Slow Twistin'
| "Slow Twistin'" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Chubby Checker with Dee Dee Sharp | ||||
| from the album For 'Teen Twisters Only | ||||
| B-side | "La Paloma Twist" | |||
| Released | February 1962 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 2:31 | |||
| Label | Parkway | |||
| Songwriter | Jon Sheldon | |||
| Chubby Checker with Dee Dee Sharp singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
"Slow Twistin'" is a song recorded by American singers Chubby Checker and Dee Dee Sharp, released in 1962 by Parkway Records. Written by Kal Mann and Dave Appell, the song was produced by Bernie Lowe and became a hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 3. The recording marked one of Sharp's earliest appearances as a featured vocalist and helped launch her solo career.
Background
Following the success of the Twist dance craze, Chubby Checker remained one of Parkway Records' most successful artists. Jon Sheldon wrote "Slow Twistin'" as a follow-up to Checker's previous dance-oriented hits. During the recording session, Dee Dee Sharp, then going by her birth name Dione LaRue, provided backing vocals.
According to Sharp, Checker noticed her distinctive voice during the session and suggested that Parkway executive Bernie Lowe feature her on the record. Sharp was added as a co-vocalist, transforming "Slow Twistin'" into a duet.[1] The performance became her first major national exposure as a recording artist and led Lowe to sign her as a solo artist for Cameo-Parkway Records.[2]
Recording and release
"Slow Twistin'" was recorded at Parkway Records' studios in Philadelphia and featured Checker and Sharp trading vocals over an upbeat rhythm arrangement typical of early 1960s dance records. The single was released in February 1962 by Parkway Records, with "La Paloma Twist" as the B-side.[3] Sharp is uncredited on the single and early albums.[3]
Another version of Slow Twistin', with lead vocals by Sharp and featuring Checker, and with different lyrics, appeared on Sharp's 1962 debut album It's Mashed Potato Time.
Reception
In a review Billboard magazine wrote: "Here's Chubby again, with another powerful coupling. First up is a breezy, rockin' twister, with an unbilled femme companion who is good. Flip is the old, Latin-based tune, given a smart Twist treatment. Either way here with an edge to the top side."[3]
Charles Schreiber of the Buffalo Evening News wrote: "Now that Chubby's got the nation in a lather, he sets the pace a little slower. Some of the lyrics lead this listener to believe that Chubby wants to prolong his fad as long as possible. The beat is designed for the dance, and will be approved by older dancers and tyros."[4]
Chart performance
The song became a commercial success, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in March 1962. It also reached No. 3 on the Billboard R&B chart, further extending Checker's run of successful dance records.[5] In Canada it reached number 18.[6]
The success of "Slow Twistin'" helped establish Sharp as a recording artist. Shortly afterward, she released her debut solo single, "Mashed Potato Time", which became an even greater success, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.[7][8]
Cover versions
The song was covered by The Marvelettes (as "Slow Twist") on their 1962 album The Marvelettes Sing (aka Smash Hits of '62).
References
- ↑ Lloyd, Jack (1981-02-22). "Her music makes them feel like dancing—again". The Philadelphia Inquirer. pp. 10-H. Retrieved 2026-08-05.
- ↑ Bacas, Harry (1962-03-23). "Dee Dee Sharp's "Mashed Potato Time" Is a Mixture of an Old Song and Dance". Evening star. pp. D-15. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
- 1 2 3 "Late Pop Spotlights" (PDF). Billboard Music Week: 5. February 24, 1962.
- ↑ "National Record Report: Connie Francis Hit Edges Up". Buffalo Evening News - TV Topics. 1962-03-17. p. 15. Retrieved 2026-08-06.
- ↑ tolsen (2013-01-02). "Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
- ↑ "CHUM Hit Parade - April 16, 1962".
- ↑ "Teenagers Select Top 20". The News Leader. 1962-04-05. p. 2. Retrieved 2026-08-05.
- ↑ Bogdanov, Vladimir (2003-08-01). All Music Guide to Soul: The Definitive Guide to R&B and Soul. Bloomsbury Publishing USA. p. 609. ISBN 979-8-216-34234-2.
