Dave Burgess, known for his role as the frontman of the popular band The Champs and their iconic hit song ‘Tequila’, has sadly passed away at the age of 90. The news of his death was confirmed by an obituary from Anglin Funeral Home, Inc., revealing that Burgess died on Sunday, October 19 in Dover, Tenn., where he resided. The cause of his death has not been disclosed at this time, and representatives for Burgess have not provided further details.
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Born in Los Angeles in 1934, Dave Burgess, originally named David, was raised by his mother Mariet Eck and stepfather Austin “Tex” Burges from a young age. He later legally changed his name to match that of his stepfather’s and added an extra “s” to his surname. Burgess’s music career took off in 1957 when he formed The Champs and released hits like “I’m Available” and “I’ll Be There” while working as a DJ in California. This led him to sign with Gene Autrey’s Challenge Records, where he not only performed as a solo artist but also contributed as a session vocalist and guitarist.
One of the defining moments in Burgess’s career came when he and his bandmates recorded the B-side track “Train To Nowhere,” which unexpectedly became a massive success under the name “Tequila.” The song reached the number one spot on both the Billboard Pop and R&B charts in 1958, selling over a million copies and earning The Champs the first-ever Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance the following year. ‘Tequila’ has since become a timeless classic, covered by various artists spanning different genres and even making its way onto the big screen in the 1985 film ‘Pee Wee’s Big Adventure’.
In addition to their chart-topping hit, The Champs released several other successful tracks like “The Midnighter,” “El Rancho Rock,” “Chariot Rock,” “Caramba,” “Too Much Tequila,” “Tequila Twist,” “Limbo Rock,” and “Limbo Dance,” all of which earned placements on various music charts. Despite disbanding in 1965, Dave Burgess’s musical legacy endured through his prolific songwriting and production work. He amassed over 700 copyrights with BMI and wrote songs for renowned artists such as Dean Martin, Lou Rawls, Glen Campbell, and many more.
Following his time with The Champs, Burgess continued to make significant contributions to the music industry by producing tracks for artists like Don McLean, Darlene Love, and Marty Balin. He also managed the publishing affairs of Hank Williams, Jr. for over four decades and received multiple accolades from organizations such as ASCAP, BMI, and Cash Box. In 2020, Burgess reunited with a revamped version of The Champs and released the album ‘Tequila Party’, showcasing his enduring passion for creating music.
Outside of his professional endeavours, Burgess shared his life with Deon Adair Raab, whom he married in 1959. The couple later moved to Montana, where they operated an art gallery before relocating to the Nashville area with their children David and Charmaine. Burgess’s contribution to the music industry and his impact on popular culture have left an indelible mark that will be remembered by fans worldwide.
Dave Burgess’s passing marks the end of an era in the music world, but his legacy as a talented musician, songwriter, and producer will live on through his timeless compositions and influence on future generations. As fans and colleagues mourn his loss, they celebrate the enduring impact of his music and the joy it brought to countless listeners over the years.