The Champs

Dave Burgess was writing songs, recording as an artist, and running the Challenge label for owner Gene Autry. Using studio musicians, he had produced his composition “Train To Nowhere.” With some time left over after a Jerry Wallace session, again using studio musicians, they quickly recorded “Tequila” for a B-side. Of course, that’s the side that became a huge hit, launching the band that they named after Gene Autry’s horse. Over the next 4 years and through many personnel changes, the Champs landed 3 more top 40 hits and 4 additional minor chart 45s. Original “Tequila” musicians (not yet an actual band with a name): Dave Burgess (b: 1931 – Beverly Hills, Cal) Danny Flores (Jul 11, 1929; Santa Paula, Cal – Sep 19, 2006; Westminster, Cal) Buddy Bruce (1930; Springfield, Miss – Jul 1, 2014 – Tulsa, Okla) Cliff Hills (b: Nov 15, 1918 – Pittsburgh, Pen) Gene Alden (b: 1931, Sioux Falls, S Dak) First touring lineup of the Champs: Dave Burgess Danny Flores aka Chuck Rio Gene Alden Dale Norris (b: 1934; Maple Grove, Miss) Joe Burnas (b: Aug 15, 1923, Chicago) Notable early replacement members: Bob Morris, Jimmy Seals, Dash Crofts, Dean Beard, Glen Campbell, Jerry Cole, Johnny Meeks, followed by many other later members.

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