The Champs - Caramba

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The Champs
Caramba / Moonlight Bay
London HLH 8864 (1959)

The Champs were an American rock and roll band, most famous for their Latin-tinged 1958 instrumental single "Tequila".

The group took their name from that of Gene Autry's horse, Champion, and was formed by studio executives at Autry's Challenge Records to record a B-side for the Dave Burgess single "Train to Nowhere". The intended throwaway track became more famous than its A-side, as "Tequila" went to number one in just three weeks.

Within a few months of being put together some of the band clashed and two members left.  They were replaced by Jimmy Seals and Dash Crofts (and piano player Dean Beard was added).  Seals and Crofts themselves went on to later success as a soft-rock duo.

The band attempted with this 45 to continue the Latin infused "Tequila" sound but it was not quiet good enough to have the same success.  Although they released several further 45s none saw the success that came with their first 45 "Tequila".






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