Chubby Checker

Although Chubby Checker didn't invent the Twist, the dance craze was his ticket to stardom. Written and recorded as a B side by R&B singer Hank Ballard, Checker's version of "The Twist" went to #1 in September 1960, stayed on the chart for four months, dropped off, and returned to #1 early in 1962. It is the only rock & roll record to enjoy two stays at #1 more than a year apart.

The young Ernest...