‘Tequila’ Songwriter Dave Burgess Dies at 90 — Music World Mourns a Rock ’n’ Roll Legend

The music world is mourning the loss of a rock ’n’ roll legend.

Dave Burgess, guitarist and bandleader of The Champs, has died at age 90 in Dover, Tennessee. The news, reported in mid-November 2025, shocked fans who remember him as the man behind one of the most viral hits in music history — “Tequila.”

Released in 1958, “Tequila” was originally the B-side to Burgess’s track “Train to Nowhere.”

The song unexpectedly soared to No. 1 on the Billboard pop chart and went on to win the first-ever Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance in 1959, cementing its jaw-dropping place in music history.

Songwriting Credit

While Burgess didn’t write “Tequila” himself — the famous one-word refrain was shouted by saxophonist Chuck Rio (Daniel Flores) — he was a prolific songwriter and producer.

Over his career, Burgess amassed more than 700 copyrighted compositions, leaving behind a lavish catalog of work.

Enduring Legacy

The song’s popularity endured for decades.

In 1985, “Tequila” gained renewed fame when it was featured prominently in the cult classic film Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, sparking a viral resurgence.

Later Years

Born on December 3, 1934, in Los Angeles, Burgess never stopped pursuing his passion for music.

In 2020, he reassembled The Champs and released a new album, Tequila Party, which included an updated version of their signature hit — a heartfelt nod to his legacy.

Fan Reactions

Fans flooded social media with emotional tributes. One wrote: “Rock ’n’ roll lost a legend. Tequila will live forever.” Another added: “Dave Burgess leaves us speechless — his music shaped generations.”

Survivors

Burgess was preceded in death by his wife, Deon, and daughter, Charmaine.

He is survived by his son, David, who now carries forward his father’s legacy.

Cultural Impact

From the Grammy stage to cult films, Burgess’s work defined an era of rock ’n’ roll.

His shocking death is a reminder of how one viral hit can echo across decades, leaving fans with a soundtrack that never fades.

With “Tequila” forever etched into pop culture, Dave Burgess leaves behind a jaw-dropping legacy that ensures his music will keep fans dancing — and speechless — for generations.