So unbeknownst to most, the Twist was the creation of some young African-Americans dancing in the street on Central Avenue in Tampa. Apparently they shall forever remain anonymous, and the fame associated with creating arguably the most powerful dance tune of all time will forever belong entirely to Chubby Checker and Hank Ballard. ...more

July 8, 2008

Here's a word association test. When I say "Chubby Checker", you say... "The Twist." At least most folks make that connection, because it was that tune that rocketed him to stardom. Chubby, who's real name is Ernest Evans, appeared at Busch Gardens last week as part of a Fourth of July celebration. But few people know that the Twist had its genesis in Tampa. ...more

July 8, 2008