The Champs – Tequila

Something funny for the year commencing 2010! The Champs were a rock and roll band, most famous for their Latin-tinged instrumental “Tequila.” Formed by studio executives at Gene Autry’s Challenge Records to record a B-Side for the Dave Burgess single, the intended throwaway track became more famous than its A-Side, “Train to Nowhere”. “Tequila” went to No. 1 in just three weeks and the band became the first group to go to the top spot with an instrumental that was their first release. The song was recorded at Gold Star Studios in 1958, and in 1959 won the Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Recording. “Tequila!” was written and sung by the saxophone player Danny Flores, although he was credited as Chuck Rio because he was under contract to another record label at the time. Flores, who died in September 2006, was known as the “Godfather of Latino rock.”Flores’ “dirty sax” and his joyous hollering of “Tequila!” are the hallmarks of the song.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Brian Samuel Epstein (born in Liverpool, England; 19 September 1934 — 27 August 1967) was the manager of The Beatles. He also managed several other musical artists such as Gerry & The Pacemakers, Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas, and Cilla Black. The Beatles recorded a demo in Decca’s studios—paid for by Epstein—which he later persuaded George Martin to listen to. Epstein was then offered a contract (after Martin had auditioned the group) by EMI’s small Parlophone label, even though they had previously been rejected by almost every other British record company. Epstein died of an accidental drug overdose at his home in London in August 1967. The Beatles’ early success has been attributed to Epstein’s management and sense of style. Paul McCartney said of Epstein: “If anyone was the Fifth Beatle, it was Brian. “From Beatles Anthology DVD.