Toni Tennille and the Auburn Knights 1960
latter in life "Captian and Tennille"
Part of an old piece from MA:
My father, Frank Tennille, was a big band singer in the 1930s and owned an antique store downtown,” recalled Tennille. “My mother had her own live TV show called ‘The Guest Room’ doing interviews in the late 1950s on WSFA. She used her maiden name, Cathryn Wright, and was born for the camera.”
With an interest in music, Toni took classical piano lessons and played background music for “Shaping Your Future,” an early exercise show on WSFA hosted by Idelle Brooks. Toni’s father was elected to the Alabama legislature, and also found his way onto television as the moderator of the weekly WCOV program, “The Legislature Speaks.”
However, her father’s financial problems led to depression and alcoholism, making family life difficult. “Daddy lost the furniture store and when they moved to California in 1960, my mother gave up her TV career which was hard for her.”
By then, Toni had developed an interest in rhythm and blues, doo-wop, and boogie, and spent 2 years studying at Auburn University while singing with the Auburn Knights Orchestra. But instead of returning for her junior year, she joined her family in California.
On the West Coast, she worked in Repertory Theater, wrote music, and eventually met and married musician Daryl Dragon. Rather than exhibiting shock at the prospect of her daughter being known as “Mrs. Dragon,” her mother was thrilled.
If you want to hear something newer from the Auburn Knights try this
latter in life "Captian and Tennille"
Part of an old piece from MA:
My father, Frank Tennille, was a big band singer in the 1930s and owned an antique store downtown,” recalled Tennille. “My mother had her own live TV show called ‘The Guest Room’ doing interviews in the late 1950s on WSFA. She used her maiden name, Cathryn Wright, and was born for the camera.”
With an interest in music, Toni took classical piano lessons and played background music for “Shaping Your Future,” an early exercise show on WSFA hosted by Idelle Brooks. Toni’s father was elected to the Alabama legislature, and also found his way onto television as the moderator of the weekly WCOV program, “The Legislature Speaks.”
However, her father’s financial problems led to depression and alcoholism, making family life difficult. “Daddy lost the furniture store and when they moved to California in 1960, my mother gave up her TV career which was hard for her.”
By then, Toni had developed an interest in rhythm and blues, doo-wop, and boogie, and spent 2 years studying at Auburn University while singing with the Auburn Knights Orchestra. But instead of returning for her junior year, she joined her family in California.
On the West Coast, she worked in Repertory Theater, wrote music, and eventually met and married musician Daryl Dragon. Rather than exhibiting shock at the prospect of her daughter being known as “Mrs. Dragon,” her mother was thrilled.
If you want to hear something newer from the Auburn Knights try this
