gold star for USAHOF
Tequila
09 Apr
2016
Not in Hall of Fame
March 17 – April 20, 1958
The Champs
Tequila



I need to get something out of the way first. Would it be safe to say that maybe thirty percent of you are when hearing “Tequila”, might be picturing Pee Wee Herman doing a dance to it? Maybe fifty percent of you who did think of Pee Wee instantly recalled his masturbation scandal in 1991. Luckily for me, this was one of those late 50’s/early 60’s songs that my dad revered and formed its own memories in me long before it became associated with Paul Reubens.[1]

Although I have to say, with all due respect to my dad, this is an easy song for him to sing, because it only had one word, “Tequila”, which was spoken three times in the song.[2]

With that off my plate, “Tequila” holds a very distinct place in American Rock and Roll history, as it was the first number one song on the Top 100 that was performed by a person of Hispanic decent, and more notably a song that sounded like it! This can’t be undervalued as we had yet to see a number one that was done by a non-white or black artist and the Hispanic market, while not nearly as big at was today, was one that was clearly on the rise.

O.K., I am stretching this a little bit as the Champs, were only made of one Hispanic performer (Saxophonist, Danny Flores who was born to Mexican field workers), but “Tequila” was really his brainchild, and he was the writer, the sax player, and the man who chanted “Tequila”, albeit only three times in the song, which were the only time words were spoken. Flores would become known as the “Godfather of Latino Rock”, and his “dirty sax” playing was the hallmark of the sound.

Incidentally, the song was considered a throwaway for a B-Side for “Train to Nowhere”, which was a song written by Dave Burgess, who was signed by Gene Autry’s label. Burgess, a budding Rockabilly artist, had yet to have a hit in any variety but there was hope that he could be a big deal.

In Burgess’ recording session, “The Champs” would be born comprising Burgess, session player, Cliff Hills on bass and Dave Flores and his trio (also comprising drummer, Gene Alden, and lead guitarist, Buddy Bruce), and they recorded “Tequila”, a song that was really Flores’ jam, but there was something about the song that struck a chord with America and not “Train to Nowhere”.

The song’s success made sense, as it was a fun beat, with one simple word that was an alcoholic beverage. It made it not only the greatest party song of 1958, but one that withstood time’s ultimate test and can still be played in frat houses and bars cross the country.[3] As for the Champs, they would have a few minor hits, and would fade away, and unlike their song would become somewhat irrelevant.

Maybe we should pause and let you get a drink (you are inspired aren’t you?) before you go to the next chapter.

Other Notable Songs that charted but did not go to number one in this time period: March 17, 1958 – April 20, 1958

3/17/58: Sweet Little Sixteen by Chuck Berry made it to #2 but topped the R&B Chart.
3/17/58: Good Golly Miss Molly by Little Richard made it to #10 and to #4 on the R&B Chart.[4]
3/17/58: Rock and Roll is Here to Stay by Danny and the Juniors made it to #19 and to #16 on the R&B Chart.
3/24/58: Who’s Sorry Now? by Connie Francis cracked #4 on both the Hot 100 and R&B Chart.
4/7/58: Breathless by Jerry Lee Lewis peaked at #7 but went to #3 on the R&B Chart and to #4 on the Country & Western Chart.
4/7/58: Maybe Baby by Buddy Holly went to #17 and to #4 on the R&B Chart.
4/14/58: Don’t You Just Know It by Huey “Piano” Smith and the Clowns went to #9 and to #4 on the R&B Chart.



[1] I am not actually trying to trash Pee Wee, who I think got a raw deal in ’91. I just think that this is a song that is better than to be only be known for him, and there are a lot of people oblivious at the time that this was actually a major hit.
[2] Dad I love you, but paying attention to lyrics was never your strong suit. Saying that, most of the music listening public don’t either.
[3] Unlike Jack Daniels and European Pilsner, Tequila and I DO NOT GET ALONG.
[4] Wait a minute. This didn’t top the R&B chart either? I have to do an anthology for this chart too.
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