Elder Charlie Beck

Sound Beat

Wednesday, August 11, 2021 -

Where did you go in the 1930s when you wanted some of ground-breaking music that would become rock and roll? Sometimes…you just went to church.

You’re on the Sound Beat.

You’re listening to “Drinking Shine”, an Okeh 78 from 1930, performed by Elder Charlie Beck. He was pastor of the Way of the Cross Church of God in Christ, in Buffalo, NY. Beck would make about 60 recordings in his second career, though he viewed it as an integral part of his preaching. Said Beck “No use letting the Devil have all the good music.” The records are full of “fire and brimstone” type warnings and condemnations for all of society’s ills.

Elder may not be regularly named as a progenitor of rock and roll, but he probably should be. His prolific recording resume included songs/sermons that railed against rock and roll, but.., some of them really rocked.

Portrait: “John Martin – Sodom and Gomorrah” by John Martin – Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

Subscribe to this podcast

Riverton Weather

  • Sat

    90°F

  • Sun

    86°F

  • Mon

    84°F

  • Tue

    86°F

Currently playing on Delmarva FM

  • Thinkwing Radio

    7:00am - 8:00am

    We talk about anything and everything. My interests are many and varied, and the show reflects that. Topics include domestic and international politics, public policy, society and culture.

Coming up on Delmarva FM

  • Radio Curious

    8:00am - 8:30am

    Barry Vogel. I like to ask questions about life and ideas. These interviews provide some answers.

  • Confetti Park

    8:30am - 9:00am

    Children's music and stories. Sparkling interviews, in-studio performances, music medleys, kids jokes, storytime, and a little surprise lagniappe make for an entertaining show!

Download Delmarva FM to your device!

Get our mobile app for Android or iPhone. Also, look for us on the J1 Radio Roku channel.

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play
  • Available on Roku

Follow Delmarva FM on Facebook & Twitter

Delmarva's Home for Pacifica

Delmarva FM is a proud affiliate of the Pacifica Network offering compelling, educational and entertaining programming.