Daryl Dragon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Daryl Dragon
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Dragon in 1976
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Daryl Frank Dragon |
| Also known as | Captain |
| Born | August 27, 1942 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Died | January 2, 2019 (aged 76) Prescott, Arizona, U.S. |
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| Years active | 1959–2013 |
| Labels | A&M, Casablanca |
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Daryl Frank Dragon (born August 27, 1942 – died January 2, 2019) was an American musician. He was famous as Captain from the pop music group Captain & Tennille. He formed this duo with his wife, Toni Tennille.
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Daryl Dragon's Musical Journey
Daryl Dragon came from a musical family. His father, Carmen Dragon, was a famous conductor and composer. His brother, Dennis Dragon, was also a musician in bands like The Dragons and the Surf Punks. Even his godfather was famous: actor Danny Thomas.
Daryl had a condition called megalocornea. This made his eyes look larger. Because of this, he often wore sunglasses.
Becoming "Captain Keyboard"
Daryl Dragon played keyboards for The Beach Boys from 1967 to 1972. The lead singer, Mike Love, gave him the nickname "Captain Keyboard." This name stuck with him. Daryl then started wearing a captain's hat to match his new name.
When he was "Captain" in Captain & Tennille, Daryl was often quiet. He didn't say much. This made him a good partner for his lively wife, Toni Tennille.
Music Beyond Captain & Tennille
Daryl Dragon also worked on music projects outside of Captain & Tennille. In 1962, he joined a band called Charles Wright and the Wright Sounds. He also played with The Yellow Balloon in 1967.
Early Band Projects
Daryl studied piano at San Fernando Valley State College. In 1968, he and his brother Dennis formed a band called The Mission. They released a single song. Later, in 1971, they put out an album called Me and My Brother.
In the late 1960s, Daryl and his brothers recorded an album as "The Dragons." But they couldn't find a record label to release it. Years later, in 2007, the album was finally released.
Working with The Beach Boys
Daryl Dragon played keyboards and helped with music for The Beach Boys' 1972 album, Carl and the Passions – "So Tough". He even helped write the song "Cuddle Up" with Dennis Wilson. Daryl's music also helped shape other songs on the album.
He also arranged part of the song "Don't Go Near The Water" from The Beach Boys' 1971 album, Surf's Up. Daryl was the musical director for a special Beach Boys concert in 1971. This concert was important because it was the first time new South African musicians joined the band.
Other Musical Contributions
Daryl also played vibes and melodica for the band Farm. He also worked on music for movies. In the early 1980s, he played with the rock band Survivor. In 1981, Daryl helped with Carpenters' album, Made In America. He programmed synthesizers for one of their songs.
Daryl Dragon's Later Life
Health Challenges
In 2009, Toni Tennille shared that Daryl had a condition called familial tremor. This condition caused him to shake. It wasn't life-threatening, but it made it harder for him to play music. The tremors got worse with stress. This condition limited his public appearances.
Divorce and Friendship
After 39 years of marriage, Toni Tennille filed for divorce from Daryl in 2014. The divorce was finalized in July 2014. Despite their divorce, Daryl and Toni remained friends. Toni later said that Daryl was supportive when she talked about their marriage.
In 2017, Daryl said he was feeling much better after adjusting his medication. He mentioned that Toni had helped him with his improvement.
His Passing
Daryl Dragon passed away on January 2, 2019. He was 76 years old. He died from kidney failure in Prescott, Arizona. Toni Tennille was with him when he died.
See also
In Spanish: Daryl Dragon para niños
