Wednesday, November 21, 2007

(76) JERRY COLE - A CHAMP OF A CO-WORKER

One of my co-workers at American Music was Jerry Cole, who was once with the Champs, famous for their "Tequila" song." The musicians who made up the Champs were studio musicians - then we said "session men" - who had a first single that made it to the number one spot on the charts and won a Grammy for the best Rhythm and Blues record of 1958. It sold more than six million copies throughout the world. So like me Jerry had an early and unexpected success of a bit of a novelty tune that went to Gold. We wrote about fifteen songs together. He was a great musician too.

Here's a You Tube presentation of the Champs. Bob Morris, Dash Crofts, Jerry Cole, Jimmy Seals. Their music was called "instrumental rock" meaning no lyrics, but this song has a definite "south of the border" - Mexican - flavor.

Yes, Dash Crofts and Jimmy Seals - of the future Seals and Crofts - were in the Champs!

Now here's a Tequila Song which was recorded on Challenge Records, owned by Gene Autry, the cowboy star, about 1959. The name The Champs came from Gene Autry's horse, named Champ.

And then there's this snappier version of The Tequila Song. That's Jerry yelling "Tequila!


What music production in the recording studio can do!


No comments: