Dave Burgess, Guitarist Behind The Champs’ Hit “Tequila,” Dies at 90

Dave Burgess, the guitarist and founding member of The Champs, has died. He was 90 years old. His passing was confirmed by an obituary from the Anglin Funeral Home in Dover, Tennessee.

Burgess was the creative force behind one of rock and roll’s most recognizable instrumentals. The song “Tequila” became a cultural touchstone that defined an era.

How a B-Side Toppled Elvis from the Charts

“Tequila” was originally the B-side to Burgess’s “Train to Nowhere.” Radio DJs flipped the record, and the song’s catchy saxophone riff took over the airwaves. According to Rolling Stone, it knocked Elvis Presley’s “Don’t” from the Number One spot on the Billboard chart in 1958.

The single held the top position for five consecutive weeks. Burgess once estimated initial sales reached between 1.5 and 2 million copies.

The band’s sudden fame led to national television appearances. Burgess secured spots on both The Ed Sullivan Show and American Bandstand. This exposure cemented the song’s place in American pop culture.

The Enduring Legacy of a Rock and Roll Riff

The success of “Tequila” launched the careers of several famous musicians. Glen Campbell, Jimmy Seals, and Dash Crofts all performed as members of The Champs in the following years. The band continued to chart with follow-up songs like “Too Much Tequila.”

Decades later, the song found a new generation of fans. Its iconic status was renewed by a famous scene in the 1985 film Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. Pee-wee Herman’s biker bar dance to the song became an instant classic movie moment.

The track has been covered by numerous jazz and rock artists. Its simple, shouting title made it a party anthem for the ages.

Dave Burgess’s legacy is forever tied to the unforgettable power of “Tequila.” The song remains a joyful staple of rock and roll history.

Thought you’d like to know

Who originally wrote the song “Tequila”?

The song was initially credited to the band’s saxophonist, Danny Flores. However, Dave Burgess later stated that he and guitarist Buddy Bruce also contributed to the creation of the hit record.

How did “Tequila” get so popular?

Radio disc jockeys began playing the B-side of The Champs’ single instead of the intended A-side. The song’s infectious rhythm and the shouted title “Tequila” quickly captured the public’s attention, leading to massive sales.

What other hits did The Champs have?

Following “Tequila,” the band had several other charting songs. These included “El Rancho Rock,” “Midnighter,” and the twist-era follow-up “Too Much Tequila.”

How did Pee-wee Herman affect the song’s popularity?

The 1985 film Pee-wee’s Big Adventure featured a iconic scene where the character dances to “Tequila.” This introduced the song to a new, young audience and solidified its status as a comedy and cultural classic.

Why did The Champs break up?

The British Invasion of the mid-1960s, led by bands like The Beatles, changed musical tastes. The Champs, like many American instrumental groups, saw their popularity decline and disbanded in 1965.