This was written by Hank Ballard and first released as the B-side of Hank Ballard and The Midnighters’ 1959 single Teardrops on Your Letter. The A-side reached No 87 but was overtaken by The Twist, which got to No 28.
Chubby Checker was 18 when he recorded the song, which was released in July 1960. It went to No 1, and had another chart-topping run in 1961.
Probably the easiest dance ever!
I like the variation on the twist theme “Peppermint Twist” by Joey Dee and the Starlighters…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WIvZu4dPQQ
Volatile actor Joe Pesci was in this group for a spell, although not in this particular clip.