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Artist
Elder Charles Beck
12+ albums
gospelbluesspoken wordgospel rootsmale vocalist
about
Elder Charles Beck (ca. 1900–1972) was an American gospel musician and evangelist. A seminal figure in the formative years of modern African-American gospel music, he is responsible for an extensive recording discography, which included over 60 songs over the span of two decades. Beck's abilities as a pianist and trumpet player are praised as one of the best from the gospel genre. His work, both as an instrumentalist and live performer, however, was predominantly overshadowed by the career of Thomas A. Dorsey. Over time, nearly all of Beck's recordings have become more accessible through compilation albums. Beck was most likely born in Mobile, Alabama, sometime during 1900, although other sources list two other possible birthplaces: Georgia and Ghana. Despite his prolific presence and extensive recording experience, little is known about Beck's early life and work. His first verified recording session took place on December 16 and 18, 1930, for Okeh Records at the King Edward Hotel in Jackson, Mississippi. For the occasion, Beck accompanied popular singing preacher Elder Curry and his congregation on piano, including "Memphis Flu", a song about the 1918 flu pandemic. According to some music historians, including David Hatch and Stephen Milward, Beck's boogie-woogie-based playing style on the record anticipated the works of many rock and roll pianists. "He may have been the best sanctified pianist", wrote Anthony Heilbut, "his playing was more legato and improvisatory than th
top songs
albums
Life is a Problem...But Where There is Life, There is Hope
Classic African American Gospel
Life Is A Problem
Elder Curry & Elder Charles Beck (1930-1939)
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Elder Charles Beck & Other Artists (1946-1947)
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The Masters of Gospel
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The History of Black Gospel Volume 3
Classic African American Gospel From Smithsonian Folkways
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Mighty Day - 25 Gospel Greats
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FMSpaceman The Jason Spaceman 55
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Elder Curry and Elder Charles Beck (1930-1939)
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It Came From Memphis: The Legendary Sounds of Memphis [Disc 1]