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Michael McDonald is the undisputed king of a resurgence of smooth songs from the 1970s called “yacht rock.” His music is forever intertwined with the genre’s laid-back, soft rock sound of the late 1970s and early 1980s. However, McDonald once called the genre “ridiculous.”

Michael McDonald confesses he didn’t understand ‘Yacht Rock’

Michael McDonald’s distinctive, soulful voice, often described as smooth and soothing, became a hallmark of yacht rock. However, the former The Doobie Brothers member didn’t understand the term upon first learning about it.

In a 2017 interview with Built, McDonald agreed that the term “yacht rock” has since become a badge of honor in the music industry. “I’ve grown a fondness for it,” he explained.

However, at first, McDonald thought the term “was hilarious. It was almost uncanny.”

He continued, “It’s just king of weird how the music of the 70s has come back around.

This story was originally published on June 26, 2015

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, musical artists like Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, Steely Dan, Toto, Hall and Oates, and dozens of others regularly popped up on each other’s records, creating a golden era of smooth-music collaboration.

And on June 26th, 2005, an internet phenomenon was born. In 12 short but memorable episodes — first via the the short-film series Channel 101 and then online — Jd Ryznar, Hunter Stair, Dave Lyons, Lane Farnham and their friends redefined an era and coined a term for the sultry croonings of McDonald,...

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, musical artists like Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, Steely Dan, Toto, Hall and Oates, and dozens of others regularly popped up on each other's records, creating a golden era of smooth-music collaboration.

And 10 years ago (June 26th, 2005), an internet phenomenon was born. In 12 short but memorable episodes — first via the the short-film series Channel 101 and then online — Jd Ryznar, Hunter Stair, Dave Lyons, Lane Farnham and their friends redefined an era and coined a term for the sultry croonings of McDonald, Fagen, et al.

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