On 1 August 1960, Chubby Checker’s recording of “The Twist” entered the Billboard Hot 100, beginning a run that would take it to number one the following month. The song became a major dance phenomenon in the United States and internationally, helping establish Checker as a leading performer of dance-themed pop hits and illustrating the influence of television promotion on popular music.

“The Twist” was originally written and recorded by Hank Ballard and the Midnighters, whose version reached number 28 after King Records placed it on the B-side of another single. Television host Dick Clark believed the song could be successful but preferred a less provocative performer, so he encouraged Checker to record a close cover; Checker performed it on American Bandstand five days after its chart debut. Cameo Records reissued Checker’s version in late 1961, when it returned to number one for two consecutive weeks.