Dave Burgess, legendary voice behind ‘Tequila', dies at 90

Dave Burgess the legendary frontman of rock band The Champs, best known for the timeless hit Tequila, has passed away at the age of 90.

According to Anglin Funeral Home, Inc., he died on Sunday, October 19, at his home in Dover, Tennessee. No cause of death revealed.

He began his music career in 1957 as a DJ and songwriter in California, landing a deal with Gene Autry’s Challenge Records.

Burgess’s early hits, including I’m Available and I’ll Be There, showcased his versatility as a singer and session guitarist.

The band’s iconic hit Tequila started as a B-side called Train to Nowhere and soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Pop and R&B charts in 1958.

The track sold over a million copies and earned The Champs the inaugural Grammy for Best R&B Performance.

Over the years, Burgess wrote songs for music legends such as Dean Martin, Lou Rawls, Marty Robbins, and Glen Campbell, registering more than 700 copyrights.

Dave Burgess leaves behind a rich musical legacy that continues to inspire generations worldwide.