Latest news with #ChubbyChecker
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Outkast, The White Stripes, Soundgarden, Chubby Checker & More to Join 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class: Full List
Chubby Checker, whose 'The Twist' was a global smash in 1960, has been eligible for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame since the first class was inducted in 1986, but he was never even nominated until this year. Despite having been ignored for decades, he made it in his first time on the ballot. So did first-time nominees Bad Company, Joe Cocker and Outkast, as well as Cyndi Lauper and The White Stripes, who had each been nominated once before, and Soundgarden, which had been nominated twice before. These seven acts were all inducted in the performer category. More from Billboard Becoming Chris Cornell: Inside the Early Days of Soundgarden Maynard James Keenan Says 'Modern Miracles' Might Be Required for Ozzy Osbourne to Perform at Final Show Former MTV VJ Matt Pinfield Shares New Recovery Update Following Stroke The inductees were announced by Ryan Seacrest on ABC's American Idol on Sunday night (April 27). There are six other inductees this year in other categories. Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon are set to receive the musical influence award; Philly Soul producer Thom Bell, English studio pianist/organist Nicky Hopkins and studio bass guitarist Carole Kaye (who was part of the fabled Wrecking Crew of top L.A. studio musicians) will receive the musical excellence award; and producer and label executive Lenny Waronker will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award. Sadly, several of these people didn't live to see their inductions. Hopkins died in 1994 at age 50; Zevon in 2003 at 56; Chris Cornell of Soundgarden in 2017 at 52; and Bell in 2022 at 79. Checker had to wait even longer for induction than Cher, who was finally inducted last year, 59 years after Sonny & Cher's breakthrough smash 'I Got You Babe.' With Outkast and Salt-N-Pepa both being inducted this year, this is the sixth consecutive year that one or more rap acts has been in the induction class. With Lauper, Salt-N-Pepa, Meg White of The White Stripes and Carol Kaye being inducted this year, this is the fourth consecutive year that four or more female acts were in the induction class. Bell won the first Grammy Award ever presented for producer of the year, non-classical, in 1975. By coincidence, Waronker was among the other nominees in the category that year. Waronker was also nominated for record of the year that year for producing Maria Muldaur's classy and sexy 'Midnight at the Oasis.' Waronker's many other hits as a producer include Gordon Lightfoot's Hot 100-topping 'Sundown,' Rickie Lee Jones' 'Chuck E.'s in Love' and Randy Newman's 'I Love L.A.,' which Dawes performed as the opening song on this year's Grammy telecast. Carol Kaye, 90, is this year's oldest inductee. Checker and Waronker are both 83, but will both be 84 by the time of the Nov. 8 induction ceremony. All of the artists who were induced in the performer category have landed top five albums on the Billboard 200. Three of them reached No. 1: Bad Company (Bad Company, 1974), Outkast (Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, 2003) and Soundgarden (Superunknown, 1994). Three more reached No. 2: Chubby Checker (Your Twist Party, 1962), Joe Cocker (Mad Dogs and Englishmen, 1970) and The White Stripes (Icky Thump, 2007). Lauper climbed as high as No. 4 twice, with She's So Unusual in 1984 and True Colors in 1986. Both of the artists who are receiving musical influence awards made the top 10. Salt-N-Pepa reached No. 4 with Very Necessary in 1994. Zevon hit No. 8 with Excitable Boy in 1978. Lauper won the Grammy for best new artist in 1985. She's the sixth artist who was a past winner of that award to go on to a Rock Hall induction. Outkast won the Grammy for album of the year in 2004 for Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. André 3000 was nominated again in that category at this year's ceremony for New Blue Sun. Two of the inducted acts are duos – Outkast (André 3000 and Big Boi) and The White Stripes (Jack White and Meg White). The other seven nominees in the performer category were denied admission to the Rock Hall – this year, anyway. Oasis and Mariah Carey were both passed over for the second year in a row. Both were surprising snubs – Oasis is reuniting for a global tour in 2025; Carey's profile, never low, has been boosted in recent years by her status as the uncontested Queen of Christmas. Of the other passed-over artists, Joy Division/New Order were previously on the ballot in 2023; this was the first time on the ballot for The Black Crowes, Billy Idol, Maná and Phish. The voters showed no love for brother acts this year. Oasis includes Liam and Noel Gallagher; The Black Crowes includes Chris and Rich Robinson. Maná was vying to become the first rock en español act to make the Rock Hall. Joy Division/New Order was vying to join the short list of two related acts being inducted in tandem, following Parliament/Funkadelic in 1997 and The Small Faces/Faces in 2012. Phish, which won this year's fan vote, has never landed a Hot 100 hit, but the band is a powerhouse live attraction, as evidenced when it played the Sphere in Las Vegas in April 2024. Idol was a mainstay of early MTV – as was Lauper, who did get in. In an interview with Vulture, Idol said of his guitarist Steve Stevens, 'Because of our special relationship, if I get in, they will induct him as well.' This would have echoed Pat Benatar's induction three years ago, where the Rock Hall inducted both Benatar and her husband and musical partner, Neil Giraldo. But it's academic, as Idol didn't make it this year. The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction will be live on Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles. The 2025 ceremony will once again stream live on Disney+, with a special airing on ABC at a later date and available on Hulu the next day. The 2024 ceremony aired on New Year's Day. Here's the full list of 2025 inductees: Bad Company Chubby Checker Joe Cocker Cyndi Lauper Outkast Soundgarden The White Stripes Salt-N-Pepa Warren Zevon Thom Bell Nicky Hopkins Carol Kaye Lenny Waronker Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Chicago Tribune
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Donna Vickroy: I loved my mom's love of music (but if I'm still mortified by her belting out ‘After the Lovin'')
Imagine if we could 'twist again like we did last summer.' It seems like a million years since I last heard that Chubby Checker song. And it seems a million more since I last watched my mother lose herself on the dance floor to it. At the opening patter of drums, she'd spring from her seat, arms flailing, fingers snapping. It didn't matter if we were at a wedding, a backyard bash or her very last birthday party, when she was recovering from a yearlong case of MRSA and about to be diagnosed with cancer, she danced like no one was watching. Always, she was joined by my aunt. The two would twist and spin and smile to the heavens. And how I miss watching that. They say smells trigger fond memories, but nothing takes me back like music. Perhaps because my mother was more likely to spin records than stir a mixing bowl when we were growing up, I have a deep connection to the music of her era. Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin. I am still moved by that music and still grateful for that. Recently, at a Four Tops/Temptations concert, I sang with abandon in honor of my mother. 'Sugar pie, honey bunch…' Not that she and I always saw eye to eye. We were very different humans. She was often timid and self-doubting. I believed the world was mine to explore. She was afraid to drive to new places, and absolutely terrified of the expressways. As soon as her back was turned, I was chauffeuring my friends to Great America. Meeting new people and making small talk made her nervous. I chose a career that would require me to do both on a daily basis. And while she never acquired a love or affinity for domestic skills, I've devoted a lifetime to learning as much as I can about cooking and gardening. Suffice it to say we were as different as, I suppose, many mothers and daughters are. But we shared several common interests: A love for reading, for journalism, for 'Jeopardy,' for theater and for word puzzles. And, of course, music. I have fond memories of her spinning records on the hi-fi, of us watching performances of 'Riverdance,' 'Wicked' and 'Camelot' together at downtown Chicago theaters, and of her getting down at weddings and parties. One Christmas, at Chicago's Symphony Hall for 'Christmas in Chicago,' she heeded the conductor's command to sing along, with abandon. She enjoyed music. And I enjoyed watching her enjoy it. As kids, we'd often catch her belting out the wrong lyrics. And, as kids are known to do, we'd laugh and then correct her. 'Mom, it's 'you can call it another lonely day,' not 'you can call it thunder lonely day.'' Or, 'Mom, it's 'rock me, rock me, a little while,' not 'doo-wop, doo-wop, a little while.'' Music serves many purposes. It can comfort, energize, commiserate, and, if you're a teenager with a mom who doesn't hold back, embarrass the tarnation out of you. It's mortifying to hear your mother belt out Engelbert Humperdinck's 'After the Lovin'' or Barbra Streisand's 'You Don't Bring Me Flowers,' especially if she and your dad have just had a loud argument. During our teen years, music became a source of friction between generations. Although my mother had a broad tolerance for 'controversial' topics when it came to books and motion pictures, there was one theme she would not allow: Anything that promoted or normalized drug use. The politics of the day warned repeatedly about the dangers of gateway drugs and, like a DEA agent, my mother was on top of it. One Saturday afternoon, my brother was playing Blue Oyster Cult in his bedroom. 'Agents of Fortune' spun on the turntable behind a closed door. In the kitchen, my mother paused her cooking, crooked her head to give a listen and then sprinted to shut this 'insanity' down. Bang, bang, bang on the bedroom door. 'Stop that song right now,' she yelled. My brother cracked the door and asked why. 'I know what they're saying. I won't have that kind of music in my house,' she screamed. I joined the argument in defense of the album. 'What kind of music?' I asked. 'That drug stuff. 'Come on, baby, let's go share some reefer!'' she sputtered. 'Turn it off now.' My brother and I burst into laughter, which only made her angrier. 'Turn. It. Off,' she yelled. 'Mom, they're not saying, 'Share some reefer,'' my brother said, showing her the liner notes. They're saying, 'Don't fear the reaper.'' She scanned the words, paused to consider and silently turned on her heel. Years later, while I was driving her to the mall, Blue Oyster Cult came on my car radio. As we turned into the parking lot, I heard my mother croon, 'Seasons don't fear the reaper. Nor do the wind or the sun or the rain.'
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
NYS Fair responds: Why Chubby Checker will not return this year
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — The New York State Fair has explained their reasoning as to why Chubby Checker was not invited back to 'Twist' and 'Shimmy' this year. Chubby's manager confirmed to NewsChannel 9 just days ago — following his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — that he was not invited back for the 2025 Fair. 'Unfortunately, Chubby Checker a fan favorite and staple at The New York State Fair over the years will NOT 'twist again, like he did last summer' at this year's New York State Fair. Though fans, friends and local media were hoping to see him at his annual show this summer, Fair representatives told his manager that Chubby was not invited back,' said Shelly Field, Checker's locally based manager. The Fair responded with, 'The New York State Fair congratulates Chubby Checker on his historic induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which is a true testament to the impact he has had on American music history. The Fair considers Chubby to be an integral part of the Fair family and has been honored to host him several times, bringing his timeless classics to fairgoers of all ages.' But, after hearing from many fairgoers, the Fair used the interest 'in seeing an expanded content lineup with new musical acts' to diversify the performances for this year. 'We wish we could bring in all of our favorites every year, but are excited to introduce some new musical acts to the Fairgrounds this summer,' continued the Fair. 2024 marked Chubby's third consecutive appearance at the Fair, but he had been invited to 'Twist' in Central New York for six performances. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Observer
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Outkast, White Stripes, Cyndi Lauper among Rock Hall inductees
Hip-hop pioneers Outkast and rock duo The White Stripes are among 2025's class of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, the organization announced late Sunday. Cyndi Lauper, Chubby Checker, Soundgarden, Bad Company and Joe Cocker round out the performer slate of artists nominated into the prestigious music pantheon. Hip hop icons Salt-N-Pepa along with rocker Warren Zevon will receive awards for musical influence, while the late record producer Thom Bell, pianist Nicky Hopkins and bassist Carol Kaye will receive the prizes for musical excellence. The Ahmet Ertegun Award, which goes to a non-performing industry notable, is this year bestowed on Lenny Waronker, whose resume includes heading Warner Bros. Records and signing Prince and R.E.M. The induction ceremony -- which doubles as a star-studded concert gala rife with tributes to the honorees -- will be held November 8 in Los Angeles. It will stream live on Disney+, and will air later on the network ABC. The inductees were announced live on ABC late Sunday on "American Idol," during a special rock edition of the long-running music talent show. Eligible nominees into the Rock Hall must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to being nominated. Outkast, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker and Bad Company were all first-time nominees. The 2024 class of inductees included Cher, Mary J. Blige and Ozzy Osbourne. —AFP
Gulf Today
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker and Cyndi Lauper get into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
First-time nominees Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker and Bad Company will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a class that also includes pop star Cyndi Lauper, the hip-hop pioneers Outkast, the rock duo the White Stripes and grunge masters Soundgarden. Salt-N-Pepa, the first female rap act to achieve gold and platinum status, and the late singer-songwriter Warren Zevon will get the Musical Influence Award. The late record producer Thom Bell, pianist Nicky Hopkins and bassist Carol Kaye will each get the Musical Excellence Award. The late Cocker, who sang at Woodstock and was best known for his cover of The Beatles' "With a Little Help From My Friends,' had the backing of Billy Joel, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top and Pete Thomas, a member of Elvis Costello & The Attractions, who argued that Cocker is "about as rock and roll as it gets.' Soundgarden - with the late Chris Cornell as singer - get into the Hall on their third nomination. They follow two other grunge acts in the Hall - Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Bad Company get in having become radio fixtures with such arena-rock staples as "Feel Like Makin' Love,' "Can't Get Enough' and "Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy.' The Ahmet Ertegun Award - given to nonperforming industry professionals who had a major influence on music - will go to Lenny Waronker, a former head of Warner Bros. Records who signed Prince and R.E.M., and had a part in records from Madonna, Randy Newman, the Doobie Brothers, Rickie Lee Jones, Paul Simon and Gary Clark Jr. Some nominees that didn't get in this year include Mariah Carey, Phish, Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order, Maná, the Black Crowes and Oasis. Checker's recording of "The Twist,' and subsequent "Let's Twist Again' are considered among the most popular songs in the history of rock 'n' roll. The 83-year-old has expressed frustration that he hadn't been granted entry before, including telling the AP in 2014: "I don't want to get in there when I'm 85 years old. I'll tell them to drop dead, so you better do it quick while I'm still smiling.' Lauper rose to fame in the 1980s with hits such as "Time After Time' and "Girls Just Want To Have Fun' and went on to win a Tony Award for "Kinky Boots.' OutKast, made up of André 3000 and Big Boi, have six Grammys and a reputation for pushing the boundaries of hip-hop. The White Stripes - made up of Jack White and Meg White - were indie darlings in the early 2000s with such songs as "Seven Nation Army.' Artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years before they're eligible for induction. The induction ceremony will take place in Los Angeles this fall. Nominees were voted on by more than 1,200 artists, historians and music industry professionals. The selection criteria include "an artist's impact on other musicians, the scope and longevity of their career and body of work, as well as their innovation and excellence in style and technique.' Last year, Mary J. Blige, Cher, Foreigner, A Tribe Called Quest, Kool & The Gang, Ozzy Osbourne, Dave Matthews Band and singer-guitarist Peter Frampton all were inducted. Associated Press
