Dave Burgess, the driving force behind the 1958 hit “Tequila“ and frontman of The Champs, has died, according to reports. He was 90 years old.
Burgess and The Champs achieved instant fame when “Tequila,” initially a B-side to “Train to Nowhere,” captivated radio audiences with its distinctive instrumental sound and signature call-and-response. The song quickly rose to the top of the Billboard charts and earned a Grammy Award for Best R’n’B Performance, solidifying The Champs’ place in rock and roll history. Burgess’s death marks the end of an era for a musician whose work continues to resonate with audiences today.
Born December 3, 1934, in Los Angeles, Burgess began his musical journey as a solo artist during the early days of rock and roll. He later formed The Champs in the late 1950s, a band that became known for its pioneering sound. “Tequila” remains their most enduring legacy.
The song experienced a resurgence in popularity in 1985 when it was prominently featured in the dance scene of the film Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, introducing it to a new generation.Beyond his work with the Champs, Burgess was a prolific songwriter and producer, credited with over seven hundred tracks throughout his career.