Sixties Artists-Number One in 1960
Although sometimes ignored for his contribution to the music industry, Chubby Check deserves recognition for his amazing accomplishments among the early sixties artists. Chubby Checker topped the pop music charts in 1960 with “The Twist” which was written by singer/songwriter Hank Ballard. A year earlier Ballard and his group, the Midnighters, released a version of “The Twist” as the B-side of “Teardrops On Your Letter” which peaked at #28 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Not only did Chubby Checker benefit from the incredible popularity of “The Twist” in 1960 but also again in 1962 when it again resurfaced and topped the chart for a second time on January 13, 1962. The phenomenon has only happened one other time in Billboard chart history. The previous occurrence was with Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas.”
Interestingly, songs about the Twist can be traced to the 19th century to a minstrel song called the “Grape Vine Twist.” The melody for the song came from a secular song written by a Gospel artist, Bro. Joe Wallace, who didn’t feel comfortable recording the song himself. Hank Ballard penned the words and tweaked the Wallace melody which resulted in one of the most popular songs in history.
Chubby Checker started his career doing impressions of popular artists like Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Frankie Avalon, and Fats Domino. Interestingly, one of his high school classmates at South Philadelphia High School would also become a superstar, although for a brief time. Maybe you remember the teen idol, Fabian.
His real name is Ernest Evans. The nickname “Chubby” was pinned on him by a boss at a produce market where he worked after high school. Dick Clark’s wife is credited with giving him the name “Checker.” During a recording session, he launched into an impression of Fats Domino. Clark’s wife then wanted to know his name to which he responded, “Chubby.” She then quipped, “As in Checker?” What started as a little good hearted fun turned into the name that would launch his career.
As Chubby Checker sought to arrive at his identity as an artist he actually cut a demo on which he did impressions with high speed overdubs for an effect similar to the Chipmunks. The demo was enough to get Checker signed to Cameo-Parkway Records resulting in his first release, a novelty song called “The Class,” which charted at #38 in 1959.
Chubby Checker’s version of “The Twist” was introduced to a local New York City television audience in July of 1960. The show was broadcast live from Palisades Amusement Park (inspiration for Freddy Cannon’s 1962 hit which was written by Gong Show host Chuck Barris.
Other Chubby Checker hits include “The Hucklebuck” (#14), “The Fly” (#7), “Dance the Mess Around” (#24), and “Pony Time“, which returned Checker to the number 1 position in 1961. His next twist themed single, “Let’s Twist Again“, won the 1961 Grammy Award for Best Rock and Roll Solo Vocal Performance. In 1962 Checker released a duet with Dee Dee Sharp called “Slow Twistin’” which reached #3 on the national charts. His last Top Ten hit, “Limbo Rock” came in 1962.
Although “The Twist” put Chubby Checker on the superstar map he has had mixed feelings about what the song actually did for him. Even if he feels that the song has in some way stifled his acceptance as a performer one thing is certain. Chubby Checker is still working. He continues to travel on the oldies circuit performing his hits. While other artists have come and gone, retiring to careers outside of show business, Chubby Checker has been able to keep doing what he loves.
To hear Chubby Checker’s music and more of the fabulous sixties artists listen online to Golden Hits Radio.
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