Chubby Checker

What this episode covers

Chubby Checker's “The Twist” was a #1 song not once but twice — in 1960 and again in 1961. The song that started a worldwide dance phenomenon was a cover of an old Hank Ballard B-side. Chubby had more big hits with “Let’s Twist Again” in 1961, “Slow Twistin’” (with Dee Dee Sharp) in 1962, and “Twist It Up” in 1963. Checker followed his success with popular songs about other dances, including “The Hucklebuck,” “Pony Time,” “(Dance the) Mess Around,” “The Fly,” “Limbo Rock” and “Let’s Limbo Some More.” You'll find them all on Dancin’ Party: The Chubby Checker Collection (1960–1966) a reissue from Philadelphia-based Cameo-Parkway. "The Twist" spawned a host of hits including "Twistin' the Night Away" with Sam Cooke, "Peppermint Twist" featuring Joey Dee and the Starliters, "Dear Lady Twist" with Gary US Bonds and "Twist and Shout" with the Isley Brothers. In our interview, Chubby talks about his influences, the impact of The Twist, visiting Vancouver in the Sixties, his lasting success and his real name. Recorded at The Legends of Rock at EXPO 86 in Vancouver

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