This elegant nightclub will never be the same! It’s been Checker-fied since legendary Grammy-winning rock ’n’ roll star Chubby Checker was in residence. Mr. Checker (born Ernest Evans) was dressed in youthful blue denim jeans, jacket and open shirt, raring to give his audience the best time he could. And he succeeded!

It was Checker who introduced—to most of us—(on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, 1960), recorded and made famous what has become “the number one song on the planet” (according to Mr. Checker), “The Twist” (written by Hank Ballard). Mr. Checker is the only recording artist to have had five albums in the Top 12 Billboard chart, all at one time.

For nostalgia hounds of a certain age, seeking remnants of their teenage past, this was the place to be — watching fun-loving, sweet and personable Chubby Checker commemorating the 50th anniversary of “The Twist.” Not only did the audience watch, but they were up on the floor and the stage dancing the night away as the all-consuming beat of “Pony Time,” “The Hucklebuck,” “The Fly” and “Let’s Twist Again” invaded the usually more somber surroundings. Checker’s smooth baritone is still going strong. He's also associated with “Blueberry Hill” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.”

His rock ’n’ roll band was led by saxophonist Tommy C. and included: Jerry Cherry, guitar; Garry Nutt, bass; Michael Winish, drums; Jim Wacker, keyboards and Gary Lefkowith, guitar.

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
March 24, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org