Yacht rock genre gains cultural presence in New Jersey

The musical genre known as ‘yacht rock’—a fusion of soft rock, jazz, and R&B characterized by polished production—has transitioned from a satirical label to a significant cultural presence in New Jersey.

Although the music originated in the 1970s and 1980s as adult contemporary, the term ‘yacht rock’ was actually coined in 2005 via a satirical web series created for Dan Harmon’s Channel 101 in Los Angeles. The mockumentary featured musicians such as Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Steely Dan, and Christopher Cross.

Today, the genre maintains a presence in the region through various performances, including the Yacht Rock Gold Experience at the State Theatre New Jersey and the show ‘Ready or Yacht’ at the Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan.