Aaah classic singles of all time continues thank to Jeff Harris of course over at Behind The Grooves . . . spin him a few pence he truly deserves it . . . . . Here are the Champs with a great one hit wonder . . . . not only a great song but my drink of choice when I was drinking . . . . . . 

On this day in music history: March 17, 1958 - “Tequila” by The Champs hits #1 on the Billboard Best Sellers chart for 5 weeks, also topping the R&B singles chart for 4 weeks on March 31, 1958. Written by Danny Flores (credited to the pseudonym “Chuck Rio” on the record), is the biggest hit for the instrumental quintet from Los Angeles, CA. The song is result of an in studio jam at the end of a recording session, inspired by a recent trip that musician Danny Flores takes to Tijuana, Mexico. Because he is signed to another record label at the time, Flores uses the name “Chuck Rio” to mask his real identity. Originally released on actor and country music star Gene Autry’s Challenge record label in January 1958 as the B-side of “Train To Nowhere”, to minimal response until a DJ in Cleveland, OH begins playing “Tequila” instead. Entering the Billboard Best Sellers chart on March 3, 1958 at #23, and jumps to #12 , and then pole vaults right to number one the following week. The single also wins the first Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Recording in 1959. “Tequila” has a long life after The Champs have faded from the charts. “Tequila” is covered many times over the years by numerous artists, with the original recording being featured in many films including “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure”, “The Sandlot” and “Cheech & Chong’s Next Movie” as well as television shows such as “Happy Days”. Acknowledged as a rock & roll classic, the song is inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame in 2001. “Tequila” is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA. 

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