‘Tequila’ Hitmaker Dave Burgess: Dead At 90
On October 19, Guitarist, songwriter, and founding member of the 1950s rock and roll group The Champs, Dave Burgess passed away in Dover, Tennessee, at the age of 90.
Born in Los Angeles on December 3, 1934, Burgess was best known as the driving force behind The Champs, the band that shot to fame with their 1958 instrumental smash hit ‘Tequila.’ Though the song was initially released as the B-side to ‘Train to Nowhere,’ it quickly became a hit after radio DJs began playing it in heavy rotation. Within several weeks of release, the predominantly instrumental single topped the Billboard pop chart and went on to win the first-ever Grammy Award for Best R’n’B Performance.
Adopting his stepfather’s surname when initially recording as a solo artist, before forming The Champs in the late 1950s, Dave began his music career during the early days of rock and roll. The group consisted of saxophonist Chuck Rio (born Daniel Flores), who wrote ‘Tequila’ and delivered its iconic shouted refrain.
While ‘Tequila’ cemented their place in music history, The Champs enjoyed a string of hits throughout the late ’50s and early ’60s, yet their biggest release has endured popularity throughout the years and was further boosted by its use in the 1985 cult classic Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, where it was subsequently connected to a now-famous dance scene.
In addition to his work ith The Champs, Burgess was a prolific songwriter and producer, credited with over 700 copyrighted compositions. His influence extended across genres, and his contributions helped shape the sound of early American rock and roll.
Burgess is survived by his son, David, and was predeceased by his wife, Deon, and daughter, Charmaine.
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Author: Saul Goode
Image: The Champs
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