Beaker is a pseudonym for David Strasser, a Christian songwriter and musician well-known for his collaborations with artist Rich Mullins. He received his nickname as a young man, when friends said he looked like Beaker the Muppet. When Beaker was in the seventh grade, his youth pastor introduced him to his friend Rich Mullins, and the two soon became collaborators. Beaker co-wrote, performed, and toured with Rich Mullins for several years. The first song they wrote together was "Boy Like Me, Man Like You", a 1991 hit for Mullins. Beaker is also responsible for writing the modern praise chorus "Step By Step" ("Oh God, you are my God, and I will ever praise you..."). He was also instrumental in co-founding the Kid Brothers of St. Frank with Rich Mullins, and well as co-writing a musical about Saint Francis of Assisi entitled Canticle of the Plains. In the mid-90s, Beaker dropped out of the spotlight to focus on family life. He and his wife Julie had a son named Aidan, for whom Rich Mullins penned his hit song "Let Mercy Lead".
Songs
All songs co-written with Rich Mullins unless otherwise indicated.
- "Boy Like Me, Man Like You"
- "Step By Step" - Beaker
- "Where You Are"
- "The Howling"
- "Sometimes By Step"
- "Everyman"
- "Waiting"
- "The Maker Of Noses"
- "Growing Young"
- "Creed"
- "Peace (A Communion Blessing From St. Joseph's Square)"
- "I'll Carry On"
- "Land Of My Sojourn"
- "Brother's Keeper"
- "Let Mercy Lead"
- "Wounds Of Love"
- "Damascus Road"
- "Eli's Song"
- "Cry The Name"
- "The Breaks"
- "Quoting Deuteronomy To The Devil"
- "There You Are"
- "Cry For Freedom"
- "If I Could Make It Work"
- "In Your Hands"
- "Heaven Is Waiting"
- "Things Even Angels"
- "Buenas Noches From Nacogdoches"
- "Love's As Strong"
- "Oh My Lord"
- "You Are All"
- "Surely God Is With Us" - Mark Robertson and Beaker
