(Nashville, Tennessee…) – September 21, 2020 -- An incredible 62 years after topping the Billboard Pop and R&B charts with the GRAMMY Award winning “Tequila,” The Champs featuring Dave Burgess are back with 12 freshly recorded tunes in their sensational new album Tequila Party. Included are seven new Burgess-penned compositions plus The Champs’ interpretations of “Peter Gunn,” “Watermelon Man,” “Oye Como Va,” “Green Onions” and a rousing rendition of their signature song retitled “Tequila Party.” The new album will be available digitally November 20, 2020 through an agreement with Time Life.
“This is an album I’ve had in mind for quite some time,” said Burgess. “While the new melodies were taking shape, I was, perhaps subconsciously, considering this an ideal opportunity to resurrect The Champs. I think it was a good idea. I love how this album sounds and I can honestly say of everything I’ve done in the music business, I’m most proud of this album.”
“Tequila” was originally the b-side of The Champs’ debut single “Train To Nowhere,” but the infectious tune took off and spent three weeks at #1. The song has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in countless movies, television shows and commercials over the years. It won a GRAMMY for Best R&B Performance in 1959 and sold over one million copies.
More hits for The Champs followed. “The Midnighter,” “El Rancho Rock,” “Chariot Rock,” “Caramba,” “Too Much Tequila,” “Tequila Twist,” “Limbo Rock” and “Limbo Dance” all placed on the Billboard and/or Cashbox charts.
The Champs disbanded in 1965 but not before making an indelible mark on popular music. With an eye for talent, Burgess hired many musicians and vocalists who went on to establish their own incredible careers. He brought on a young Glen Campbell to play rhythm guitar for the band in 1960, Jim Seals and Dash Crofts joined the band about the same time and later attained international success as the duo Seals & Crofts, and Delaney Bramlett was half of successful duo Delaney and Bonnie.
“The Champs’ songs – especially ‘Tequila’ – have been engrained in the fabric of popular culture for over six decades,” said Mike Jason, Senior Vice President, Live Entertainment. “We’re honored to work with Dave Burgess on this wonderful collection of recordings, and we’re excited to introduce even more people to The Champs.”
Although an experienced bandleader and musician, Dave’s forte has always been that of a songwriter. He has over 700 copyrights registered with BMI. Those who have waxed his tunes reads like a who’s who in popular music: Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Lou Rawls, The Lettermen, Marty Robbins, Anne Murray, Eddy Arnold, Engelbert Humperdinck, Ray Price, Johnny Rivers, Glen Campbell and more. During his short life, Rick Nelson recorded 10 of Dave’s compositions.
In addition to writing hit songs, Dave has produced not only The Champs, but also Don McLean, Darlene Love and The Blossoms, and Marty Balin. For over 40 years he has managed the publishing affairs of Hank Williams, Jr., creating a multi-million dollar business and receiving numerous awards from ASCAP (7x) and BMI (4x).
Regarding “Tequila Party,” Dave states, “I love the music business and love making music, no matter if it’s playing, producing or writing. With Tequila Party I was able to do all three, and I’m extremely happy with the outcome. The Champs have fans throughout the world, and I hope they are as pleased with this record as I am.”
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