 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (October 2013) |
The Champs | |
|---|---|
 The band in 1958 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Genres | Rock and roll |
| Years active | 1957–1965, 2020–present |
| Labels | Challenge |
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]
- ^ McGuinness, Paul (February 9, 2022). "Best Surf Rock: Sunshine-Drenched Music To Catch A Wave To". uDiscover Music. Retrieved 2022-02-28.
- ^ a b c Colin Larkin, ed. (2002). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Fifties Music (Third ed.). Virgin Books. p. 65. ISBN 1-85227-937-0.
- ^ "THE CHAMPS (1958-1965)". Sealsandcrofts.com. Retrieved 2013-10-15.
- ^ [1] [dead link]
- ^ "1st Annual Grammy Awards". Grammy.com. Retrieved 2014-03-10.
- ^ Murrells, Joseph (1978). The Book of Golden Discs (2nd ed.). London: Barrie and Jenkins Ltd. p. 98. ISBN 0-214-20512-6.