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Music News: Chubby Checker releases new mix of biggest song in chart history

Chubby Checker introduced America to "The Twist" Today in Music History.
Chubby Checker introduced America to "The Twist" Today in Music History.original cover art

by Jay Gabler

December 15, 2016

What's the most successful song in Billboard chart history? It's Chubby Checker’s "The Twist," which has enjoyed continued chart success over the course of several re-releases. Now, there's yet another: Checker has released a remix of the song's popular version, which actually isn't the 1960 original, it's a 1973 re-recording. The 75-year-old singer isn't done twisting yet: he's working on a new single. (Billboard)

Musicians react to Aleppo

Musicians have reacted with sadness to the deaths of civilians in Aleppo. Madonna decried the "meltdown of humanity," while Pink and Jessie J called for their fans to help Syria's suffering children. (Billboard)

Dolly Parton raises $9 million for wildfire relief

Dolly Parton has raised $9 million for Tennessee wildfire relief through a Tuesday night telethon that also featured performances by Cyndi Lauper and other artists. Among the big donors: Kenny Chesney contributed $125,000, and Taylor Swift chipped in $100,000. (Billboard)

Adele: Most-scalped

The ticket resale site StubHub has released a list of its top-selling music tours of the year. The biggest attraction among ticket buyers and sellers: Adele, followed by Justin Bieber and Bruce Springsteen. (Billboard)

Flowers in the Dirt reissue to feature unreleased Elvis Costello tracks

Paul McCartney is planning a reissue of his 1989 album Flowers in the Dirt. "In addition to a remastered edition of the 13-track record," notes Pitchfork, "the deluxe edition comes with previously unreleased demos, written and performed by McCartney and Elvis Costello, who contributed to the album. There are also unheard cassette demos, b-sides, remixes, and single edits."

All I want for Christmas is a hug from Sting

At Carnegie Hall on Wednesday night, Sting and Trudie Styler held their annual rainforest benefit concert. Bruce Springsteen surprised the crowd by appearing at the back of the hall to begin his set. "Ho, Ho, Ho! This is your Jersey Santa Claus," said Springsteen. "I just got in! I didn't think I was going to make it, the north wind is coming down and the temperature is dropping, and all I want for Christmas is...one of those." He seemed to be referring to a hug to Sting, who proceeded to hug the Boss. (Billboard)

Metallica know a lot about Metallica

Who knows more about Metallica: their biggest fan, or the band themselves? In a trivia competition hosted on Jimmy Kimmel Live, the band proved their memories are still strong. (Billboard)

Neil Diamond's "Sweet Christmastime"

On James Corden’s Late Late Show, Neil Diamond helped out with a new version of one of his biggest hits, rewritten to describe a scandalous office party. (Billboard)