ABOUT
The Champs were a highly acclaimed rock & roll instrumental band with a trademark honking saxophone sound that became famous during the late 1950s. They are best known for the Latin-flavored "Tequila" (1958), which topped both the R&B and Pop/Rock charts and soon after went gold. Written by the band's saxophonist, Danny Flores (a.k.a. Chuck Rio), this Grammy-winning party classic, in which he can be heard growling "Tequila" repeatedly throughout, was followed in 1960 with "Too Much Tequila." Other hits included "El Rancho Rock" (1958) and "Limbo Rock" (1962).
Formed in 1957 in Los Angeles by rhythm guitarist Dave Burgess (a.k.a., Dave Dupree), the original lineup also included Gene Alden (drums), Cliff Hills (bass), lead guitarist Buddy Bruce (ca. 1930 - ca. 2014), and saxophonist Danny Flores (July 11, 1929 - September 19, 2006), with many personnel changes and additions. Glen Campbell, Jimmy Seals, and Dash Crofts were among the many musicians who served at various times as members of The Champs. After disbanding in 1965, group leader Dave Burgess reformed the group in 2020 to record the album, "Tequila Party."
LINKS
- The Tulsa World remembers Champs lead guitarist Buddy Bruce.
- The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette remembers Champs saxophonist Danny Flores.
MERCHANDISE
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- The Champs - CDs, vinyl, & more - Amazon.com
- The Champs - CDs, vinyl, & more - CDUniverse.com
- The Champs - Digital music - Amazon.com
- The Champs - Rare vinyl, CDs, & more - MusicStack.com
- The Champs - Sheet Music - SheetMusicPlus.com
SONGS
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The Champs
- Limbo Rock 1962
(A sung version of this instrumental song also became a hit for Chubby Checker (1962).) - Too Much Tequila 1960
(Instrumental)
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