Cynthia "Shag" Harrell

Cynthia Harrell, affectionately known as "Shag," was the charismatic hostess of Charlie's Place during its most vibrant years.

Known for her graceful dancing and magnetic presence, she was a beloved figure in the community and played an integral role in shaping the atmosphere of the club.

She became a mentor to young dancers, including Dino Thompson, teaching them the latest dance steps. Her influence may have even contributed to the naming of South Carolina’s official state dance, the Shag.

Cynthia's presence at Charlie’s Place symbolized the cultural vitality and sense of inclusion that defined the venue despite the era’s segregation.

While detailed records of her life are scarce, her impact on Myrtle Beach’s music and dance legacy is unmistakable.

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Check out these episodes featuring Cynthia Harrell

Episode 1: Whispering Pines

At the height of segregation, when everywhere else was divided. Black and white people danced together to the biggest R&B acts of the time at Charlie’s Place. How was this possible? And who was the mythic proprietor of this mythic space?

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Episode 2: Sin City

Dance at Charlie’s Place wasn’t just dance; it captured the spirit of an era defined by both segregation and creativity. When white audiences arrived for the music, these moments sparked shifts that transformed Myrtle Beach and resonated far beyond its borders.

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Episode 3: Power Cedes to Power

Charlie Fitzgerald built multiple businesses across Myrtle Beach – the hotel, the club, the cab company, the high-stakes poker game – and loaned money to white folks in town to bend the rules in his favor. How long would this last before Charlie became a target?

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Episode 4: Mr. Nobody From Nowhere

There’s much mystery surrounding Charlie Fitzgerald and who he was before Myrtle Beach. Before he was Charlie Fitzgerald he was Lucious Rucker. So who is Lucious Rucker?

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Episode 5: All Costs

August 26th, 1950 was the night that changed Myrtle Beach. It changed Charlie and the impact reverberated throughout the south.

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About The Show

Charlie's Place is a podcast series co-produced by Atlas Obscura and Rococo Punch in partnership with Pushkin Industries and Visit Myrtle Beach. Hosted by filmmaker Rhym Guissé, the show uncovers the hidden history of a legendary Black nightclub in Jim Crow-era South Carolina—and the people who made it a symbol of culture, resistance, and community. Starting July 21st, binge the entire season early and ad-free by subscribing to Pushkin+. Sign up on the Charlie's Place show page on Apple Podcasts or at pushkin.fm/plus.