There's a particular kind of music for a particular kind of person that is best described as easy-breezy soft rock. It might include a saxophone or even a flute. It existed exclusively in the '70s and '80s. I am talking about Yacht Rock, and I am the kind of person who likes this music. There are many style heroes from this genre—Michael McDonald, Donald Fagen, Stevie Nicks—but one of the most iconic, because of his signature cap and fondness for turtlenecks, is Daryl Dragon. He is best known as The Captain, from the band, the Captain and Tennille. Last week, on January 2, Dragon died at the age of 76.
Dragon earned his nickname when, as a backup singer for The Beach Boys, he donned a captain's hat on stage. In 1971, he met the singer Toni Tennille, and they started the Captain and Tennille, recording their best-known song, "Love Will Keep Us Together," in 1975. The couple married that same year and divorced in 2014, but remained close. She was reportedly with him when he died.
Here are 15 photos of The Captain, many of them with Tennille, in all his '70s Yacht Rock style glory.
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1
Michael Ochs Archives//Getty Images
The Captain holds an acoustic upright bass as he and Tennille pose for a portrait in a dinghy circa 1977.
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2
Ron Galella//Getty Images
The Captain takes a seat while attending the "Battle of the Network Stars" TV show on April 1, 1978.
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3
Fin Costello//Getty Images
The Captain, thoughtful, in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1975.
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The Captain and his bride and musical partner, Tennille, in 1976.
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5
Fin Costello//Getty Images
The Captain and Tennille with their gold record in 1976.
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6
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The Captain rocks a shimmering tuxedo at the second annual Rock Music Awards, alongside Tennille, in 1976.
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7
Chris Walter//Getty Images
Look closely at The Captain's sweater and tote bag in 1977. That's next level.
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8
Michael Ochs Archives//Getty Images
Turtleneck vibes in 1976.
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9
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The Captain, Tennille, and singer/songwriter Neil Sedaka during a taping of the TV show "Midnight Special" in 1975. The Captain's red turtleneck is a chef's kiss.
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Ron Galella//Getty Images
More turtleneck vibes from The Captain during a rehearsal for the Grammy awards in 1977. But the truly iconic look is Tennille's baseball hat and fur coat combination.
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Michael Ochs Archives//Getty Images
Check out The Captain's Nikes Cortez in 1976—brown leather Nike Cortez.