Novelist and poet Rikki Ducornet, the inspiration for Steely Dan’s “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number”, was born on this day in 1943. Ducornet was married to a Bard College professor when Donald Fagen gave her his number at a college party. She lost the number and did not call him.

“Fool in Love with You” by Jim Photoglo made its debut on the Billboard Hot 100 on this day in 1981. The song spent 16 weeks on the chart and peaked at #25 on July 4, 1981. It was one of two songs to chart for Photoglo.

youtu.be/3s3KXR43rvQ?si…

Michael McDonald was the musical guest on “Saturday Night Live” on this day in 1983. It was McDonald’s second appearance on the show. He previously appeared with The Doobie Brothers on an episode that aired January 27, 1979.

Another one that isn’t yacht rock. But it is a supernatural delight

This is not a yacht rock song. But, it’s still a damn good song.

“What a Fool Believes” by The Doobie Brothers reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on this day in 1979. Written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins, it won Grammys for Song of the Year and Record of the Year in 1980. It is the ultimate yacht rock song.

Koko lives as long as this cooler remains functional

Lowell George was born on this day in 1945. George is aboard the boat with “Red Streamliner” from Little Feat’s 1977 album “Time Loves a Hero”. Christopher Cross also dedicated “Ride Like the Wind” to George, who passed away in 1979.

Bassist Louis “Thunder Thumbs” Johnson was born on this day in 1955. His most recognizable yacht rock contribution is the bass line in “I Keep Forgettin’”. He’s also on the boat with The Brothers Johnson’s “In the Way” from 1981. Johnson passed away in 2015.

So damn good

This is an under-appreciated album

🎶 You think that maybe it's over
Only if you want it to be..
Are you gonna wait for a sign, your miracle?
Stand up and fight..🎶
🥰💃🏾😮‍💨🤌🏾🔥🔥🔥🔥

“Keep the Fire” by Kenny Loggins peaked at #36 on the Billboard Hot 100 on this day in 1980. Along with “This Is It” and “Who’s Right, Who’s Wrong”, it’s one of three certified yacht rock singles from the “Keep the Fire” album.

Drummer and percussionist Steve Gadd was born on this day in 1945. Gadd was a prolific session musician during the yacht rock era, with credits that include “I Gotta Try” by Michael McDonald, “Livin’ It Up” by Bill LaBounty, drums on “Aja” and percussion on “Hey Nineteen”.

Happy b’day “Toto IV” — the LP released today in ‘83 that featured Toto’s only #1 hit

“What that song became,” Steve Lukather said, “we could never have predicted .. I remember saying, ‘If this song’s a hit I’ll run naked down Hollywood Blvd.’”

Today in Yacht Rock

Carl Quintanilla Today in Yacht Rock What’s the process to get 4/7 made into a national holiday? National Doobie Day. (Not to be confused with 4/20 of course)

Toto’s fourth studio album, “Toto IV”, was released on this day in 1982. The album went triple-platinum, won six Grammys, and includes yacht rock songs “Rosanna”, “Africa”, “Make Believe”, “Waiting for Your Love” and “Good for You”.

Singer, songwriter and keyboardist Brenda Russell was born on this day in 1949. Her 1983 album, “Two Eyes”, includes yacht rock songs “Hello People” (co-written and performed with Michael McDonald), “Jarreau”, “It’s Something”, “New York Bars”, and the title track - “Two Eyes”.

Today in 1979: the Doobie Bros are #1 on the US album charts with “Minute by Minute”.

The title track was nominated for Song of the Year — and lost. But that’s okay. They had ANOTHER song in the same category that won instead. 😏🔥

“What a Fool Believes”
Today in Yacht Rock Jim Axelrod

Victor Feldman was born on this day in 1934 in London. Feldman moved to Los Angeles in 1957 to work as a session musician. He appeared on dozens of yacht rock tracks, including percussion on “Sailing” and “Peg”, and electric piano on “Deacon Blues”, “Josie” and “Black Cow”.