The Essential Norman Thrasher

One of six children, Norman Thrasher was born on June 4, 1933. From humble beginnings, his stage talent and style led to performing with a variety of talent including Hank Ballard and the Midnighters, Barry White, Bo Diddley, and The Spinners. Among his many musical contributions, Thrasher is credited with creating and teaching Chubby Checker “The Twist” in 1958. As a part of the Midnighters, Thrasher received the Rhythm and Blues Foundation's prestigious Pioneer Award in 1992 and was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999. In 2012, the group was inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame by Smokey Robinson and, three years later, into the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame. The sultry baritone began busking in the early 1950s with the Detroit Serenaders and The Royal Jokers, crooning catty-corner from a group then going by the name The Four Ames, later The Four Tops. He enjoyed his greatest popularity as the bass singer for Hank Ballard and the Midnighters, noted for achieving