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.
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:
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.”