We all know it, as we all grew up with it. “Tequila” became a #1 hit on both the pop and R&B charts at the time of its release back in 1958. The song was recorded by The Champs and it was their only hit song, relegating them to one-hit wonder status.

In 1957  a group of musicians gather to recorded an album called “Train to Nowhere”. According to the sound engineer at the time, ”Tequila” was an afterthought after the band recorded the album. Some of the musicians had already left the studio when it was brought up that nothing had been recorded for the B-side of the album and the remaining musicians were rounded up and the song was written on the spot. The “Tequila” part of the song was simply a silly attempt to cover up the holes in the song. After all, it was just the B-side.

Those present at the recording session began recording together again on January, 1958, under the name the Champs; the group technically formed after recording “Tequila”.

”Tequila” was featured in the 1985 movie Pee Wee’s Big Adventure. It was used in a scene where Pee Wee Herman wins over the crowd in a biker bar by doing a dance to the song.

In 1959 ”Tequila” won a Grammy for Best Rhythm & Blues Performance at the first ever Grammy Awards.