Chubby was my absolute idol when I was 13. I couldn't get enough of his music, 45s and albums (which I still have). But let's not overlook where this all came from: The Twist was re-written and recorded two years earlier by one Hank Ballard of the same record label group as Chubby Checker, Freddy Cannon, The Shirelles and Bobby Rydell. It was an average hit, but soon forgotten. When the inspiration of naming a competitor for Fats Domino came along, The Twist exploded universally and remained popular for several years into the 1960s, spawning many covers, offshoot recordings and groups. Although Hank Ballard is commonly accepted as its author, an identical tune, under a different title and lyrics, was first composed in 1954.
In 1997, he performed at my college. I was in my early 30s. He motioned for me to join him on stage, as he began singing The Twist. Being extremely shy, I was amazed at how quickly I bounced onto the stage, & danced with Chubby Checker! You couldn't have wiped the smile off my face & I never danced with such energy! I danced my socks off! After the song, he walked me down the steps, & off the stage. When concert was over & his bodyguards led him away, he stopped, took my hand, & gave me one of those cool finger-points, & flashed a big smile. But the coolest part, was when earlier, Chubby sang a couple songs on the ground level, with the crowd. As he shook hands with the guys & hugged the ladies, several mentally handicap adults ran up to give Chubby hugs. He was so gracious, & never turned one of them away. Finally, the chaperones of that group had to put a stop to it, so Chubby could get back on stage. Now, that's class! 💯
I'm working on my thesis, which includes differences in aging and dementia between black and white Americans. So I wanted to drive home how elderly people today were young adults during the civil rights movement and it wasn't that long ago at all. We tend to forget that our grandparents lived through this stuff. So I go online and find that Ruby Bridges is only 67. She integrated her school at age 6 in 1960. I need perspective for how long ago 1960 was so I look for the top songs of that year and find the Twist and Chubby Checker's original performance video in black and white. Okay that looks super old school, but is he still alive? Another google search tells me THE DUDE IS ON TOUR. Like I was taken to a site to buy tickets hahah. I love this story, love his voice, love that I just rocked out to the Twist for twenty minutes instead of writing my dissertation and love that he's still going strong. My boss definitely won't want me going off on a Chubby Checker tangent but I might have to give him a shoutout anyway.
We were Carpenter St Neighbors in South Philly growing up in the late 50's & early 60's . I was closer in age with his brothers Spencer & Tracey. Our favorite past time was going to the Palace theater. Saturday's 10 cent matinee. Yrs later, imagine my surprise seeing him in Paoli Pa. Very nice man. ❤
My brother les was his bassist and musical conductor throughout the 90s he told me so many stories about this prima donna that will flip your wig no pun intended.
Chubby was my absolute idol when I was 13. I couldn't get enough of his music, 45s and albums (which I still have).
But let's not overlook where this all came from: The Twist was re-written and recorded two years earlier by one Hank Ballard of the same record label group as Chubby Checker, Freddy Cannon, The Shirelles and Bobby Rydell. It was an average hit, but soon forgotten. When the inspiration of naming a competitor for Fats Domino came along, The Twist exploded universally and remained popular for several years into the 1960s, spawning many covers, offshoot recordings and groups.
Although Hank Ballard is commonly accepted as its author, an identical tune, under a different title and lyrics, was first composed in 1954.
In 1997, he performed at my college. I was in my early 30s. He motioned for me to join him on stage, as he began singing The Twist. Being extremely shy, I was amazed at how quickly I bounced onto the stage, & danced with Chubby Checker! You couldn't have wiped the smile off my face & I never danced with such energy! I danced my socks off! After the song, he walked me down the steps, & off the stage. When concert was over & his bodyguards led him away, he stopped, took my hand, & gave me one of those cool finger-points, & flashed a big smile. But the coolest part, was when earlier, Chubby sang a couple songs on the ground level, with the crowd. As he shook hands with the guys & hugged the ladies, several mentally handicap adults ran up to give Chubby hugs. He was so gracious, & never turned one of them away. Finally, the chaperones of that group had to put a stop to it, so Chubby could get back on stage. Now, that's class! 💯
You are timeless Chubby! Handsome still!❤
Chubby is still 20 y.o. to us ... What a great artist and what a time we had with Chubby and the Twist in 1962. C.C. FOR EVER !
He looks good at 80.. .still good health
Same as Ringo Starr doesn’t look at their age
Damn, he looks good for his age.
He might have touched up the greys a little bit.
Seen his 2 times in concert even motioned me by hand gesture to come on stage and I dance with him THE TWIST, never forget that
Wow 80 and still twistin'. WTG Chubby Checker. He's still a young lookin' dude!
Stay healthy stay safe and keep on Twistin'
all that twistin an turnin keeps the body in shape.
I really love Chubby , since i was a kid .
It’s very rare for an entertainer to look and sound as good and as close to their original recording.
He is one of them!
WOW
Congratulacion , Looking fantastic
You look great! Met you in about 1989 at Macys with your lovely wife and mother-in-law. You were all wonderful people.
Belated happy birthday to you,Mr. Evans, and many more to come. From a 57 year old irish lady, keep on twisting.🥰❤💕 love you🤩
I'm working on my thesis, which includes differences in aging and dementia between black and white Americans. So I wanted to drive home how elderly people today were young adults during the civil rights movement and it wasn't that long ago at all. We tend to forget that our grandparents lived through this stuff. So I go online and find that Ruby Bridges is only 67. She integrated her school at age 6 in 1960. I need perspective for how long ago 1960 was so I look for the top songs of that year and find the Twist and Chubby Checker's original performance video in black and white. Okay that looks super old school, but is he still alive? Another google search tells me THE DUDE IS ON TOUR. Like I was taken to a site to buy tickets hahah. I love this story, love his voice, love that I just rocked out to the Twist for twenty minutes instead of writing my dissertation and love that he's still going strong. My boss definitely won't want me going off on a Chubby Checker tangent but I might have to give him a shoutout anyway.
Love him
My Cousin love you Chubbs!!!! South Carolina Stand up
Such a great all round man. Keep up the good work sir, thank you for your wonderful entertainment 💕
He looks amazing. 👍🏽
❤❤❤❤❤You are an inspiration❤❤❤
❤❤❤80 😊❤❤❤i love❤❤❤it
We were Carpenter St Neighbors in South Philly growing up in the late 50's & early 60's . I was closer in age with his brothers Spencer & Tracey. Our favorite past time was going to the Palace theater. Saturday's 10 cent matinee. Yrs later, imagine my surprise seeing him in Paoli Pa. Very nice man. ❤
Happy to find you in my Facebook feed and see you are doing great 👍
My brother les was his bassist and musical conductor throughout the 90s he told me so many stories about this prima donna that will flip your wig no pun intended.
tell us please!
Un grand chanteur et danseur belle époque
Looks great
His real name was Ernest Evans.
You keep it up man you are the greatest man literally right after Elvis Presley actually I think you both are equal on the greatness
Hey Chubbs. 80??? God bless!
I love Chubby hes an Awsome person
He looks great. Black don't crack.
Im looking damn good
JAPIVERDITUYU CHUBY CHEKER 🇵🇪
Qué raro...tiene más cabello que a los 20's y sin canas...misterio...
Harry Ballard? No props even?
Who?
Did he do drugs