About the song
Chubby Checker, an enduring icon of American pop music, left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape with his performances of “The Twist” and “Let’s Twist Again” on The Ed Sullivan Show. These appearances not only showcased Checker’s charismatic stage presence but also played a pivotal role in popularizing the dance craze that swept across the nation in the early 1960s.
“The Twist,” originally released in 1960, was a song that revolutionized the dance scene. Written by Hank Ballard, it was Chubby Checker’s rendition that catapulted it to unprecedented heights. The song quickly climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, reaching number one in September 1960. Its simple, infectious rhythm and easy-to-follow dance moves made it a hit with people of all ages, transcending generational boundaries. Checker’s performance on The Ed Sullivan Show brought “The Twist” into millions of American homes, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon.
Following the massive success of “The Twist,” Checker released “Let’s Twist Again” in 1961. This sequel song captured the same vibrant energy and encouraged fans to continue enjoying the dance craze. “Let’s Twist Again” also performed well on the charts, reinforcing Checker’s position as a leading figure in the music industry. His repeated appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show further cemented his popularity, making the twist dance synonymous with Chubby Checker.
The impact of these performances on The Ed Sullivan Show cannot be overstated. The program, a staple of American television, was known for showcasing top-tier talent and introducing groundbreaking acts to a wide audience. Checker’s energetic renditions of “The Twist” and “Let’s Twist Again” captivated viewers, igniting a dance revolution that extended beyond the television screen to dance halls, living rooms, and social gatherings across the country.
Chubby Checker’s contributions to popular music and dance have left a lasting legacy. His ability to engage audiences with his dynamic performances and his role in popularizing the twist dance have earned him a special place in music history. The simplicity and joy of “The Twist” and “Let’s Twist Again” continue to resonate with fans, reminding us of a time when music and dance brought people together in pure, unadulterated fun.
For older and educated audiences, Checker’s performances on The Ed Sullivan Show are a nostalgic reminder of the transformative power of music and dance in the 1960s. They highlight a moment in history when a song and its accompanying dance could unite a nation in movement and joy. Chubby Checker’s legacy endures, celebrating the spirit of an era defined by rhythm, innovation, and a whole lot of twisting.
Video
Lyrics
Come on everybody clap your hands
Ah, you’re looking good
I’m gonna sing my song and you won’t take long
We’re gonna do the twist and it goes like this
Come on let’s twist again like we did last summer
Yeah, let’s twist again like we did last year
Do you remember when things were really hummin’?
Yeah, let’s twist again, twistin’ time is here
Round ‘n around ‘n up ‘n down we go again
Oh baby make me know you love me so and then
Twist again like we did last summer
Come on twist again, like we did last year
(Twist, yow)
Who’s that, flyin’ up there?
Is it a bird? No
Is it a plane? No
Is it the twister? Yeah
Yeah, twist again like we did last summer
Come on let’s twist again, like we did last year
Do you remember when things were really hummin’?
Come on let’s twist again, twistin’ time is here
Round ‘n around ‘n up ‘n down we go again
Oh baby make me know you love me so and then
Come on twist again like we did last summer
Girl, let’s twist again, like we did last year
Come on twist again, twistin’ time is here