Chubby Checker

Date of Birth: October 3, 1941

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Biography

Chubby Checker, born Ernest Evans, is an American rock ‘n’ roll singer and dancer best known for popularizing the twist dance style with his hit cover of Hank Ballard’s “The Twist.” Born on October 3, 1941, in Spring Gully, South Carolina, Checker grew up in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He began his career in music while still in high school, performing in various bands and eventually catching the attention of Dick Clark, host of American Bandstand. In 1959, Checker’s rendition of “The Twist” became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1960 and again in 1961, making it the only single to top the chart twice in two separate release cycles. This song spurred a nationwide dance craze and solidified Checker’s place in music history. Checker continued to release hits throughout the 1960s, including “Pony Time,” “Let’s Twist Again,” and “Limbo Rock.” He also ventured into acting, appearing in films and television shows. Over the decades, Checker has remained a beloved figure in the music industry, performing at various venues and events worldwide.

5 Interesting Facts about Chubby Checker

1. Chubby Checker got his stage name from Dick Clark’s wife, who coined it as a playful take on Fats Domino’s name.

2. “The Twist” was named by Billboard as the biggest chart hit of all time in 2008.

3. Checker is the only recording artist to have five albums in the Top 12 all at once.

4. He won a Grammy Award for Best Rock & Roll Recording for “Let’s Twist Again” in 1961.

5. Checker was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s prestigious Artists Hall of Fame in 2008.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Chubby Checker

1. “It’s the only song I know that makes you drop your ice cream cone and get up and dance.”

2. “The Twist was a guided missile launched from the ghetto into the heart of suburbia.”

3. “Dancing apart to the beat of the music is my legacy.”

4. “I want to be remembered as a person who brought joy to people.”

5. “When I hear people talking about ‘The Twist,’ it’s like a magic word for me. It brings back so many memories.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Chubby Checker’s highest net worth achieved is estimated to be around $4 million.

Children

Chubby Checker has three children: Bianca Evans, Shan Egan Evans, and Mistie Bass. Mistie Bass is a professional basketball player who has played in the WNBA.