Preaching on Wax: The Phonograph and the Shaping of Modern African American Religion (Religion, Race, and Ethnicity)
Book Description
Between 1925 and 1941, a remarkable transformation occurred in African American religious life that has remained largely hidden from history. While white religious leaders gained fame through radio broadcasts, approximately one hundred Black clergymen forged a different path to reach their congregations, partnering with major record companies like Columbia, Paramount, and Victor-RCA to distribute their sermons on phonograph records.
These pioneering ministers created something entirely new: a nationwide religious marketplace that brought sacred messages directly into homes across America. Their recorded sermons proved so popular that they often outsold celebrated jazz and blues performers, including Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey. Through the phonograph, these preachers established practices that would define modern religious culture, introducing concepts of spiritual commodification, mass broadcasting, and religious celebrity that continue to shape faith communities today.
Martin reveals how this forgotten chapter of religious history demonstrates the innovative ways spiritual leaders adapted to technological change and commercial realities. The phonograph preachers navigated the complex relationship between sacred calling and corporate partnership, creating a new model for religious outreach that transcended geographical boundaries.
This exploration uncovers how African American ministers used emerging technology to preserve and spread their spiritual messages, ultimately contributing to the evolution of contemporary Black Christianity. Their story illuminates the creative resilience of religious communities seeking to maintain authentic spiritual connection in an increasingly commercialized world.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
📄 Length: 240 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore RELIGION / General
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Phonograph
- ✓ Explore Radio broadcasting
- ✓ Explore PERFORMING ARTS / Radio / History & Criticism
- ✓ Explore Religion
- ✓ Explore SOCIAL SCIENCE / Ethnic Studies / African American Studies
- ✓ Explore African Americans
