Linden Air Drive-In

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The original version of “The Twist” was written and recorded by Hank Ballard. The song was the B-side of a 45rpm single released by King Records of Cincinnati, Ohio. Hank Ballard’s version of “The Twist” was a moderate success in the African-American community, during 1958. The gigantic impact of the Twist as a dance craze and record sales dynamo happened when Chubby Checker recorded a similar sounding version of “The Twist,” in 1960. Mr. Checker was helped in promoting the song and dance through his appearances on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand television program. Twist movies included two with Chubby Checker, and others with Louis Prima and Joey Dee. Additional information on King Records is available by viewing the PBS documentary, “King of Them All: The Story of King Records.” Furthermore, Hank Ballard was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in the class of 1990. Chubby Checker is entering the Hall of Fame in 2025. Source: Columbus Dispatch, September 27, 1966.