Chubby Checker recorded the definitive versions of “The Twist” and “Let’s Twist Again,” two of the most iconic singles in the history of rock. “Let’s Twist Again” was also the first rock song to win a Grammy. Is that enough to get him into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame? Apparently not. Checker (born Ernest Evans) remains on the outside of Jann Wenner’s hallowed compound, and he ain’t happy about it. In an interview with the AP at this week’s Songwriters Hall Of Fame gala in New York, Checker, 72, essentially demanded induction before he gets too old to perform or dies off. His exact words: “I don’t want to get in there when I’m 85-years old. I’ll tell them to drop dead, so you better do it quick while I’m still smiling.” He added, “The Rolling Stones, they’re in there. The Beastie Boys are in there, they’re young. Hall and Oates were just in there and they’re still making money.” In other words: Come on, baby!

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