Biography
An instrumental quintet shaped in LA in 1957, the Champs comprised Problem Records professional Dave Burgess (delivered Lancaster, CA) (electric guitar) and program players Pal Bruce (electric guitar), Chuck Rio (delivered Daniel Flores, Rankin, TX) (saxophone), Cliff Hillsides (bass), and Gene Alden (delivered Cisco, TX) (drums). This lineup documented Rio’s “Tequila” being a B-side to Burgess’ “Teach to Nowhere.” “Tequila” topped the graphs in 1958. The Champs essentially had been a one-hit question, though they documented some more singles within the same Latin dance design and kept heading until the middle-’60s. The group’s lineup was liquid, and later people included Glen Campbell in addition to Jimmy Seals and Dash Crofts, who shaped the effective ’70s duo Seals and Crofts.
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# | Fact |
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1 | Jim Seals and Dash Crofts stayed with the group until it disbanded in 1964. They formed the Dawnbreakers, and re-emerged in the late 1960s/early 1970s as a popular acoustic duo. The Champs had 7 more singles on the charts through 1962, none of which came close to matching the success of "Tequila". |
2 | Since the song was a big success, they decided to go on tour. A new line-up was formed that included Flores, Burgess, and Alden, along with new members Dale Norris (guitar) and Joe Burnas (bass). Flores and Alden left the band in late 1958, and were replaced by Jim Seals (sax), Dash Crofts (drums), and Dean Beard (piano). In 1960, Burgess was replaced by young up-and-coming guitarist Glen Campbell. |
3 | "Tequila" was planned as the B-side to "Train to Nowhere". Radio deejays preferred "Tequila", and the Champs' version battled for chart position with a cover version by Eddie Platt. Platt's record topped out at #20 on the US charts, while The Champs' record went all the way to #1. |
4 | The Champs were formed in Los Angeles in December 1957. The five original members were Dave Burgess (rhythm guitar), Danny Flores (sax, piano), Cliff Hills (bass), Buddy Bruce (lead guitar), and Gene Alden (drums). Later members included Dale Norris, Joe Burnas, Jim Seals, Dash Crofts, Glenn Campbell, Dean Beard. They were brought together to provide backup for the Kuf-Linx vocal group. |
5 | Band member Danny Flores (aka Chuck Río), who wrote and sang their 1958 hit song "Tequila", died in September 2006 at the age of 77, in Huntington Beach, California. His wife Sharee said "he never got tired of playing that song". He is also survived by 7 children and 15 grandchildren. |
6 | They signed a recording contract with Challenger Records, which was owned by cowboy actor Gene Autry. He named the group after his horse, Champion. |
Soundtrack
Soundtrack
Title | Year | Status | Character |
---|---|---|---|
New Girl | 2015 | TV Series performer - 1 episode | |
Call the Midwife | 2013 | TV Series performer - 1 episode | |
Glen Campbell: The Rhinestone Cowboy | 2013 | TV Movie documentary performer: "Tequila" - uncredited | |
Raising Hope | 2012 | TV Series performer - 1 episode | |
A Turtle's Tale 2: Sammy's Escape from Paradise | 2012 | performer: "Tequila" | |
Mafia II | 2010 | Video Game performer: "TEQUILA" | |
Gossip Girl | 2010 | TV Series performer - 1 episode | |
Danville 2nd Ward Young Men | 2009 | TV Series performer - 1 episode | |
Night at the Museum | 2006 | performer: "Tequila" 1996 | |
Dancing with the Stars | 2005 | TV Series 1 episode | |
Gilmore Girls | 2005 | TV Series performer - 1 episode | |
Small Time Crooks | 2000 | performer: "Tequila" | |
The Castle | 1997 | performer: "Tequila" 1958 | |
Box of Moon Light | 1996 | performer: "Too Much Tequila" | |
Baseball | 1994 | TV Mini-Series documentary performer - 1 episode | |
Duckman: Private Dick/Family Man | 1994 | TV Series performer - 1 episode | |
The Sandlot | 1993 | performer: "Tequila" | |
The Wonder Years | 1993 | TV Series performer - 1 episode | |
Beverly Hills, 90210 | 1991 | TV Series performer - 1 episode | |
Quantum Leap | 1990 | TV Series performer - 2 episodes | |
Hairspray | 1988 | performer: "Train to Nowhere" | |
Overboard | 1987 | performer: "TEQUILA" | |
Miami Vice | 1986 | TV Series performer - 1 episode | |
Peggy Sue Got Married | 1986 | performer: "Tequila" | |
Pee-wee's Big Adventure | 1985 | performer: "TEQUILA" | |
Losin' It | 1983 | performer: "Tequila" | |
Cheech and Chong's Next Movie | 1980 | performer: "Tequila" | |
The Wanderers | 1979 | performer: "Tequila" | |
Going Steady | 1979 | performer: "Tequilla" | |
Les tricheurs | 1958 | "Tequila" |
Self
Self
Title | Year | Status | Character |
---|---|---|---|
New American Bandstand 1965 | 1960 | TV Series | Themselves |
Sunday Showcase | 1959 | TV Series | Themselves-Recipients |
The Dick Clark Show | 1958 | TV Series | Themselves |
The Ed Sullivan Show | 1958 | TV Series | Themselves |
Archive Footage
Archive Footage
Title | Year | Status | Character |
---|---|---|---|
My Music: 50s & 60s Rock Rewind | 2014 | TV Movie | Themselves |
Glen Campbell: The Rhinestone Cowboy | 2013 | TV Movie documentary | Themselves |
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