Hubbry Logo
Toby BeauToby BeauMain
Open search
Toby Beau
Community hub
Toby Beau
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Toby Beau
Toby Beau
from Wikipedia

Toby Beau is an American band from Texas, formed in the early 1970s and perhaps best known for the 1978 hit single, "My Angel Baby". The band is still in existence today and continues to perform on the club circuit. The band's name was based from one of the last original wooden shrimp boats docked in the Gulf Coast community of Port Isabel, Texas.[1]

Formation

[edit]

Formed in the Rio Grande Valley in south Texas, the original members included guitarists Danny McKenna, Balde Silva, Art Mendoza, bassist Steve Zipper, and drummer Rob Young.[1] After numerous club performances around South Texas, the band moved to San Antonio, Texas, and received a recording contract with RCA Records.[1] This deal also recruited the production talents of Sean Delaney, who at the time was also producing Kiss.[1] In addition, guitarist Mendoza was replaced with guitarist and banjoist extraordinaire Ron Rose,[1] who added a country flavor to the band. During the early years, a producer/engineer from Falcon Records heard the group at one of the local clubs and talked with Danny McKenna, Balde Silva, and Art Mendoza about recording a few original songs. After hundreds of hours in the studio, the group went to record at Robin Hood Bryan's studio in Tyler, Texas, so they could get the string players from Dallas to play on a couple of songs. After a few months, a session was booked at the RCA studios in Hollywood, California. Balde and Rennetta Silva (Toby Beau) are currently performing around the world and still work with today with special appearances by son Michael Silva (saxophones, keyboards, vocals).

Other members included Phil Redmond (keyboards, vocals), Michael Flores (lead guitar, vocals), Michael Aguilar (drums), Don Pope (saxophone), Randy Lalane (trumpet), Gil Gonzales (bass), Floyd Simpson (vocals), Steve Williams (keyboards, vocals), Terri Williams (keyboards, vocals), Michael Schuler (trumpet), and James Marsh (keyboards, vocals).

"My Angel Baby"

[edit]

Upon completion of the self-titled first album, the band moved to New York, and embarked on major tours with artists and bands such as the Doobie Brothers, Bob Seger, and the Steve Miller Band. Popularity of the band gradually rose through these tours, but this skyrocketed when the pop ballad "My Angel Baby" (co-written by Danny McKenna and Balde Silva) scored number 1 on the Easy Listening Chart for one week, and number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.[1] The album scored major sales, and "My Angel Baby" would eventually achieve gold status, and be granted the "Million-Aire Award" by BMI for over a million radio airplays. There was even a re-release of the album, this time with "My Angel Baby" as the album title, which was added to the cover art.

More Than a Love Song

[edit]

Following the success of the first album, the band temporarily moved to Miami. There, recording sessions for the second album would not be impressive to the producers, and almost all recorded songs were eliminated from the album. It was suggested that the band move to Tennessee and record with major session players. It was this move that started to break the band apart.

Although the addition of the production talents of Daniel Moore (songwriter for B. W. Stevenson and Three Dog Night) and Norbert Putnam (who had worked with Jimmy Buffett), as well as musicians such as Victor Feldman (from Steely Dan fame) and Larrie Londin (who later worked with Journey) provided a smooth fusion style to the music, members of the band felt the tradition of the music was severely altered. This initially resulted in McKenna's choice to leave the band before completion of the second album, entitled More Than a Love Song, released in 1979. According to those who knew him, McKenna felt morally compelled to walk away rather than sell out those bandmates risking replacement by studio musicians.

The second album scored a Billboard Hot 100 single with the cover of John D. Loudermilk's "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye,"[1] but otherwise the album remained a financial disappointment to the band, and less than a year after the release, Zipper, Rose, and Young departed, leaving Silva at the helm with one album left on the contract.

If You Believe

[edit]

Although it was a large burden on Silva to complete the third album single-handedly, this provided numerous successes, such as all legal rights to retain the band's name. He then moved to Los Angeles, California, to record the third album with producer Jerry Fuller. With the help of numerous studio artists, the third album, If You Believe was released in 1980. Although not viewed as a commercial success, the album did score a third hit with the ballad "If I Were You,"[1] which might demonstrate a preview of how the band would sound in years to come.

1980s to the present

[edit]

RCA dropped the band after recording their third album, but Silva has refused to let the band fall, having adopted the name of "Toby Beau" himself as his stage name. In the 1980s, wife Rennetta (under the stage name Dennett) joined the band and the two recruited numerous other musicians in the band for years to come. Sessions for a fourth album have been recorded numerous times in the 1980s and again in the late 1990s, but no plans have been made yet for any studio release, but self-made recordings have been produced, and can usually be bought from members of the band or at certain venues they work for.

Currently, Silva continues to perform the club circuit using the Toby Beau name, with guest musicians who sit in frequently. Most recent guest musicians have included trumpeter and piano player Michael Schuler and Silva's son, saxophonist Michael Silva. The band can usually be found around South Padre Island, Texas and performing for the cruise ship industry or by checking the web site.[2]

In April 2006, Daniel McKenna was found dead in his home in McAllen, Texas. McAllen police said McKenna shot himself in his bathroom at age 54. McKenna, who was born in Donna, departed from the band before it completed its second album. His 24-year-old daughter, Emily told the press that "He played the guitar since he was 5 or 6 years old. He repaired, restored, refurbished and built all string instruments."[3] She said her father had extremely bad allergies to all types of trees, grass, dust and even food. The illness kept him from doing the things he loved — like playing music. He looked for other places to live, but "still felt like he couldn't breathe." “He was sick of being sick,” she said.[citation needed]

Up until about a year prior, McKenna played every during Saturday night worship service with the McFirst Praise Team. And he was the lead guitarist on a church-produced CD, Look What the Lord Has Done, said Susan Geissler, a retired school counselor and McKenna's friend.[citation needed] His music was exactly what some people seeking spiritual guidance needed, she said. "He has that one-of-a-kind harmony and rhythm that added to the message that would touch the soul."[citation needed]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Date Title US 200[4] AUS[5]
1978 Toby Beau (re-released as My Angel Baby) 40 91
1979 More Than a Love Song 204 -
1980 If You Believe - -

[1]

Compilation albums

[edit]
Date Title US 200
1999 My Angel Baby: The Very Best of Toby Beau -

Singles

[edit]
Date Title US 100[6] US AC[7] AUS[5] CAN[8] CAN AC[9]
1978 "My Angel Baby" 13 1 63 10 9
1979 "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye" 57 7 - - -
1980 "If I Were You" 70 - - - -

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Toby Beau is an American country rock band from Texas, formed in the early 1970s in the Rio Grande Valley and led by guitarist and vocalist Balde Silva, who performs under the stage name Toby Beau. The band is best known for their 1978 debut single "My Angel Baby," co-written by Silva and original member Danny McKenna, which peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart, eventually achieving gold status and earning a BMI Million-Air Award for over one million radio plays. Originally comprising Danny McKenna on guitar, Art Mendoza on guitar, Steve on bass, and Rob Young on drums, the band relocated to , , signed with (now BMG), and worked with producer Sean Delaney, known for his collaborations with . They released their self-titled debut album in 1978, which peaked at number 58 on the , followed by More Than a Love Song in 1979—featuring the top-40 single "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye," which reached number 57 on the Hot 100—and If You Believe in 1980, highlighted by the single "If I Were You." During this period, Toby Beau toured with prominent acts including , , and . Guitarist Ron Rose later joined, adding banjo and enhancing the band's country influences, while original member Danny McKenna passed away on April 26, 2006. The band remains active today under Silva's leadership, performing regularly on the club circuit around , and releasing new music, including albums in 2024 and Come Sunday Morning in 2025.

History

Formation and early years

Toby Beau was formed in the early 1970s in the Valley of as a local , named after a wooden shrimp boat spotted in Port Isabel by guitarist Danny McKenna. The original lineup consisted of Balde Silva (guitar and lead vocals, who later adopted the stage name Toby Beau), Danny McKenna (guitar and vocals), Art Mendoza (guitar), Steve Zipper (bass and vocals), and Rob Young (drums). Drawing from the and scenes prevalent in during the era, the band was influenced by acts such as the Eagles, , and , blending harmonious melodies with regional flavors. In their initial years, Toby Beau focused on building a following through performances at local clubs and venues across , including spots like in McAllen. Songwriting collaborations, particularly between Silva and McKenna, formed the core of their early repertoire, with McKenna contributing most of the original material as a self-taught musician skilled on guitar, , and . These regional gigs honed their sound and established a dedicated local audience, reflecting the carefree vibe of the time. By the mid-1970s, the band relocated to to expand their opportunities, continuing to play in area clubs and "greasy bars" while refining their set. This move positioned them for greater exposure, culminating in a signing with in 1978, where producer Sean Delaney—known for his work with —oversaw their debut recordings. Their debut single, "My Angel Baby" (co-written by Silva and McKenna), emerged as the key catalyst for transitioning from regional act to national recognition.

Breakthrough success (1978)

In 1978, Toby Beau achieved national prominence with the release of their self-titled debut album on , marking a significant commercial breakthrough for the Texas-based band. The album featured a soft-rock sound characterized by melodic ballads and harmonious vocals, which resonated with radio audiences across the . The lead single, "My Angel Baby," co-written by band members Balde Silva and Danny McKenna, propelled the album's success. Released as the album's standout track, it peaked at number 13 on the chart and reached number 1 on the chart for two weeks. The song's popularity led to it achieving status and earning a BMI Million-Air Award for exceeding one million radio plays, underscoring its widespread and cultural impact. Building on the single's momentum, Toby Beau embarked on extensive national touring, sharing stages with major acts including , , and . These high-profile tours exposed the band to larger audiences and amplified their visibility beyond regional scenes. Other album tracks, such as "Into the Night" and "," also garnered notable radio airplay, contributing to the record's overall traction on soft-rock and adult contemporary stations. RCA's aggressive promotional efforts, including targeted radio pushes and media placements, fueled the 's initial commercial peak. In response to "My Angel Baby"'s performance, the label reissued the with the single's title added to the , further capitalizing on its success. This period represented Toby Beau's most concentrated burst of mainstream recognition, solidifying their place in the late-1970s pop landscape.

Later albums and transitions (1979–1980)

Following the breakthrough success of their debut single "My Angel Baby," which peaked at number 13 on the in 1978, Toby Beau released their second album, More Than a Love Song, in 1979 on . The album featured a mix of tracks, including the cover single "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye," which reached number 57 on the , marking a moderate follow-up but failing to match the debut's commercial impact. Around this time, the band underwent a key lineup shift, with Art Mendoza departing and being replaced by Ron Rose, who contributed guitar, , and vocals to the recording. However, internal tensions emerged during the production of More Than a Love Song, leading to the departure of lead Danny McKenna before its completion, as he grew dissatisfied with the band's evolving musical direction. Shortly after the album's release, the remaining core members—bassist Steve Zipper, guitarist Ron Rose, and drummer Rob Young—also left, citing financial disappointments from the project's underwhelming sales despite the single's chart entry. This mass exodus left vocalist and Balde Silva as the sole original member, transforming Toby Beau into effectively a solo project under his leadership while fulfilling the band's remaining RCA obligations. In 1980, , now operating as the primary creative force and adopting "" as a , recorded and released the third , If You Believe, again on RCA, with assistance from producer and various studio musicians in . The record included the single "If I Were You," which peaked at number 70 on the , alongside notable tracks such as "One Needs Another" and "Ships in the Night," emphasizing introspective pop-rock themes. Despite these efforts, the album encountered further commercial challenges, with declining chart performance signaling RCA's waning support and ultimately contributing to the label's decision not to renew the contract after this final release. This period marked Toby Beau's transition from a collaborative band to Silva's individualized endeavor, setting the stage for sporadic activity under his direction.

1980s to present

Following the release of their third album, If You Believe, in 1980, the original Toby Beau lineup disbanded, with dropping the group shortly thereafter. Balde , the band's lead vocalist and primary creative force, continued performing and recording as a solo artist under the Toby Beau moniker, securing a limited deal with RCA that enabled the completion and release of the aforementioned album single-handedly. This transition marked the end of the band's initial major-label era, as Silva shifted focus to independent efforts amid the challenges of maintaining the group dynamic. Throughout the and , Toby Beau operated on a low profile, with Silva leading performances primarily on regional club circuits in , particularly around . During this period, Silva's wife, Rennetta Silva (performing under the stage name Dennett), joined as a vocalist, and the duo recruited various supporting musicians for gigs at venues like Louie's Backyard, emphasizing nostalgic sets without any significant major-label activity or new recordings. These appearances sustained a dedicated local following in the Rio Grande Valley but remained confined to smaller-scale events. The 2000s brought occasional reunions and special appearances for Toby Beau, often centered on commemorating their 1970s hits, though the band maintained an intermittent schedule. A significant loss occurred in 2006 when founding guitarist Danny McKenna died by suicide at age 54 in his McAllen, Texas, home, an event that Silva mourned publicly as a profound blow to the band's legacy. McKenna's passing underscored the challenges faced by former members, yet it did not halt Silva's commitment to occasional performances. Entering the and , Toby Beau ramped up activity under Silva's leadership, embarking on more frequent tours that extended worldwide, including regular engagements on cruise ships alongside concerts. Family involvement grew prominent, with Rennetta Silva contributing vocals and their son, Michael Silva, joining as a saxophonist and arranger for select shows, helping to refresh the band's sound while honoring its roots. This era emphasized sustained live performances, blending classic material with guest musicians to appeal to both longtime fans and new audiences. Recent years have seen Toby Beau release several compilations and re-recordings, including The Best of Toby Beau: 1978–2022 in 2022 and its follow-up Vol. 2 (1978–2024) in 2024, which collect key tracks from the band's catalog. Additional projects include the single How Long in 2018 and the single Come Sunday Morning in 2025, reflecting Silva's ongoing creative output in a era. As of 2025, Toby Beau remains active, with Balde and Rennetta Silva leading performances regionally in —such as scheduled shows at Upper Deck and Louie's Backyard—and internationally via cruise circuits, preserving a niche fanbase through nostalgia-driven acts. The band's endurance highlights Silva's dedication to live music, even as it operates without major-label support.

Band members

Original and core members

Balde Silva, born Baldemar Silva Jr. in , served as the lead vocalist and guitarist for Toby Beau, adopting the stage name Toby Beau as the band's enduring figure. As a co-writer of the band's major hits, including "My Angel Baby," Silva took on the role of band leader starting in 1979 following significant lineup changes. His contributions shaped the group's early sound during their 1978 breakthrough, providing both melodic guitar work and commanding vocal performances that defined their debut era. Danny McKenna (1952–2006) was a founding guitarist and vocalist for Toby Beau, emerging as a key songwriter who penned much of the band's initial material. He co-wrote the hit "My Angel Baby" alongside , infusing the tracks with intricate guitar arrangements and harmonious vocals that propelled the band's success. A self-taught from the Valley, McKenna remained a central creative force until his departure before the second album in 1979; he died on April 26, 2006, at age 54 in . Art Mendoza joined Toby Beau as an original guitarist, contributing to the band's formation in the early 1970s in . His tenure was brief, as he left before the debut album's recording in 1978, making way for a lineup shift that influenced the group's evolving style. Steve Zipper provided bass and backing vocals for Toby Beau, enhancing the band's rich harmonies and rhythmic foundation on their first two albums. An integral part of the original lineup from the Rio Grande Valley, Zipper departed in 1980 following the completion of the second record. Rob Young anchored the rhythm section as the original drummer for Toby Beau, delivering steady percussion that supported the band's live performances and studio recordings through their initial albums. He performed on the debut and follow-up releases before exiting the group in 1980. Ron Rose replaced Mendoza on guitar, also incorporating to add a country-inflected texture to Toby Beau's sound during the late . Joining before the first album's recording, Rose co-wrote several tracks and contributed to the 1978 breakthrough efforts, remaining until his departure after the 1979 album.

Subsequent and current members

Following the departures of the original members after the band's second album in 1979, Balde Silva continued performing under the Toby Beau moniker as a solo project, supported by various unnamed session musicians and touring band members throughout the and . In the , Silva enlisted his wife, Rennetta Silva (performing under the stage name Rennetta Dennett), as a co-performer on vocals, where she contributed harmonies and helped sustain the band's live presence during this transitional period. Their son, Michael Silva, began making special appearances with the band in the and , playing , guitar, and providing backing vocals as a guest . As of 2025, the core touring lineup consists of Balde Silva on lead vocals and guitar, Rennetta Silva on vocals, and Michael Silva on guitar, , and vocals, augmented by rotating Texas-based session musicians for performances on the club circuit, in venues, and on cruise ships. This family-centric dynamic has become a hallmark of Toby Beau's modern iterations, emphasizing continuity through personal collaboration.

Musical style and legacy

Genre and influences

Toby Beau's music is primarily classified as , incorporating elements of that reflect their origins. The band's sound features melodic pop hooks, prominent acoustic guitars, and multi-part harmonious vocals, creating an accessible, easy-listening appeal with a West Coast touch. Emerging from the Rio Grande Valley in , Toby Beau drew influences from the local music scene, blending with rock structures inspired by acts like the Eagles and . Their three- and four-part harmonies, in particular, echoed the Eagles' vocal style, while shared billings with underscored affinities in harmonious, mid-tempo rock arrangements. The band's early work, especially their 1978 debut album, showcased lush production with keyboards and orchestral elements, polished by producer Sean Delaney to achieve radio-friendly appeal for RCA releases. Their albums maintained a soft rock and West Coast style.

Impact and recognition

Toby Beau's signature hit "My Angel Baby," released in 1978, has maintained a notable presence in 1970s nostalgia programming, appearing on compilations such as Super Hits of the '70s: Have a Nice Day, Vol. 25. The track, which peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart, continues to receive occasional airplay on classic rock and soft rock stations, contributing to its enduring appeal in retrospectives of the era's melodic pop sound. In the 2020s, Toby Beau has experienced a streaming revival, with "My Angel Baby" accumulating over 500,000 plays on platforms like Spotify as of 2025. In 2022, the band collaborated with Virginia Y Valor on a bilingual version of the song. Fan events, including regular gigs at venues on South Padre Island, underscore their sustained popularity in club settings, while the band has built a loyal following through cruise ship residencies, performing for audiences on lines like Norwegian Cruise Line. Despite lacking major industry awards, this ongoing activity highlights their defiance of the typical one-hit wonder fade-out, maintaining a niche but dedicated cultural footprint in American soft rock history.

Discography

Studio albums

Toby Beau's debut studio album, titled Toby Beau, was released in 1978 by RCA Victor and features 11 tracks blending elements with a focus on accessible hits. The album includes songs such as "My Angel Baby," which served as a highlight and propelled its commercial success, peaking at number 58 on the chart. Produced with a polished major-label sound, it marked the band's introduction to a wider audience through harmonious vocals and melodic arrangements. The follow-up, More Than a Love Song, arrived in 1979, also on RCA Victor, comprising 10 tracks that delve into romantic and introspective themes. Tracks like "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye" exemplify the album's emphasis on emotional ballads and relationships, though it did not chart on the 200. This release maintained the style but showed subtle evolution in lyrical depth. In 1980, the band issued If You Believe on RCA Victor, another 10-track effort incorporating transitional pop elements alongside their established sound. Songs such as "If I Were You" highlight a shift toward lighter, more upbeat compositions, though the album did not chart on the 200. Recorded with additional studio support, it represented the culmination of their major-label era. Following the RCA period, Toby Beau transitioned to independent releases under Balde Silva's leadership, reflecting a move from polished production to more intimate expressions, primarily through singles rather than full albums.
Album TitleRelease YearLabelTrack CountKey Notes
Toby Beau1978RCA Victor11Soft-rock debut; peaked at #58 on
More Than a Love Song1979RCA Victor10Romantic themes; did not chart on
If You Believe1980RCA Victor10Pop-influenced transition; did not chart on

Compilation albums

Toby Beau's compilation albums consist of retrospective collections that highlight their early hits from the late and early , alongside later independent releases that encompass their full career arc. These releases often curate selections from the band's original RCA albums, emphasizing soft-rock staples like "My Angel Baby," while more recent efforts include updated material without any documented live recordings. The band's primary early compilation, My Angel Baby: The Very Best of Toby Beau, was issued in 1999 by Collectables Records as a 15-track CD. It centers on debut-era material, reproducing the entire 11 tracks from the 1978 self-titled album Toby Beau—such as "My Angel Baby," "California," and "Westbound Train"—supplemented by four songs from subsequent releases: "Ships in the Night" and "Pickin' Up the Pieces" from More Than a Love Song (1979), and "If You Believe" and "Run to Me" from If You Believe (1980). This reissue served to revive interest in their initial RCA output for a new generation of listeners. Throughout the 1990s, Toby Beau tracks appeared on several soft-rock anthologies, broadening their exposure beyond standalone band releases. Notable examples include the appearance of "My Angel Baby" on Super Hits of the '70s: , Vol. 25 (1996, Rhino Records), a multi-artist collection featuring era-defining AM radio hits alongside acts like and . Similar inclusions occur in The Best of Memories of Love (1996, Arcade), which pairs "My Angel Baby" with tracks by and , and Body Talk - After Dark (1997, JVC Japan), a two-disc set with soft-rock and pop selections from and others. These anthology spots underscore the enduring appeal of Toby Beau's melodic style within broader retrospectives. In the digital era, Toby Beau independently released The Best of Toby Beau: 1978–2022 in 2022, a 11-track compilation available on platforms like and . Spanning four decades, it features key originals such as "My Angel Baby," "Borderline," "If You Believe," and "Ships in the Night," alongside later tracks like "She Used to Be Mine," providing a concise overview of the band's evolution from their RCA beginnings to contemporary independent work. This was expanded with The Best of Toby Beau, Vol. 2 (1978–2024) in 2024, another independent 15-track effort released digitally. The album updates the previous collection by incorporating recent recordings, including "You Keep Me Waiting," "It Must Have Been the ," and "If I Were You," while revisiting like "My Angel Baby" and "Borderline" to reflect ongoing activity through 2024. No live albums are noted in the band's discography.

Singles

Toby Beau's singles primarily emerged from their late and early releases on , with chart success concentrated in the Adult Contemporary and Hot 100 formats during that period. Their debut hit established the band's sound, while subsequent releases saw diminishing commercial peaks, reflecting the challenges of sustaining momentum in the era. Later efforts included promotional tracks and re-recordings included in compilations, contributing to a niche streaming presence in the 2020s without major chart resurgences. The band's key singles and their performances are summarized below:
Single TitleRelease YearHot 100 PeakAC PeakB-SideNotes
My Angel Baby1978131Lead from debut Toby Beau; topped AC charts for multiple weeks.
Into the Night1978108Wink of an EyeBubbling Under Hot 100; received minor airplay but no significant chart traction.
Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye1979577Boogie Woogie MelodyCover from second More Than a Love Song; moderate AC success.
If I Were You198070If You BelieveFrom third If You Believe; brief Hot 100 entry.
Could It Be Love1980Promotional single from If You Believe; no chart entry, focused on radio promotion.
How Long2018Independent single; re-recorded material.
Come Sunday Morning2025Independent acoustic single, family-produced; released April 12, 2025.
In the and , Toby Beau re-recorded tracks like "She Used to Be Mine" (originally from 1979's More Than a Love Song) for compilations such as The Best of Toby Beau: 1978-2022, enhancing their on platforms like , where streams have sustained interest without translating to traditional chart performance.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.