Wildwood, New Jersey: Birthplace of "The Twist"
Wildwood, New Jersey, was the epicenter of Rock and Roll innovation in the 1950s and early '60s. Bill Haley and His Comets made music history in 1954 with their live debut of "(We're Gonna) Rock Around the Clock" at Wildwood's HofBrau Hotel. Then in July of 1960, 19-year-old Chubby Checker stepped onto the stage at the Rainbow Club and put his own carefree "spin" on "The Twist," a song written and recorded by Hank Ballard two years earlier.
(PRWEB) June 26, 2005 -- Its role in music history is little known today, but the beach resort of Wildwood, New Jersey, was the epicenter of Rock and Roll innovation in the 1950s and early '60s. Bill Haley and His Comets made music history in 1954 with their live debut of "(We're Gonna) Rock Around the Clock" at the HofBrau Hotel in Wildwood. Then in July of 1960, 19-year-old Chubby Checker (born Ernest Evans) revolutionized popular dancing when he stepped onto the stage at the Rainbow Club and put his own carefree "spin" on "The Twist," a song written and recorded by Hank Ballard two years earlier.
Less than a month later, on August 6, 1960, Checker performed "The Twist" on Dick Clark's nationally televised Saturday evening program, and launched a national craze. The single rocketed to number one during the autumn of 1960, remaining on the charts for four months. It hit number one again in late 1961; the only record ever to enjoy two stays at the top more than a year apart. The craze also inspired a series of Twist-themed movies (with Checker starring in a half-dozen) books and records. A dance simple enough for anyone to participate, no matter how stiff, clumsy or unhip, The Twist remains popular today.
Checker described the accompanying dance as being "like putting out a cigarette with both feet, or like coming out of the shower and wiping your [rear with a towel."
In honor of the ground-breaking phenomenon and Wildwood's role in its birth, Chubby Checker will return to Wildwood to headline a Fabulous '50s Rock and Roll Show on Saturday evening, October 15, 7pm, at the Wildwoods Convention Center. Also appearing are Buddy Hollys Crickets,("That'll Be The Day," "Peggy Sue," "Everyday,") Charles Thomas Drifters ("Under the Boardwalk," "Save the Last Dance for Me"), Shirley Alston Reeves, original lead singer of the Shirelles ("Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow," "Soldier Boy"), and Charlie Gracie ("Fabulous," "Butterfly").
The concert is the centerpiece of a weekend celebration of the 1950s and Wildwoods rock and roll heritage. The second annual Wildwoods Fabulous '50s Weekend, October 14-16, 2005, at the Wildwoods Convention Center will be a musical celebration of the islands role in the birth of Rock and Roll, and the launch of "The Twist" 45 years ago. A permanent historical marker will be unveiled for the site of the Rainbow Club, at Spicer and Pacific Avenues in Wildwood, where Checker first performed "The Twist" in July 1960.
Other highlights include a Friday night record hop with the "Geator" Jerry Blavat; a Saturday street fair with live music by Charlie Gracie, Kenny Vance and the Planotones and others, appearances by Philadelphia TV icon Sally Starr, contests and food vendors on the boardwalk; DooWop architecture tours; a display of 50s and 60s cars; and more. On Sunday afternoon, Chubby Checker will receive the Wildwoods Music Award from 2004 recipient Charlie Gracie, followed by a jam session of musicians who performed in Wildwoods nightclubs in the 1950s and '60s. More information is available by phone at 888-729-0033 and online at www.fabfifties.com.
More information is available by phone at 888-729-0033 and online at www.fabfifties.com, or contact us by e-mail.
The Wildwoods Fabulous '50s Weekend is partially funded by the New Jersey Office of Travel and Tourism - www.visitnj.com - Crest Savings Bank, Morey's Piers and Morey Hospitality, the City of Wildwood Tourism Development Commission, the City of North Wildwood, and the Greater Wildwood Tourism Improvement and Development Authority.
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