"Tequila!" Oh yes, we all remember that jovial alcohol-induced tune. But on Thursday, September 21st, 2006, fans everywhere are pouring 40s (of tequila?) on the curbs for a fallen star.

Danny Flores died yesterday at the age of 77. Who is Danny Flores? Well, he's the guy that shouted the word "Tequila!" in the Champs 1958 Billboard Hit of the same name. Flores died in a Huntington Beach Hospital after complications with pneumonia following years of battling Parkinson's disease.



Credited on the album as Chuck Rio, due to contract obligations to another record company, the song was formed around an errant riff that Flores wrote. After its rise to the top of the charts, it won the 1959 Grammy Award for Best Rhythm and Blues Performance... and he then played that song all over the world for the next 40 years. Especially in thanks to its inclusion in "Pee Wee's Big Adventure" so many years ago.

Rest well, Mr. Flores... for nobody can ever take your place.


"Tequila," my good man.