Legendary Champs Guitarist Dave 'Tequila' Burgess Dies at 90
Dave Burgess, the iconic guitarist behind the chart-topping instrumental rocker "Tequila" that catapulted The Champs to fame in 1958, has passed away at the age of 90. His untimely demise on October 19th has sent shockwaves through the music world.
Born in Los Angeles in 1934, Burgess's life took a dramatic turn after he adopted his stepfather's surname "Austin 'Tex' Burges" and later changed it to Burgess. Before forming The Champs, he released solo singles, but it wasn't until the mid-20s that he joined forces with fellow musicians to create one of the most enduring hits in rock history.
Burgess's claim to fame came when "Tequila," initially released as a B-side to his song "Train to Nowhere," shot to the top of the Billboard chart, knocking Elvis Presley's "Don't" off the spot. The catchy tune was later featured on Pee-wee Herman's 1987 film "Pee-wee's Big Adventure," cementing its status as an anthem for a new generation.
Throughout his illustrious career, Burgess collaborated with numerous artists, including Glen Campbell and Jimmy Seals & Dash Crofts. His music transcended genres, influencing jazz musicians like Wes Montgomery, David Sanborn, and Larry Carlton to record their own versions of "Tequila."
Apart from his musical accomplishments, Burgess was also a devoted family man. He married Deon Adair Raab in 1959 and had two children with her. The couple later resided outside Nashville before moving to Montana, where they ran an art gallery during his time off.
In a recent interview for John Broven's book "Record Beakers and Makers," Burgess reminisced about the meteoric rise of The Champs, recalling how radio stations flooded him with calls after "Tequila" shot to the top. When asked about the impact of rock 'n' roll on society, he humorously quipped that they were the "bad guys" who corrupted kids and parents alike.
Burgess's legacy will live on through his timeless classic "Tequila," which continues to inspire new generations of musicians and music lovers alike. With over 700 copyrights registered to his name, it is clear that his impact on the music industry extends far beyond his own band's success.
Dave Burgess, the iconic guitarist behind the chart-topping instrumental rocker "Tequila" that catapulted The Champs to fame in 1958, has passed away at the age of 90. His untimely demise on October 19th has sent shockwaves through the music world.
Born in Los Angeles in 1934, Burgess's life took a dramatic turn after he adopted his stepfather's surname "Austin 'Tex' Burges" and later changed it to Burgess. Before forming The Champs, he released solo singles, but it wasn't until the mid-20s that he joined forces with fellow musicians to create one of the most enduring hits in rock history.
Burgess's claim to fame came when "Tequila," initially released as a B-side to his song "Train to Nowhere," shot to the top of the Billboard chart, knocking Elvis Presley's "Don't" off the spot. The catchy tune was later featured on Pee-wee Herman's 1987 film "Pee-wee's Big Adventure," cementing its status as an anthem for a new generation.
Throughout his illustrious career, Burgess collaborated with numerous artists, including Glen Campbell and Jimmy Seals & Dash Crofts. His music transcended genres, influencing jazz musicians like Wes Montgomery, David Sanborn, and Larry Carlton to record their own versions of "Tequila."
Apart from his musical accomplishments, Burgess was also a devoted family man. He married Deon Adair Raab in 1959 and had two children with her. The couple later resided outside Nashville before moving to Montana, where they ran an art gallery during his time off.
In a recent interview for John Broven's book "Record Beakers and Makers," Burgess reminisced about the meteoric rise of The Champs, recalling how radio stations flooded him with calls after "Tequila" shot to the top. When asked about the impact of rock 'n' roll on society, he humorously quipped that they were the "bad guys" who corrupted kids and parents alike.
Burgess's legacy will live on through his timeless classic "Tequila," which continues to inspire new generations of musicians and music lovers alike. With over 700 copyrights registered to his name, it is clear that his impact on the music industry extends far beyond his own band's success.
Dave Burgess lived an incredible life, from releasing solo singles to becoming a ROCKSTAR with The Champs! I mean, who wouldn't want to hear "Tequila" on repeat? 
It's crazy to think that this instrumental rocker catapulted the band to fame back in 1958. Burgess was more than just a musician; he was a true American icon! 
And let's not forget his collaborations with Glen Campbell, Jimmy Seals & Dash Crofts - talk about a music legacy! 
The fact that "Tequila" still inspires new generations of musicians and music lovers is truly amazing. Burgess may be gone, but his music will live on forever! 
It's disheartening to lose a musical icon like Dave Burgess at the ripe age of 90. The legacy of "Tequila" will indeed continue to reverberate through the generations, with its catchy melody and guitar riffs still able to evoke a sense of nostalgia in many. Burgess's collaborations with various artists were truly impressive, showcasing his eclecticism as a musician. It's also heartening to see how his music has transcended genres, influencing musicians from jazz to rock. His legacy serves as a testament to the enduring power of great music 
That's insane! You gotta respect Dave Burgess' legacy though. I mean, "Tequila" is still getting played at parties and weddings to this day, which is wild considering it came out over 60 years ago. He was definitely the real deal behind The Champs, but some of his comments about rock 'n' roll being the "bad guys" do sound a bit out of touch with modern times 
. Still, no denying he left an indelible mark on music history, and we're lucky to have had him as a part of it. RIP Dave Burgess 
. And let's be real, who doesn't know that catchy tune from Pee-wee's Big Adventure? 
I'm pretty sure Burgess has been rocking out in heaven since October 19th, jamming with Glen Campbell and Jimmy Seals & Dash Crofts to the beat of his own drum – or should I say, Tequila? 
. And who can forget his iconic "bad guys" comment about rock 'n' roll corrupting kids and parents alike? 
Classic! Anyways, it's always sad when legends pass on, but Burgess left an indelible mark on music history 
. Timeless classics like "Tequila" will live on forever 
just heard about Dave 'Tequila' Burgess passing away at 90 
my grandma used to love it when i'd play it for her 
from glen campbell to jimmy seals, he was a trailblazer in every sense 