Chubby Checker
PMP Network Presents
Chubby Checker, the legendary musician, shares insights into his enduring popularity and his unique perspective on reading reviews. He recounts the fascinating story behind his famous nickname, revealing the unexpected role of Dick Clark's wife in its creation. Checker also details his early career beginnings in the poultry market and his first recording experiences.
Chubby Checker
About Chubby Checker
Chubby Checker, born Ernest Evans in Spring Gully, South Carolina, became a defining figure of early 1960s rock and roll by popularizing dance crazes. His signature hit "The Twist" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in both 1960 and 1962, the only single to achieve that distinction. He won a Grammy Award in 1962 for "Let's Twist Again" and appeared in multiple films. In 2008, Billboard recognized "The Twist" as the biggest chart hit of all time.
In this interview
- Recalls judging his popularity by his bank balance rather than reviews
- Explains he avoids reading reviews to prevent changing what audiences already like
- Describes working in a poultry market before his music career began
- Recounts how Mrs. Dick Clark compared him to Fats Domino, creating his nickname
“I don't read them because I might start trying to change something that people already like.”— Chubby Checker, in this interview
