The Champs were an American rock and roll band, most famous
for their Latin-tinged instrumental "Tequila". Formed by studio
executives at Gene Autry's Challenge Records to record a B-Side for the Dave
Burgess (aka Dave Dupree) single, the intended throwaway track became more
famous than its A-Side, "Train to Nowhere". "Tequila" went
to No. 1 in just three weeks and the band became the first group to go to the
top spot with an instrumental that was their first release. The song was
recorded at Gold Star Studios in 1958, and in 1959 won the Grammy Award for
Best Rhythm & Blues Recording.
"Tequila!" was written and sung by the saxophone
player Danny Flores, although he was credited as Chuck Rio because he was under
contract to another record label at the time. Flores, who died in September
2006, was known as the "Godfather of Latino rock." Flores '
"dirty sax" and his joyous hollering of "Tequila!" are the
hallmarks of the song. Flores signed away the U.S.
rights to the song but retained world-wide rights until his death.
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