SkiP HappEns Podcast
Skip Clark is a dynamic and captivating podcast host and radio personality who has left an indelible mark on the world of broadcasting. With a voice that can command attention and a personality that oozes charm, Skip has become a beloved figure in the world of entertainment. His passion for storytelling and his ability to connect with his audience shine through in every episode of his podcast and every moment on the airwaves.
Skip’s journey in radio began decades ago, and he has since evolved into a seasoned professional who effortlessly navigates the waves of the media industry. His deep knowledge of music, pop culture, and current events keeps his listeners engaged and coming back for more. Skip Clark's enthusiasm and authenticity make him a trusted voice in the world of podcasting and radio. His dedication to his craft and his commitment to providing quality content continue to make him a standout in the world of broadcasting.
SkiP HappEns Podcast
Twistin' Through Time with Chubby Checker: Live from the New York State Fair
Get ready for an unforgettable kickoff to the New York State Fair as we chat with the iconic Chubby Checker, the man who revolutionized the dance floor with "The Twist." Broadcasting live from Chevy Court near the Dairy Building, Chubby shares intimate stories from his six-decade-long career, including how Syracuse played a crucial role in his rise to fame. We explore the fascinating origins of his stage name and his early inspiration from a fair in Georgetown, South Carolina, making for a nostalgic and heartwarming journey through music history.
Chubby reflects on the monumental success of "The Twist," a song that not only topped the Billboard 100 twice but was also crowned the biggest chart hit of all time by Billboard magazine in 2008. He emphasizes the importance of living in the moment and staying connected with his audience, promising an electrifying performance at Chevy Court. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation filled with personal anecdotes, timeless music history, and Chubby's unwavering commitment to his fans. This is one episode you won't want to miss!
Thanks for listening! Follow us at youtube.com/c/skiphappens
Good morning and welcome to day one of the great New York State Fair. I'm Bob Brown, from our broadcast shed on Chevy Court, right near the Derry Building. Joining me right now, an entertainer who's been playing Syracuse for more than 60 years, the one and only Chubby Checker, yeah.
Speaker 2:How are?
Speaker 1:you guys doing? How are you? Everything's good, Everything's great. A little wet, but other than that it's all good, syracuse, put me on the map.
Speaker 2:Did you know that?
Speaker 1:A little wet, but other than that it's all good. Syracuse, put me on the map. Did you know that I did? I knew that. Mr Dick Clark Tell the story.
Speaker 2:Yeah, dick Clark, dick Clark, I happened. First of all, everything started at the fair in Georgetown, south Carolina. My mom took me to the fair. I was four years old and I saw Ernest Tubb playing guitar and I went, mom, she said what's wrong, ernest? I said, mom, I want to do that. So I'm four years old Now, I'm 17. In the studio, dick Clark's there with his wife I'm doing a project for Dick Clark. His wife says is that chubby? They said that's chubby. She says chubby, like fast, put checker on there, like domino. And I became chubby checker. And that's how I am associated with Syracuse. So, and now it started at the fair. And now I'm at the fair in Syracuse, the New York State Fair, and I'm associated with this place. That's my story. New York State Fair and I'm associated with this place. That's my story.
Speaker 1:That's a great story. Now you introduced the twist at the age of 18 in July 1960 in Wildwood, new Jersey at the Rainbow Club.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:And the twist went on to the I was just getting out of high school.
Speaker 2:I got out of school and February I graduated 1960. And June I was in Wildwood at the Rainbow and people were and the world was changing. That song changed the dance floor. It was amazing. In fact, if you go to that corner in Wildwood right now where the Rainbow used to be, I think the sign that says Chevy Checker there.
Speaker 1:Well, the twist went on to top the Billboard 100, not just once it happened, of course, in 1960, but again in a separate chart run in late 1961. Now here's something that our audience may not know In 2008, the twist was named the biggest chart hit of all time by Billboard magazine. Now Billboard looked at all the singles that made the charts between 1958 and 2008.
Speaker 2:That's pretty impressive but the point is they nominated in 2008. It was the number one song from 1960 until 2021 because there was no other song that had done what that song had done. So the twist is actually number one song for 61 years and it's the only number one song. It was the first number one song. That's like George Washington being the president of the United States I want you number one, the first president. I know that Biden is the president right now, but the first president is still George Washington and the twist is still the number one song because it's the first number one song and it was number one from 1960 until 2021.
Speaker 1:All right. Looking back over all these years, do you have a special moment that stands out to you that you'll never forget?
Speaker 2:You know, all the moments that we put out there is still out there. It's not like it happened and it went away Dancing. As we know, it is a combination of the twist, the pony, the fly, the shake and what they did. They call all these dances the boogie and I'm the boogie man.
Speaker 1:And you brought the sunshine out. All right, I know you're taking the stage this afternoon at Chevy Court at 1 o'clock so I won't keep it too long, but what have you got coming up in 2025?
Speaker 2:Listen, we're just busy. We're busy until next year. I don't talk about other shows, because the most important show is the one I'm doing right now New York State Fair. In about an hour and 55 minutes, I'm going to go up there with the band. How are you doing, folks? Thanks for coming out, thank you, thank you, and it's all about them. By the way, you need to know that everything that we do is all about the people. It's not really about us. I'm just a good excuse for the party, but it's all about them. It's not about me.
Speaker 1:That's why you've been such a success. Audiences feel that they know it.
Speaker 2:They enjoy it when, when the wolf comes on it and and and someone goes, they don't say wolf unless someone's listening to it. It's all about the people, because they're the ones that make all the difference and we owe it all to them actually.
Speaker 1:Yeah, we do will you be back with us next year?
Speaker 2:I don't know. I mean this normally does not happen, because I was here like maybe 30 years ago and all of a sudden I'm at the fair and it seemed like I'm the fixture and I just don't know. But it's just wonderful being here and great things happen to Chubby Shaker in New York and New York State. The great things that happen to Chubby happen in New York and New York State. Yes, it's wonderful to be here and being associated with everyone and I'm getting ready to go on. I'm very thankful for all of you guys out there.
Speaker 1:Well, we certainly look forward to having you come back next year, and all the best in 2025. And enjoy your, your running.
Speaker 2:And be careful out there in the woods, you might run into a Chubby checker.
Speaker 1:Everybody.
Speaker 2:Thank you, let me go. I got to go do my show. Thank you guys.
