Who Is Chubby Checker? Age, Biography and Wiki
Chubby Checker, born on October 3, 1941, in Spring Gulley, South Carolina, is an iconic American singer and dancer best known for popularizing the twist dance craze in the early 1960s. His real name is Ernest Evans, and he adopted the stage name "Chubby Checker" as a playful nod to the popular Fats Domino. With a career spanning over six decades, Checker has continued to influence the music industry with his dynamic performances and catchy tunes. As of 2025, he is 83 years old and still actively engaging with fans around the world.
| Occupation | Rock Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 3, 1941 |
| Age | 83 Years |
| Birth Place | Spring Gully, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Chubby Checker's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Chubby Checker's physical stats have seen changes over the years, but as of 2025:
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
- Weight: Around 200 lbs (90 kg)
- Body Measurements: While specific measurements might vary, Checker's charismatic presence still shines through his performances.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Chubby Checker has been married to his wife, Cathalene Checker, since 1964. The couple has endured the test of time, fostering a loving relationship that has spanned over five decades. As of 2025, Checker remains committed to his family values and often shares glowingly about his children and grandchildren. In terms of romantic pursuits outside this relationship, Checker retains a private life, focusing on his family and career.
He was raised in the projects of South Philadelphia, where he lived with his parents, Raymond and Eartle Evans, and two brothers. By age eleven, Evans formed a street-corner harmony group. By the time he entered high school, Ernest had learned to play the piano a little at Settlement Music School.
He entertained his classmates by performing vocal impressions of popular entertainers of the day, such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley and Fats Domino. One of his classmates and friends at South Philadelphia High School was Fabian Forte, who would become a popular performer of the late 1950s and early 1960s as Fabian.
Net Worth and Salary
In 2025, Chubby Checker's estimated net worth hovers around $5 million. Throughout his career, he has earned income from record sales, concert tours, and various projects. Although his peak years were in the 1960s, Checker still garners revenue through nostalgia tours and licensing his music for commercials and films, ensuring that his legacy continues to be profitable.
Career, Business and Investments
Chubby Checker's influence in the music industry is undeniable, particularly with his hits like "The Twist" and "Let's Twist Again." His career kicked off in the late 1950s, and he quickly rose to fame with the introduction of twist dancing. Over the years, Checker has released numerous albums and singles, many of which hit high on the charts. Aside from music, he has ventured into business, promoting his own line of dance-themed merchandise and making appearance fees through public events. Furthermore, Checker has invested in real estate and is known to support various charitable causes.
Despite Checker's initial disapproval, he found follow-up success with a succession of up-tempo dance tracks, including "The Hucklebuck" (#14), "The Fly" (#7), "Dance the Mess Around" (#24), and "Pony Time", which became his second No. 1 single.
Checker's follow-up "twist" single, "Let's Twist Again", won the 1962 Grammy Award for Best Rock and Roll Recording. A 1962 duet with Dee Dee Sharp, "Slow Twistin'", reached No. 3 on the national charts.
Other substantial hits included "Dancin' Party", "Popeye the Hitchhiker", "Twenty Miles", "Birdland", "Loddy Lo", and a Christmas duet with Bobby Rydell, "Jingle Bell Rock". "Limbo Rock" reached No. 2 on 22–29 December 1962, becoming Checker's last top ten hit.
Checker continued to have top 40 singles until 1965, his last being "Let's Do the Freddie" (#40), a variation on Freddie and the Dreamers' dance tune "Do the Freddie", with new melody and lyrics. Changes in public tastes, owing mostly to the British Invasion and counterculture era, ended his hit-making career.
He spent much of the rest of the 1960s touring and recording in Europe.
Social Network
As of 2025, Chubby Checker maintains an active presence on social media, engaging with fans and sharing snippets of his life. He is reachable through:
- Instagram: @ChubbyChecker
- Twitter: @ChubbyChecker
- Facebook: Chubby Checker Official
On February 25, 2013, Checker released a new single, the ballad "Changes," via iTunes; it was posted on YouTube and amassed over 160,000 views. "Changes" was produced by the hill & hifi and reached 43 on the Mediabase Top 100 AC Chart and 41 on the Gospel Chart. Checker performed it on July 5, 2013, on NBC's Today show.
In 2015, Checker joined forces with Howard Perl Entertainment to produce live events, such as "Rock and Roll to The Rescue", a tour designed to raise funds for rescue animals in need nationwide.
Education
Chubby Checker attended school in his hometown in South Carolina before moving to Philadelphia where he pursued music. While specific details about his formal education are scarce, it’s known that he was greatly influenced by the vibrant music scene around him, which fueled his passion for dancing and performance.
In 2025, Chubby Checker remains a beloved figure whose impact on music and dance will echo through generations. His story is a testament to how passion and dedication can lead to a lasting legacy.
In December 1958, Checker privately recorded a novelty single for Clark in which the singer portrayed a school teacher with an unruly classroom of musical performers. The premise allowed Checker to imitate such acts as Fats Domino, The Coasters, Elvis Presley, Cozy Cole, and The Chipmunks, each singing "Mary Had a Little Lamb".
Clark sent the song out as his Christmas greeting, and it received such good response that Cameo-Parkway signed Checker to a recording contract. Titled "The Class", the single became Checker's first release, charting at No. 38 in the spring of 1959.
