The Champs – The Early Singles 30 Great 'A' & 'B' sides

 

The Champs are an American rock band, most famous for their Latin-tinged surf instrumental "Tequila". The group took their name from that of Gene Autry's horse, Champion, and was formed by studio executives at Autry's Challenge Records to record a B-side for the Dave Burgess single, "Train to Nowhere". The intended throwaway track became more famous than its A-side, as "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 fall 1957, and in 1959 won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance. It sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc by the RIAA.

"Tequila" was written by the saxophonist Danny Flores, although he was credited as Chuck Rio because he was under contract to another record label (RPM Records) at the time. Flores, who died in September 2006, was known as the "Godfather of Latino rock". Flores' "dirty sax" and his low-voiced "Tequila" are the hallmarks of the song. Flores signed away the US rights to the song but retained worldwide rights until his death.

There are many cover versions of the tune, including a jazz version by guitarist Wes Montgomery in 1966. It has also been recorded by rappers A.L.T. and XL Singleton. The Champs also had success with instrumentals such as "Limbo Rock" and "El Rancho Rock". In 1985, "Tequila" featured prominently in the film Pee Wee's Big Adventure. The Champs also recorded a sequel to "Tequila" entitled "Too Much Tequila".

1 Tequila

2 Train To Nowhere

3 El Rancho Rock

4 Midnighter

5 Chariot Rock

6 Subway

7 Turnpike

8 Rockin' Mary

9 Gone Train

10 Beatnik

11 Caramba

12 Moonlight Bay

13 Night Train

14 The Rattler

15 Sky High

16 Double Eagle Rock

17 Too Much Tequila

18 20.000 Leagues

19 Red Eye

20 The Little Matador

21 Alley Cat

22 Coconut Drive

23 Tough Train

24 The Face

25 Honkey Pokey

26 Jumping Bean

27 Sombrero

28 The Shoddy Shoddy

29 Cantina

30 Panic Button

The Champs – The Early Singles