Chubby Checker to Rock and Roll Hall: Induct me soon or ‘drop dead’

Chubby Checker has told the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to induct him into its exclusive club before it’s too late. Checker’s recording of “The Twist,” and subsequent “Let’s Twist Again” are considered among the most popular songs in the history of rock ‘n’ roll. “Let’s Twist Again” was the first rock ‘n’ roll song to receive a Grammy in 1962. He made the comments on the red carpet for the annual Songwriters Hall of Fame gala in New York where Checker performed “Let’s Twist Again” for the ASCAP Centennial celebration.

I don’t want to get in there when I’m 85 years old. I’ll tell them to drop dead, so you better do it quick while I’m still smiling.

Chubby Checker

His bid for induction is not without industry support: At his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in April, Daryl Hall asked why Checker wasn’t in the Hall of Fame. Legendary songwriter Kenny Gamble has also called for Checker’s induction, saying the honour is long overdue. Checker said he wanted to be inducted before he was too old to perform, and questioned why “younger” artists like The Rolling Stones and The Beastie Boys were already in.

Entertainment Chubby Checker