Chubby Checker Finally Gets Into the Rock Hall, But He’s Still Twisting for Respect
Chubby Checker, the man who quite literally got the world twisting, has been officially inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame after nearly four decades of eligibility. But in a candid new interview with Variety, the 82-year-old music legend says the honor is only part of the recognition he deserves.
“It’s just a great thing that it’s happening,” Checker said of his induction. “And if they finally put my statue up, well, I might not be alive to see that happen, but people will enjoy it.”
That statue reference? It dates back to 2002, when Checker famously protested the Hall for ignoring his contribution to rock history. “Because of what we’ve done in the music industry, the Hall should erect a statue of Chubby Checker in its courtyard inviting everyone in to rock ‘n’ roll,” he said. “Everybody’s made a whole lotta money off of Chubby. Give the man some credit!”
And credit is due. Though forever linked to his game-changing 1960 smash “The Twist” — the only song to top the Billboard Hot 100 twice — Checker logged 16 Top 20 hits and played a crucial role in transforming American pop culture. His legacy isn’t just in the music, but on the dance floor, which he proudly says “I put there. And it’s still there.”
While the Rock Hall honor is long overdue, Checker wants something even more essential: presence. “I want to hear my music liked like [Billy Joel, the Beatles, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac] do,” he said. “On the radio. In supermarkets.”
He makes a compelling point. In 2008, Billboard named “The Twist” the No. 1 song of all time, but it rarely sees the same multi-generational, cross-format play as some of his peers. “They don’t have the No. 1 song on the planet; I do.”
Checker’s legacy is one of innovation and joy — and while he’s finally in the Hall, he’s not done twisting arms for the recognition his music still deserves.
