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 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 first group to go to the top spot with an instrumental that was their first release. The song was recorded at Gold Star Studios in 1958, and in 1959 won the Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Recording. Band members Chuck Rio - saxophone, vocals, Dave Burgess - guitar, Dale Norris - guitar, keyboards, Bobby Morris - bass, Dean McDaniel - bass, Gen Alden - drums, Paul C Saenz - Lead Guitar and Benjamin Van Norman - Bass.Band members later featured Glen Campbell, Jerry Cole and Seals and Crofts. "Tequila!" was written and sung by the saxophone player Danny Flores, although he was credited as Chuck Rio 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.
01 - Tequila 02 - Train To Nowhere 03 - Sombrero 04 - Sky High 05 - Experiment In Terror 06 - La Cucaracha 07 - The Shoddy Shoddy 08 - Jumping Bean 09 - Too Much Tequila 10 - Turnpike 11 - The Caterpillar 12 - Beatnik 13 - El Rancho Rock 14 - Midnighter 15 - Chariot Rock 16 - Bandido 17 - Limbo Rock 18 - Subway 19 - Red Eye 20 - Gone Train 21 - What's Up Buttercup 22 - Caramba
