Over the years I have worked with and became friends with many talented entertainers from across the State like Cesear Berry of the Tymes, Dee Dee Sharp, Len Barry, Eddie Holman, the Dreamlovers, the Delfonics, the Orlons and Ernest Evans … known to the world as Chubby Checker. Tomorrow is Chubby’s birthday, born October 3, 1941 in Spring Gully, South Carolina but grew up in the projects of South Philadelphia … here is a bit of background about Mr. Evans. By the age of eleven he formed a street corner singing group, and by the time he entered High School he learned to play the piano at Settlement Music School. He was known for his vocal impressions of popular entertainers such as Elvis Presley and Fats Domino. After school he worked at Farm Fresh Poultry where he was given the nickname “Chubby”. A friend who worked for Cameo-Parkway records arranged for him to make a private recording for Dick Clark at American Bandstand. After hearing Chubby’s Fats Domino impression it was suggested that he be called Chubby Checker in honor of Fats Domino. In 1958, Chubby recorded a novelty single for Dick Clark portraying a schoolteacher with an unruly classroom of musical performers where he imitated such acts as Fats Domino, the Coasters, Elvis Presley and the Chipmunks singing “Mary Had A Little Lamb”. Dick Clark sent the song out as his Christmas greeting which led to a recording contract with Cameo-Parkway. The song “The Class” was chubby Checker’s first release. In 1959 Hank Ballard and the Midnighter’s recorded a song that was written by Hank Ballard called the Twist which was a new dance craze. In 1960 Chubby introduced his version of the “Twist” and became an immediate smash thanks to his appearances on the American Bandstand. show. Chubby Checker was backed up vocally by another Philly group called the Dreamlovers and in 1962 he introduced a new up and coming singer, Dee Dee Sharp, when they did a duet called … “Slow Twistin”. Another Chubby Checker memory came in 1961 when he played himself in a movie called “Twist Around The Clock” that had an appearance of some of my childhood friends from Pittsburgh … “The Marcels”! The first time I worked with Chubby was a show at the “Point” in Pittsburgh. As always, his charm and dance moves thrilled the crowd. Chubby Checker is still thrilling the crowds with his charm and dance moves to this very day! In fact, an old friend of mine, Bonnie, recently sent me a video of her on stage dancing with Chubby Checker! Thanks for the music and memories Ernest Evans (Chubby Checker) … and Happy Birthday!