Beverage and get ready to cruise thru the cool sounds of the late 70’s and early 80’s that will make you yearn for that Southern California sound that made the marina rock.

Our Captain

Yacht Rock Radio is captained by Adam Ritz. Adam is a 25 year veteran of radio and tv, and a 40 year fan of what we know now as Yacht Rock! The first song he ever played on Yacht Rock Radio was Baker Street by Gerry Rafferty. These songs, “take me back to a nostalgia that makes me smile remembering the easy life from 1976 to 1983.’ Adam also hosts The Adam Ritz Show, a nationally syndicated Public Affairs radio show, with recent episodes at The Adam Ritz Show .

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© 2024 Yacht Rock Radio

Yacht Rock Radio

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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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Press Releases

Siriusxm sets sail with yacht rock performances from kenny loggins and christopher cross.

Invite-only concert on a yacht on New York’s Hudson River on June 13 

NEW YORK – May 31, 2022 – SiriusXM announced today that yacht rock vanguards Kenny Loggins and Christopher Cross will celebrate the summer season with a special invitation-only concert cruise for SiriusXM listeners on Monday, June 13.

SiriusXM Presents Yacht Rock the Boat with Kenny Loggins and Christopher Cross will feature Loggins and Cross performing their smoothest hits for Yacht Rock Radio listeners and fans as they set sail around New York City on the Horizon’s Edge yacht. The performances will also be heard on SiriusXM’s Yacht Rock Radio on Friday, June 17 at 8:00 pm ET. 

“At the time we were creating this new kind of music that was happening organically – we had no idea it would turn into what is now known as Yacht Rock. I’m excited to bring it all full circle and perform some of those same songs on a yacht for the first time in my career,” said Kenny Loggins.

SiriusXM’s Yacht Rock Radio features smooth-sailing soft rock from the late 70s and early 80s from artists like Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Steely Dan, Christopher Cross, Toto, America, Ambrosia and more. It’s the kind of rock that doesn’t rock the boat. Yacht Rock Radio will be available all summer long from Wednesday, June 1 through Monday, September 5 on SiriusXM radios (ch. 14) and on the SXM App. The channel is also available year-round on SiriusXM channel 311.

For information on how to attend SiriusXM Presents Yacht Rock the Boat with Kenny Loggins and Christopher Cross, please visit: www.siriusxm.com/YachtRockNewYork

SiriusXM’s Yacht Rock Radio is available to subscribers nationwide on SiriusXM radios, the SXM App, and with Amazon Alexa, the Google Assistant or however they stream at home. Streaming access is included with all of SiriusXM’s trials and most popular plans.

About SiriusXM

Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: SIRI) is the leading audio entertainment company in North America, and the premier programmer and platform for subscription and digital advertising-supported audio products. SiriusXM’s platforms collectively reach approximately 150 million listeners, the largest digital audio audience across paid and free tiers in North America, and deliver music, sports, talk, news, comedy, entertainment and podcasts. Pandora, a subsidiary of SiriusXM, is the largest ad-supported audio entertainment streaming service in the U.S. SiriusXM's subsidiaries Stitcher, Simplecast and AdsWizz make it a leader in podcast hosting, production, distribution, analytics and monetization. The Company’s advertising sales arm, SXM Media, leverages its scale, cross-platform sales organization, and ad tech capabilities to deliver results for audio creators and advertisers. SiriusXM, through Sirius XM Canada Holdings, Inc., also offers satellite radio and audio entertainment in Canada. In addition to its audio entertainment businesses, SiriusXM offers connected vehicle services to automakers. For more about SiriusXM, please go to: www.siriusxm.com .

Source: SiriusXM

Media contacts for SiriusXM:

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Released May 31, 2022

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Yacht Rock 311 Ch. 311 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!

First Heard:

So Far Away

• Carole King  

Fooled Around And Fell In Love

• Elvin Bishop  

You Like Me Don't You

• Jermaine Jackson  

Can't Hide Love

• Earth Wind & Fire  

Love X Love

• George Benson  

What's On Your Mind

You're Never Too Far From Me

The Way I Want To Touch You

• Captain & Tennille  

One Hundred Ways

• Quincy Jones ft. James Ingram  

Let 'Em In (Remastered)

• Robert John  

She's Always A Woman

• Billy Joel  

• Seals & Crofts  

Where Is the Love

• Donny Hathaway-Roberta Flack  

• Larry Carlton  

Mr. Briefcase

• Lee Ritenour  

You Can't Change That

The Logical Song

• Supertramp  

Never Gonna Let You Go

• Sergio Mendes  

Just the Way You Are

More Than A Woman

Let It Flow (For Dr. J.)

• Grover Washington Jr.  

Blinded by the Light

• Manfred Mann's Earth Band  

Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight

• James Taylor  

• Boz Scaggs  

Silly Love Songs (Remastered)

Fooled Around and Fell in Love

Shower The People

• Brothers Johnson  

Nobody Does It Better

• Carly Simon  

Killing Me Softly With His Song

• Roberta Flack  

Laughter In The Rain

• NEIL SEDAKA  

Cat's In The Cradle

• Harry Chapin  

It Never Rains In Southern California

• Albert Hammond  

Muskrat Love

Lady Love Me

• Bill Withers  

Can't Say Goodbye

• Bobby Caldwell  

Down For The Third Time

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Not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with Sirius XM Radio Inc. The official SiriusXM website can be found at siriusxm.com . The channel names, marks, emblems and images are registered trademarks of their respective owners.

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The greatest Yacht Rock songs of all time

Posted: 1 December 2023 | Last updated: 1 December 2023

How does one describe yacht rock? The folks at MasterClass did a pretty good job. Essentially, it's a component of soft rock, adult contemporary, and Album-oriented rock (AOR) all rolled into one. Popular in the late 1970s and into the '80s, there are some notable tunes of the ilk (smooth rhythms, light or "breezy" vocals, well-polished and produced) from earlier in the '70s that fall into this category.

In the spirit of easy listening fare, here is our ranking of 22 great yacht rock tunes.

20. "Lonely Boy" (1977), Andrew Gold

The Southern Californian's biggest hit, reaching No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. Yacht rock tracks often tell stories, and "Lonely Boy" is one of the great story songs. Whether it's autobiographical in nature has always been ripe for a casual argument. Though Gold, who passed away in 2011 at age 59, repeatedly claimed this song about a boy who felt left out following the birth of his sister was not depicting his life. The 1970s were ripe for one-hit wonders in the United States, and Gold is not still forgotten. 

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19. "I Love You" (1981), Climax Blues Band

"I Love You"  is a sweet, endearing ballad. The kind of song that probably sounded great via that portable 8-track cassette player on a catamaran during an early '80s' summer. From England, Climax Blues Band scored a top-15 hit with "I Love You." Love was a dependable and generally successful topic for artists within the soft/yacht rock genre. In fact, the song is still quite popular on lite rock and adult contemporary radio stations on your FM dial for those who still like to hear their music that way. 

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18. "Rosanna" (1982), Toto

Toto rightfully has a place in the yacht rock world, but the band also broke into the top-40, FM radio, and MTV mainstream with the release of 1982's Toto IV . "Rosanna" was a big reason for the album's success, peaking at No. 2 on Billboard 's Hot 100 and winning the Record of the Year Grammy Award. Sure, it's not typical yacht rock fare, per se. It's certainly heavier than other popular tracks on this list, but it's certainly a product of AOR and still routinely played in dentist offices throughout America. 

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17. "Love Will Keep Us Together" (1975), Captain & Tennille

There are those historians who believe the first true example of yacht rock came with this popular '70s staple from the "Captain" Daryl Dragon  and his wife Toni Tennille. Now, Neil Sedaka  wrote "Love Will Keep Us Together" and originally recorded the song two years earlier. Still, the duo's version was  more poppy, with a carefree vibe  that's ideal for FM radio. While Captain & Tennille's cover won a Record of the Year Grammy Award, Sedaka has noted that the Beach Boys were one of the inspirations for the tune. This makes sense since many music critics, professionals, historians, etc.. have credited the yacht rock genre as somewhat of an offshoot from the Beach Boys' collective sound. 

16. "Escape (The Pina Colada Song)" (1979), Rupert Holmes

This No.1 Billboard Hot 100 hit for England's Rupert Holmes has achieved a steady cult following over the years. Perhaps, because of the unique title and conjured images of some warm, beach-laden paradise. Yacht rock's association with summer, water, and care-free living, as a backdrop to a romantic story, is one of its appealing aspects. This song is about a couple who ultimately patch up a rough relationship through personal ads . Any time somebody of a certain age sips one of these drinks, ideally at some Caribbean resort with the warm winds off the ocean blowing, "The Pina Colada Song" should come to mind.

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15. "Reminiscing" (1978), Little River Band

Formed in Australia, the soft/pop rock and often yacht rock stylings of LRB were a hit in the United States. " Reminiscing " was the band's biggest hit in America, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Like many songs of this genre, "Reminiscing" is paced by the electric piano. Which also happened to be a staple of the Little River Band. Sure, it's not "breezy" like other yacht rock tunes, but Will Ferrell's Det. Allen Gamble is a big fan in The Other Guys (2010).

14. "Africa" (1982), Toto

Yes, more from Toto. If there's one popular Toto hit that whole-heartedly falls under the yacht rock moniker, it's " Africa ." The group's only song to top the Billboard Hot 100, and made a resurgence with Weezer's popular cover in recent years , "Africa," is the proper combination of mellow and poppy. It continues the Toto tradition of shared vocals, while the consistent synthesizer and keyboard presence, though more pronounced than the typical soft rock/adult contemporary vibe. 

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13. "How Much I Feel" (1978), Ambrosia

L.A.'s Ambrosia, co-founded by vocalist/guitarist/songwriter David Pack and bassist Joe Puerta was all about the soft rock sound that surfaced in Southern California during the early 1970s. "How Much I Feel," from the group's third album Life Beyond L.A. , might have more of an adult contemporary vibe but certainly falls into the yacht rock category. It was one of the band's biggest hits, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. It's remained popular over the years, even being sampled by Kanye West.

12. "Peg" (1977), Steely Dan

Steely Dan was, in its prime, under the direction of celebrated songwriters Donald Fagan and Walter Becker, many things regarding a collective sound. Rock, pop, jazz, blues. Usually melodic, well within the soft-rock category. Songs like "Peg," from the 1977 masterpiece Aja , certainly has a yacht rock vibe, too. Perhaps most notably is that the great Michael McDonald, longtime frontman of the Doobie Brothers and driving singer-songwriter in the soft/yacht rock circles, provides backing vocals on the track. 

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11. "Biggest Part of Me" (1980), Ambrosia

It really does get more yacht rock than this—smooth , with a flowing rhythm, precise, but not overbearing, harmonies . Not to mention the subtly stellar keyboard work from David C. Lewis. Throw in sessionist Ernie Watts' sax solo, and we have one great soft/yacht offering. It was the second of Ambrosia's two top-5 hits, reaching No. 3 on Billboard 's Hot 100. The version from the 1980s One Eighty  album runs about 5 1/2 minutes long. Talk about pure easy-listening joy.

10. "Summer Breeze" (1972), Seals & Crofts"

Long considered one of the great "summer songs" ever recorded. And summer-themed tunes from the 1970s tend to lend themselves to the yacht rock moniker. That said, Seals & Crofts were definitely a soft rock outfit, but with elements of folk and pop. "Summer Breeze" peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 during the 1970s and, again, is notable for being one of the earliest yacht rock offerings. Several other prominent artists, such as Ray Conniff, the Isley Brothers, and a stellar metal version from Type O Negative. 

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9. "Ride Like the Wind" (1979), Christopher Cross

It's safe to say that Christopher Cross is the king of yacht rock. A brilliant songwriter and above-average guitar player, Cross could rock, but it's his definitive soft rock numbers that made him a star with lite-FM, adult contemporary and yacht rock fans. "Ride Like the Wind"  is the first single from Cross' stellar five-time Grammy-Award-winning self-titled debut from 1979. A more upbeat number about an outlaw running from the authorities, the track is less uplifting than other yacht rock tunes, but the vibe is the same. Of note, Michael McDonald provided backing vocals.

8. "Baby Come Back" (1977), Player

From John Friesen's steady drum intro to that durably underlaid bass line via Ron Moss to J.C. Crowley's keyboard presence begins the soft-rock brilliance of "Baby Come Back." With lyrics describing the yearning to reacquire a lost love and full-band harmonies, "Baby Come Back" just might be the quintessential offering of the yacht rock genre. It was the biggest hit for Player , the L.A.-based group that featured vocalist and song co-writer Peter Beckett, who was born in England. The tune topped the Billboard Hot 100 and still has a presence with its inclusion in films such as Transformers and  Black Adam.  Plus, various versions in popular TV shows like The Simpsons. American Dad  and King of the Hill.

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7. "What a Fool Believes" (1979), The Doobie Brothers

The Doobie Brothers were a rather hard-rocking outfit before Michael McDonald joined up in the mid-1970s. The band was in need of an established songwriter, and McDonald delivered. However, with a more mellow, synthesizer/electric piano-driven sound that produced soft-rock gems like this one. Co-written by Kenny Loggins, who put out a version for himself, "What a Fool Believes" hit No. 1 on the Hot 100 in April 1979. Several critics have cited this as the best song in the vast Doobie Brothers catalog. 

6. "Steal Away" (1980), Robbie Dupree

If you're going to be a one-hit wonder, why not make it count? More than 30 years since its release, " Steal Away " can still be heard in elevators and office buildings throughout the United States -- or in the third season of Better Call Saul . Undeniably yacht rock, Dupree, born in Brooklyn, enjoyed success with the song during the summer of 1980 -- always a perfect time to enjoy the smooth, soothing sounds of a piece within this genre that peaked at No. 6 on Billboar d's Hot 100.

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5. "Moonlight Feels Right" (1975), Starbuck

Here's a case where middle-aged and baby-boomer music fans probably remember the song but perhaps not the group who performed the track. That's OK. Atlanta's Starbuck is essentially a one-hit wonder thanks to "Moonlight Feels Right," which topped out at No. 3 on Billboard 's Hot 100. For those who remember this track for its lite-flowing beat, with lyrical references to the ocean, "Baltimore," and 'Ole Miss," and band member Bo Wagner marimba solo, it might take them back to a simpler, more laidback time in their lives.

4. "Heart to Heart" (1982), Kenny Loggins

Perhaps more so than the previously mentioned "This Is It," "Heart to Heart" truly has all the requirements of a great yacht rock/soft rock tune. It was co-written by Michael McDonald, who also played the electric piano and provided backing vocals. David Foster, of Chicago songwriting and '80s ballad fame, also helped compose the tune, which features David Sanborn on saxophone. The track is one of Loggins' best-known hits, cracking the top 20 of the Hot 100.

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3. "Lowdown" (1976), Boz Scaggs

Co-written by David Paich and featuring Jeff Porcaro on drums -- both of whom who go on to form the aforementioned Toto. One of Scaggs most well-known hits, "Lowdown"  has a bluesy and almost disco vibe. And a number we can imagine being played at some swanky yacht club party where the dance floor is filled, and more than a few people are sporting captain's hats. The song reached No. 3 on Billboard 's Hot 100 and also topped the Billboard Cash Box chart in the United States.

2. "Key Largo" (1981), Bertie Higgins

Yacht rock and one-hit wonders seem to go hand-in-hand. Higgins scored one in the early 1980s with this number that reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. The Florida native was inspired to write this song about trying to avoid a romantic breakup by the 1948 movie of the same name, starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, who are referenced in the tune. Though Higgins never enjoyed the same individual success as a musician, the song has had a solid shelf life and remains a definitive moment in the yacht rock genre.

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1. "Sailing" (1979), Christopher Cross

Sure, "Ride Like the Wind" is a gem, but the undisputed star of Cross' aforementioned debut album is the Hot 100-chart-topper "Sailing." It might be the definitive yacht rock song, capturing what Cross described, at the time, the "West Coast sound," which was long being composed, produced and performed, but maybe didn't have an appropriate moniker. The song won Grammys for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Arrangement of the Year, and was a big reason Cross earned the same award for Best New Artist.

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Tony Pigg, Celebrated D.J. of FM’s Golden Age, Dies at 85

Arising from the free-form San Francisco radio scene of the 1960s, he became an influential voice on the powerhouse WPLJ in New York.

By Alex Williams

Tony Pigg, a silky-voiced disc jockey who rode high during FM radio’s golden era — first supplying extended jams to the psychedelic underground on the seminal San Francisco radio station KSAN in the 1960s and later at the powerhouse rock station WPLJ in New York — died on April 26 at his home in Manhattan. He was 85.

His death was announced by his wife, Lucinda Scala Quinn.

Howard Stern recently said on his SiriusXM satellite radio show that he was enamored with Mr. Pigg’s work when he was growing up on Long Island.

“He was one of those guys I was really jealous of,” Mr. Stern said. “When I was growing up I was like, ‘I want to be on the radio, but I don’t have a voice like Tony Pigg.’”

Jim Kerr, another mainstay of the once-dominant WPLJ, said in a statement: “The warmth and wit of Tony Pigg entertained an entire generation of New York radio listeners. His talent was a major reason why in the 1970s, WPLJ became the most-listened-to FM station in America and is so fondly remembered today.”

Mr. Pigg’s deep, sonorous voice was also a staple of television. For three decades he was the announcer for the long-running New York-based live morning show originally co-hosted by Regis Philbin , which has evolved into “Live With Kelly and Mark,” now starring Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos.

Tony Pigg was born Richard Joseph Quinn on April 11, 1939, in Sacramento to Philomena (Cantisano) Quinn, a court stenographer, and Joseph Quinn, a corrections officer and milkman. He studied art under the painter Wayne Thiebaud at California State University, Sacramento, and served a stint in the Army before deciding to pursue a career in radio.

He dropped out of college to get his radio license and, after honing his craft at stations in Winslow, Ariz., and his hometown, landed at KSAN, a soundtrack of San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury scene. It was there that his original “nom de disc,” as he called it — Tony (after a favorite uncle) Bigg (because he was 6-foot-4) — morphed into “Tony Pigg” after a colleague garbled “Bigg” during a meeting.

“It was funny, so I kept it,” he said in a 1983 interview with The Daily Item of Port Chester, N.Y. “Even though it was funny for about a week.”

The station was not a place where people got hung up on particulars. “We were a bunch of hippies — longhaired freaks,” he told The Daily News of New York in 1989.

Eschewing Top 40 playlists and breathless D.J. banter for deep album cuts and anti-establishment satire, KSAN served as a cradle for local bands like Jefferson Airplane, Santana and the Grateful Dead.

Mr. Pigg was particularly close to the Dead, whom he knew through his friend Owsley Stanley , who helped finance the band as well as warp their perceptions, thanks to the fabled LSD he produced.

In 1970, Mr. Pigg moved to New York to join WABC-FM, which soon became WPLJ. A staple of the metropolitan airwaves, it helped pioneer the album-oriented rock format, which focused on popular tracks from heavyweights like the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie — basically classic rock before it was “classic.”

He spent more than a decade at the station, which now has a Christian contemporary format. He later manned the microphones at the New York stations WXRK (known as K-Rock) and WNEW-FM.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children from a previous marriage, Mark and Lisa Quinn; three other sons, Calder, Miles and Luca Quinn; and a granddaughter.

Listeners over the years hailed Mr. Pigg for his unflappable on-air persona, a manner both warm and cool. In the words of The Daily News, he could “convincingly juggle ‘Mr. Wild, Crazy and Irreverent’ with ‘Mr. Committed Citizen.’”

He had plenty to say, but he measured out his on-air commentary in carefully calibrated doses.

“My own personal theory is just shut up and play the music,” he told The Daily Item. “If I can enhance the music by succinct phrases or inflections, that is really the ultimate craft in jockdom.”

Alex Williams is a Times reporter on the Obituaries desk. More about Alex Williams

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