50s - Tequila (The Champs)

Tequila

Named after a potent Mexican drink, "Tequila" had won overnight acclaim for one-hit wonder band, The Champs.

The instrumental, written by sax player Chuck Rio (real name: Danile Flores), was only recorded to use up left-over time on a session by singer-guitarist Dave Burgess. The resultant track was so appealing that the owners of the label decided to release it... under the name of The Champs

As the record began its meteoric rise to the top of US charts for 4 weeks (March - April 1958), Chuck and Dave roped in three musicians and took to the road under their new prophetically chosen name.

The song was covered by The Ventures twice. Other musicians who had recorded this song included Eddie Platt, and jazz guitarists Larry Carlton and Wes Montgomery.