What is Chubby Checker's Net Worth?
Chubby Checker, an iconic American singer and dancer, boasts a net worth of $4 million. Checker rose to stardom by popularizing dance styles such as the Twist and the Pony. His song "The Twist" was named the biggest chart hit of all time by "Billboard" magazine in 2008. He was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2014.
Early Life
Born on October 3, 1941, in Spring Gully, South Carolina, as Earnest Evans, Checker was raised in South Philadelphia. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in music, forming a street-corner harmony group at age 11 and learning to play the piano during high school. He also became known for his vocal impressions of stars like Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, and Fats Domino, which he would perform for classmates.
Checker worked various jobs, including Fresh Farm Poultry in the Italian Market and the Produce Market in Philadelphia, often entertaining customers with his singing and impressions. His boss was so impressed that he arranged for Checker to record a private session for "American Bandstand" host Dick Clark. Clark's wife suggested the name "Chubby Checker," drawing a playful analogy to Fats Domino.
Early Career
During a recording session in December 1958, Checker created a novelty single where he played a schoolteacher instructing a class of musical impersonators. Clark sent this as a Christmas greeting, which led to Checker being signed by Cameo-Parkway. The single was released as "The Class" in 1959.
Career Highlights
Checker's career skyrocketed with his 1960 release of "The Twist." Topping the "Billboard" Hot 100 twice, it appealed to both teenagers and adults, especially after Checker's performance on "The Ed Sullivan Show". Checker's subsequent hits included up-tempo dance tracks such as "The Hucklebuck", "The Fly", and "Pony Time", the latter becoming his second number-one hit.
(Photo by Bill McCay/Getty Images)
In 1962, Checker released "Let's Twist Again", earning a Grammy Award for Best Rock and Roll Recording. Other notable tracks included "Slow Twistin'" with Dee Dee Sharp, "Dancin' Party", and "Birdland". Despite the British Invasion and counterculture movement changing public taste, Checker remained popular in Europe throughout the 1960s.
(Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)
Checker rebranded himself as a disco artist in the 1970s, experiencing a resurgence. He continued touring, releasing new versions of his classic hits, and in 2008 topped "Billboard" dance charts with "Knock Down the Walls." His more recent work includes the 2013 single "Changes," performed on NBC's "Today" show. He received the Sandy Hosey Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013 and was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2014.
Personal Life & Real Estate
In December 1963, Checker proposed to Catharina Lodders, a 21-year-old Dutch model and Miss World 1962. They married in April 1964 and had three children: Bianca, Ilka, and Shan. Checker also has a daughter, Mistie Bass, a professional basketball player, with Pamela Bass.
Checker has lived in a 4,000 square foot estate on over 11 acres in Malvern, Pennsylvania for several decades. The estate is worth approximately $1.5 million today.
