The Champs

The Champs
The band in 1958
The band in 1958
Background information
OriginLos Angeles, California, United States
GenresRock and roll
Years active1957–1965, 2020–present
LabelsChallenge

The Champs are an American rock and roll band, most famous for their Latin-tinged 1958 instrumental single "Tequila".[1][2] The group took their name from that of Gene Autry's horse, Champion,[2] and was formed by studio executives at Autry's Challenge Records[3] 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,[2] and the band became the first group to go to the top spot with an instrumental that was their first release.[4] The song was recorded at Gold Star Studios in fall 1957, and in 1959 won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance.[5] It sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc by the RIAA.[6]

  1. ^ McGuinness, Paul (February 9, 2022). "Best Surf Rock: Sunshine-Drenched Music To Catch A Wave To". uDiscover Music. Retrieved 2022-02-28.
  2. ^ a b c Colin Larkin, ed. (2002). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Fifties Music (Third ed.). Virgin Books. p. 65. ISBN 1-85227-937-0.
  3. ^ "THE CHAMPS (1958-1965)". Sealsandcrofts.com. Retrieved 2013-10-15.
  4. ^ [1] [dead link]
  5. ^ "1st Annual Grammy Awards". Grammy.com. Retrieved 2014-03-10.
  6. ^ Murrells, Joseph (1978). The Book of Golden Discs (2nd ed.). London: Barrie and Jenkins Ltd. p. 98. ISBN 0-214-20512-6.