Who was Dave Burgess' wife? Family details explored as renowned musician behind 'Tequila' dies at 90

Dave Burgess' wife was a famous actress and dancer who passed a few months before her husband. Deon Adair Raab, later Deon Adair Burgess, was born in Los Angeles, where she met Burgess. Deon was known for her appearances in several Elvis Presley films, according to her obituary. She was a part of Hollywood during the golden era of American film and music.

Deon Adair Raab married Dave Burgess in 1959, after he made his hit song Tequila, with his rock and roll band, The Champs. After they got married, Deon and Dave moved to Montana in the early 70s, away from the music and the film industry, to focus on opening an art gallery. According to her obituary, their art gallery mainly focused on Western and Native American art.

Deon Adair and Dave Burgess also adopted two children before they moved to Montana: David Leith Burgess and Charmaine Adair Burgess. At the time of her passing on May 28 this year, she was survived by her husband, her son, and his wife, Joy Carrico.

More about Dave Burgess' wife, Deon Adair Burgess

As mentioned in her obituary, Deon Adair Burgess appeared in many films during her acting and dancing career. However, at the time, the dancers were often not credited in the films they worked on.

Her obituary listed some of the films and people she worked with. It reads:

"She is best known for her appearances (as Deon Robb Burgess) in Blue Hawaii (1961), Viva Las Vegas (1964), and Kissin’ Cousins (1964)... In addition to her credited appearances, her family recalls that she worked in Las Vegas in the late ’50s; appeared in The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis (1959), The Ladies Man (1961), and The Music Man (1962); she served as Donald O'Connor’s practice dance partner; and she worked with Sammy Davis, Jr."

Aside from her acting and dancing career, Dave Burgess' wife was also an accomplished painter. She shared her paintings with her family members and those who bought them whenever she held shows to showcase her work.

Her family also described Deon as:

"Deon was admired for her warmth, elegance, and generosity of spirit. She supported her husband’s career and cherished her family, friends, and the creative community that surrounded her. She was a masterful cook and made every celebration special with her own unique touch that will never be duplicated."

They concluded the obituary by writing:

"Deon Adair Raab Burgess danced through life with grace, leaving behind memories that continue to shine as brightly as the spotlight she once stood in."

Read more here: Who was Dave Burgess? The Champs frontman and Grammy-winning musician dies at 90

Deon Adair Burgess lived a full and vibrant life, from performing in classic Hollywood films to creating art and raising her family. She brought warmth, talent, and creativity into everything she did, both on and off the screen. She passed away when she was 85 years old.

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