The Champs
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Image:The Champs.png The Champs were a rock and roll band, most famous for their latin-tinged instrumental "Tequila." Formed by studio executives at Gene Autry's Challenge Records <ref name="sealsandcrofts">http://www.sealsandcrofts.com/champs.html</ref> 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 group to go to the top spot with an instrumental that was their first release.<ref name="telegram">http://www.presstelegram.com/passages/ci_4371644</ref> The song was recorded at Gold Star Studios, and in 1959 won the Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Recording.
There are many cover versions of the tune, for example by rappers A.L.T. and XL Singleton. The Champs also had success with instrumentals such as a cover of Chubby Checker's "Limbo Rock" and the famous "La Cucaracha". In 1985 it featured prominently in the movie "Pee Wee's Big Adventure."
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[edit] Band Members
Image:Chuck Rio.png Band members featured Glen Campbell and Seals and Crofts. "Tequila!" was written and sung by the saxophone player Danny Flores, although he was credited as Chuck Rio at the time 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."<ref name="telegram">http://www.presstelegram.com/passages/ci_4371644</ref> Flores' "dirty sax" and his joyous hollering of "Tequila!" are the hallmarks of the song. <ref name="latimes">http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-passings24.1sep24,1,5389143.story?coll=la-news-obituaries</ref> Flores signed away the U.S. rights to the song but retained world-wide rights until his death.<ref name="ocregister">http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/entertainment/abox/article_1283251.php</ref>
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