Danny Flores facts for kids

Daniel Flores (born July 11, 1929 – died September 19, 2006) was an American musician. He played the saxophone and was a big part of Rock and roll music. Many people remember him by his stage name, Chuck Rio. He is most famous for writing and recording the hit song "Tequila" with his band, The Champs. This song became a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart!

Early Life and Music

Daniel Flores was born in Santa Paula, California. He grew up in Long Beach. His family had Mexican roots.

When he was young, Daniel loved the guitar. He first played music at church and family parties. But at age 14, he changed to the saxophone. He then started his first band, called the 3-D Ranch Boys.

Daniel played many types of music. These included jazz, country, pop, and blues. People sometimes called him the "Mexican Hillbilly." In the early 1950s, he recorded songs as a singer. Later, he started making rock and roll music.

Forming The Champs

In 1957, Daniel Flores met Dave Burgess. Dave was a songwriter and guitarist. They first played together as Danny and Dave. Soon, they added more musicians to form a new band.

The new band was called The Champs. It included drummer Gene Alden and guitarist Buddy Bruce. Cliff Hills joined as the bassist.

On December 23, 1957, The Champs recorded three songs. One of these songs was an instrumental called "Tequila". Daniel Flores wrote this song.

The Hit Song "Tequila"

"Tequila" became a very special song. It featured Daniel's unique saxophone playing. He also shouted the word "Tequila" in the song.

Because he shouted this one word, Daniel used the name Chuck Rio. This was to avoid problems with another record company. He was signed to them as a singer.

"Tequila" was first released as the B-side of a single. A B-side is usually the less important song. But listeners loved "Tequila" more than the main song. So, "Tequila" quickly became a huge hit. In January 1958, it reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

After The Champs

After "Tequila" became famous, Daniel Flores left The Champs. He gave up his rights to the song. This meant he did not get money from its success for a long time.

He continued to make music. He formed other bands, like the Originals and the Persuaders. Daniel kept performing across California for the rest of his life.

In the early 2000s, he finally started getting some money from "Tequila." But this was only for sales in Europe.

Daniel Flores passed away on September 19, 2006. He died due to problems from pneumonia.