- And the Artists Jay Richards & the Blues Kings and Jerry Jones
Goldband Records holds a cherished place in the history of American music, especially for its contributions to 1960s Texas rock and roll, doo-wop, and pop. Based in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Goldband is known for its early support of artists who later became icons. Among these talented musicians were Jay Richards & the Blues Kings and Jerry Jones , two acts whose records represent Goldband's commitment to fostering diverse genres and musical styles. This article delves into their notable releases and impact.
Goldband Records: A Brief Overview Founded by Eddie Shuler in the 1940s, Goldband Records started with a focus on Cajun and country music before expanding to include rock and roll, blues, and R&B. Goldband was one of the few independent labels in the American South that supported a wide array of musical talents, offering a platform for artists who might not have found a home elsewhere. The label was instrumental in preserving the regional sound of Texas and Louisiana, combining various influences to shape a unique and influential sound.
Collector Notes: Eddie Shuler, an influential figure in the Southern music scene, operated several notable independent labels around Lake Charles, Louisiana , most famously Goldband Records (founded in 1945) and Folk Star Records (from 1949). Known for his discerning, sometimes tough-minded approach, Shuler curated an impressive roster of talent, launching the first recordings of artists who would go on to shape American music, such as Al Ferrier, Johnny Jano, Iry LeJeune, Guitar Junior, Hop Wilson, Dolly Parton, Juke Boy Bonner, Jo-El Sonnier, Rockin' Sidney, Boozoo Chavis, Mickey Gilley, Katie Webster, and Freddy Fender .
One remarkable release from Goldband’s catalog features Jay Richards and the Blues Kings , with Johnny Winter on guitar for "I Reach For A Moment" and Edgar Winter on "Hear Love Knocking." This recording, engineered to Shuler's precise standards, showcases Johnny’s guitar work, although his playing is subtly mixed down, giving space to the track’s overall arrangement. Bobby Mizzell’s touch is also likely present, lending an authentic, regionally rooted sound that adds to the unique texture of the record.
For collectors, this Goldband recording represents an extraordinary convergence of talent, capturing Johnny and Edgar Winter in their early collaborations under Shuler’s watchful production. It stands as an essential piece of Southern music history, a testament to Shuler’s role in fostering the careers of future legends and his commitment to regional sounds that would resonate far beyond Louisiana.
Rock & Roll, 1960s Texas Pop
JAY RICHARDS and THE BLUES KINGS
GOLDBAND G-1101-A
GOLDBAND RECORDS
HEAR LOVE KNOCKIN
Wildridge - Kimball
TEK Pub. Co.
BMI - 2:19
G-1101-A
Arranged and Conducted by
Wayne Shuler
JAY RICHARDS
and THE BLUES KINGS
Rock & Roll, 1960s Texas Pop
JAY RICHARDS and THE BLUES KINGS
GOLDBAND G-1101-B
GOLDBAND RECORDS
REACH FOR A MOMENT
Menard - Wildridge
TEK Pub. Co.
BMI - 2:12
G-1101-B
Arranged and Conducted by
Wayne Shuler
JAY RICHARDS
and THE BLUES KINGS
Doo-Wop, Rock & Roll, 1960s Texas Pop
JERRY JONES
GOLDBAND G-1130-1
GOLDBAND RECORDS
BABY YOU'D BE SURPRISED
J. C. Jones
G-1130
Tek Publ. BMI
Time: 2:12
Vocal
G-1130-1
JERRY JONES
Doo-Wop, Rock & Roll, 1960s Texas Pop
JERRY JONES
GOLDBAND G-1130-2
GOLDBAND RECORDS
WHAT GOOD WOULD IT DO
J. C. Jones
G-1130
Tek Publ. BMI
Time: 2:05
Vocal
G-1130-2
JERRY JONES