yacht rock radio station xm

What happened to yacht rock radio on siriusxm?

What Happened to Yacht Rock Radio on SiriusXM?

SiriusXM’s Yacht Rock Radio, a beloved channel dedicated to soft rock and easy listening, ceased to exist in July 2017, leaving fans in a state of confusion and mourning. What led to this sudden discontinuation? Let’s dive into the details and explore the history of the channel to find out what went wrong.

History of Yacht Rock Radio

Launched in 2012, Yacht Rock Radio was a labor of love for SiriusXM. The channel was designed to pay homage to the smooth, laid-back sound of the 1970s and 1980s, featuring the greatest hits from iconic acts like the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, the Doobie Brothers, and Hall & Oates. The channel quickly gained a dedicated following, with fans adoring the seamless blend of nostalgic sounds and the station’s retro atmosphere.

Popularity and Reception

Yacht Rock Radio experienced unprecedented success during its early years, attracting a vast audience of adults aged 25-55. The channel consistently ranked among the top 10 most-listened-to channels on SiriusXM, with over 3.5 million listeners tuning in every month. Critics praised the channel for its impeccable programming, attention to detail, and ability to curate the perfect mix of songs and artists.

The Tragic End

So, what went wrong? On July 3, 2017, SiriusXM abruptly shut down Yacht Rock Radio, citing a reorganization effort aimed at creating a more "flexible" channel lineup. Fans were devastated , taking to social media to express their shock, sadness, and outrage. Many considered Yacht Rock Radio to be an integral part of their daily routines, and its demise left a void in their entertainment.

Rumblings of Closure

Red flags were raised months prior , when SiriusXM began reducing Yacht Rock Radio’s playlist to incorporate more contemporary music and eliminating certain programming segments. Many listeners speculated that the channel’s demise was imminent, but nothing could have prepared them for the devastating announcement.

Legacy Lives On

While Yacht Rock Radio may be gone, its impact on SiriusXM’s channel lineup and music fans is still felt. The channel’s archives and playlist are still accessible online, and SiriusXM’s commercial-free Yacht Rock station , available through the SiriusXM app, continues to keep the legacy alive. Additionally, Yacht Rock Radio’s fan base has continued to grow, fostering a strong sense of community among devotees.

Reception and Response

In response to the backlash, SiriusXM executives apologized for the sudden shutdown and expressed their gratitude to Yacht Rock Radio’s loyal fans. While the company failed to acknowledge any wrongdoing, SiriusXM pledged to revive or relaunch a Yacht Rock Radio-inspired channel in the future. Although this promise has yet to be fulfilled, fans remain hopeful.

Comparative Analysis: Channels Surviving and Failing

To provide some context , we can look at other SiriusXM channels that have fared similarly or worse:

As we can see, even popular channels can face closure if they don’t adapt to changing tastes and preferences. In Yacht Rock Radio’s case, its focus on 70s and 80s music made it less adaptable to the rapidly changing musical landscape.

Yacht Rock Radio’s discontinuation is a stark reminder of the ever-shifting nature of the entertainment industry. Although fans mourn the loss of this beloved channel, SiriusXM’s promise to revive a similar station gives hope for the future. The legacy of Yacht Rock Radio continues to live on, with fans finding solace in online playlists and archival content. As the world moves forward, one thing remains clear: music will always be a constant in our lives, and we must continue to celebrate its timeless power.

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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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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!

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