The Champs’ 1958 hit “Tequila” is one of the most popular instrumental pop songs of all time, and for good reason. For decades, the fun, upbeat tune has been a staple at parties, wedding receptions, and sporting events, with crowds knowing exactly when to shout out the song’s single lyric, “Tequila!”

But when it was recorded, no one thought it would go anywhere. In fact, no one gave the song much thought at all—not even the band itself.

The recording the band didn’t even listen to

The story begins in 1957 with an entirely different instrumental song called “Train to Nowhere,” written and recorded by David Burgess. The Flores Trio, led by saxophonist Danny Flores (who later went by Chuck Rio), joined Burgess as studio musicians in the recording.

But the single needed a B-side, and there was a little recording time left in the studio. Flores had a little........

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