1 of 1- aflem
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Dave Burgess, Founding Member Of The Champs, Is Gone At 90
Burgess was a guitarist who helped found the group that became The Champs. They had a huge #1 hit in 1958 with "Tequila."
One day, he enlisted other musicians to help him with a B-side called “Train to Nowhere," which eventually became their most well-known song, "Tequila."
Label executives wanted to released the song but the band needed a name. They considered The Champions, named after Gene Autry's horse, but shortened it to The Champs."
Burgess was 90.
Dave Burgess, The Champs Frontman Known for Hit Song 'Tequila,' Dies at 90
- Little Rich
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Re: Dave Burgess, Founding Member Of The Champs, Is Gone At 90
I did not know Dave Burgess was the guitarist with the Champs. A few(?) years ago I purchased what looked to be a invaluable album, entitled The Lost '60's Recordings which included 18 songs by, at one time, several not-so-famous artists including Glen Campbell, Rick Nelson, Dave Burgess, Jerry Fuller and not-so-well-known groups which included these people. All of the 18 songs are okay with a few being, IMHO, really good songs, including Turn Around Look At Me by Glen Campbell solo and Desire (classic doo wop song) by the Trophies. After digging deeper, Desire was also recorded by a vocal group called The Trophies in 1961, accompanied by the Champs (the 1950s/60s band known for "Tequila"). Glen Campbell sang the lead vocal on The Trophies' version of Desire. An interesting integration of later well-known singers. Not mentioned in the news article is Burgess was a member of the Trophies also. NOTE: The Champs had a history of turn-overs including Jim Seals on sax and Dash Crofts on drums with both providing backup vocals.
Last edited by Little Rich (November 14, 2025 6:29 pm)