IEBA Honors Rock Icon Chubby Checker October 12 at Historic Ryman Auditorium

The International Entertainment Buyers Association will celebrate the iconic Chubby Checker— who had the No.1 song of the sixties—on October 12 at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium as part of the IEBA Honors ceremony, a highlight of the annual IEBA conference.

Chubby’s hit, “The Twist,” topped the charts at No.1 twice, making him the only artist in history to achieve such success. In two minutes and 42 seconds, Chubby Checker revolutionized popular culture and changed the music business forever. When he appeared on American Bandstand in 1960 and performed “The Twist,” it was the dawn of a new era in rock and roll. Chubby stands alone as a one of a kind rock icon, who has had 36 hit records, is the only artist to have a single go to No.1 twice, and according to Billboard, has the No.1 single for the whole decade of the 60’s. Chubby was awarded the first platinum single, the first rock Grammy and has sold an astounding 250,000,000 records over the years. That’s why Dick Clark has said,

“The three most important things that ever happened in the music industry are Elvis Presley, The Beatles and Chubby Checker.” 
 
“IEBA is elated to celebrate such a monumental performer whose influence on the landscape of music and pop culture continues to touch new generations of fans,” stated Tiffany Davis—Executive Director, IEBA.
 
Chubby Checker has been on a never-ending tour since 1959, and has a full schedule of concert dates and personal appearances. In Feburary, 2008, he performed at the Daytona 500 in front of one of the largest TV audiences in history—50 million viewers—as the headline act for the race’s 50th Anniversary. As Chubby approaches his own 50th Anniversary in rock and roll, his future looks brighter than ever. Chubby’s loyal fans from the 60’s are now joined by the new audience he’s been attracting over the last several years; from airplay on the radio and appearances associated with Radio Disney. There are only a handful of true rock pioneers still performing at the peak of there ability. Chubby Checker is that rare breed. Every time Chubby steps onto a stage, he demonstrates charisma and a unique quality that can never be equaled. 

“Chubby was fantastic! A truly great show. Huge crowd. Everyone loved him. He continues to be amazing. Non-stop! And he has a wonderful on-stage persona that puts the audience in the palm of his hand,” Spike Barkin—Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.
Chubby Checker will perform his biggest hits at IEBA Honors along with comedic genius, Jeff Dunham, who will pay tribute to industry legend Barbara Hubbard (previously announced). More artists and honorees will be announced soon. Visit http://www.ieba.org/ or call 615-251-9000 for more information and to register for IEBA 2009, Oct. 11-13 in Nashville (early-bird registration ends Aug. 8). Sponsor opportunities are still available.