Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

“Captain” of Iconic ‘70s Duo Captain & Tennille Dies at 76

by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

After decades of making great music and a colorful partnership, the legendary 1970s duo “Captain & Tennille” bade goodbye to their CaptainFor years of a successful career filled with incredible memories, they have together built one of the most memorable moments as a husband-and-wife duo. On January 2, 2019, Wednesday, just as the New Year commenced, Daryl Dragon or more popularly known as “Captain” breathed his last. He died while in Hospice care in Prescott, Arizona. He was just 76 years old.

Captain & Tennille: The Iconic ‘70s Duo

Back in 1974, Daryl Dragon and Toni Tennille met and formed the duo Captain & Tennille. That was just the beginning of their 39 years of colorful career together until they broke up in 2013.

CAPTAIN & TENNILLE. Toni Tennille and Daryl Dragon | Photo Credits: rollingstone.com

A classically trained pianist, Dragon performed with the renowned Beach Boys before he and Tennille became a duo. Upon forming their act, Dragon recommended Tennille to the Beach Boys when they needed an additional keyboardist. For almost a year, she toured with them and was known thereafter as The Beach Boys’ one and only “Beach Girl.”

In November 1975, Dragon and Tennille married, and soon they became one of the most popular husband-and-wife acts in the musical industry.

Working together, their career even blossomed and earned a lot of accolades. As a matter of fact, they charted eleven Top 10 hits. Also, they released more than 20 albums during their entire career. This includes four certified gold and one platinum. They scored numerous hits on the US singles charts. Most notably, they were known for their “Do That to Me One More Time” and “Muskrat Love.”

However, it was their 1975 cover of Neil Sedaka’s “Love Will Keep Us Together” that skyrocketed their career to the top. Same through with the other songs contained on their album of the same title.

Furthermore, they even had their television variety series called The Captain and Tennille TV Show aired on ABC in 1976-77.

In one of their show’s episodes, they invited country legend Glen Campbell to join them and grace the show. He even rendered a fun country song penned by Tennille herself.

Check out the entertaining performance here:

https://youtu.be/nmptbITQr_U

Captain & Tennille’s Breakup

In 2014, Dragon and Tennille unfortunately divorced. It was just a year after they broke up the band. Despite this, they remained close and became best of friends. In fact, Tennille even moved to Arizona to help take care of Dragon when he got ill.

The “Captain’s” Death

According to The Washington Post, Dragon’s spokesman Harlan Boll officially revealed that Dragon passed away on Wednesday, January 2nd because of renal failure. Tennille was by his side when he passed.

We extend our sincerest condolences and prayers to both Tennille and Dragon’s family. Also, to their friends and fans. We remember him as one of the biggest musical influences of all time. As such, we offer you one of their biggest hits, “Love Will Keep Us Together.”

Watch it here:

https://youtu.be/Lkf5Q0APkyE

Latest Stories

Jon Pardi, wife Summer, and their two daughters together, before the couple's divorce announcement.

Jon Pardi and His Wife, Summer, Are Divorcing After Nearly Six Years and Two Daughters Together

One of country music’s most grounded couples is calling it quits. Jon Pardi and his wife, Summer, announced their divorce, confirming they’ve decided to part ways after nearly six years ...

Clint Black on stage, before the hospitalization that forced him to cancel his July 3 show.

Clint Black Canceled His July 3 Concert After Being Hospitalized, but He’s Expected to Fully Recover

The good news comes first. Clint Black is going to be just fine. The country icon was forced to cancel his July 3 appearance at Pearl River Resort Casino in ...

An emotional Rhett Akins on the Opry stage, finally getting his membership invitation.

Rhett Akins Finally Got His Grand Ole Opry Invitation After 30 Years and Could Barely Find the Words

A man who has written over 30 No. 1 hits for a living stood on the Grand Ole Opry stage Saturday night and couldn’t think of a single word to ...

Ella Langley performing live, marking "Choosin' Texas" returning to No. 1 for an 11th week and breaking a chart record that stood since 1977.

Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” Is Back at No. 1 for an 11th Week and Broke a Record That Stood Since 1977

They kept knocking her off, and she kept coming back. Drake bumped her. Ariana Grande bumped her. Taylor Swift bumped her. And every single time, “Choosin’ Texas” climbed right back ...

Shania Twain commanding the Wembley stage in the daring look that divided fans.

Shania Twain Wore a Bold Outfit at Wembley and Fans Can’t Agree If It Was Too Much or Perfect

Shania Twain walked onto the Wembley Stadium stage in front of 90,000 people wearing a see-through black lace dress with a white bra and matching shorts underneath, and the internet ...

Miranda Lambert performing "The House That Built Me," the tearjerker that topped the charts back in 2010.

Miranda Lambert’s “The House That Built Me” Hit No. 1 Sixteen Years Ago and It Still Wrecks People

Sixteen years ago, a song that was never supposed to be Miranda Lambert’s gave her the first No. 1 of her career. And every Father’s Day, every homecoming, every time ...

A composite image of Ella Langley and Alan Jackson, tied to her emotional video tribute at his final show.

Ella Langley’s Video Tribute to Alan Jackson at His Farewell Concert Said What Every Young Artist Feels

Every major name in country music showed up to say goodbye to Alan Jackson at Nissan Stadium. But one of the most genuine tributes came from someone who wasn’t even ...

12:00 AMClaude responded: Alan Jackson and George Strait performing together at Alan's final concert, where Strait made a rare appearance and brought his old friend a drink.Alan Jackson and George Strait performing together at Alan's final concert, where Strait made a rare appearance and brought his old friend a drink.

George Strait Made a Rare Appearance at Alan Jackson’s Final Concert and Brought Him a Drink

George Strait doesn’t show up for just anybody. But when Alan Jackson calls last round, the King of Country shows up with a drink in his hand. Strait strolled onto ...

Alan Jackson and Taylor Swift together, after her tribute video got a divided reaction at his Nashville farewell show.

Taylor Swift Got Booed When Her Tribute Video Played at Alan Jackson’s Farewell Concert

It was supposed to be a tribute. The crowd had other plans. Right before Alan Jackson took the stage at his farewell concert at Nissan Stadium on June 27, Grand ...

10:20 PMClaude responded: Alan Jackson on stage during his final concert, taking a bow as he officially steps into retirement after decades in country music.Alan Jackson on stage during his final concert, taking a bow as he officially steps into retirement after decades in country music.

Alan Jackson Played His Final Concert at Nissan Stadium, and Even a Storm Couldn’t Stop Him

The sky opened up over Nashville on Saturday night. Lightning cracked across the horizon, and 50,000 people were told to leave their seats. For about 30 minutes, Alan Jackson’s final ...

Leave a Comment

For security, use of Google's reCAPTCHA service is required which is subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.