ROCK-IT Records

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Gene Terry (born Terry Gene DeRouen on January 7, 1940, in Lafayette, Louisiana) became a prominent figure in the Texas and Louisiana rock and roll scenes, despite never recording with fellow Texan Johnny Winter, as confirmed by Terry himself. Raised in Port Arthur, Texas, after moving there in 1942, Gene was immersed in Cajun music from a young age, influenced by his father and grandfather’s performances. His early exposure to Cajun tunes and regional dance traditions, alongside his uncle and mentor R.C. DeRouen , a Cajun musician, set the foundation for his musical career. Under his uncle’s guidance, Gene learned to play guitar, eventually joining him on stage before forming his own band, the Kool Kats , in the mid-1950s.

Initially focused on country and western music, Gene and the Kool Kats soon began weaving rhythm and blues into their repertoire, inspired by rock pioneers like Little Richard and Elvis Presley and influenced locally by J.P. “the Big Bopper” Richardson , a popular KTRM deejay. As their sound evolved, the Kool Kats rebranded as the Down Beats , a change that signaled their embrace of rock and R&B and helped them establish a devoted fan base across Texas and Louisiana. Their growing popularity led to the attention of club owners in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and a contract with Goldband Records .

Under Goldband, Gene Terry and the Down Beats recorded several singles, including the classic track "Cindy Lou," a regional hit that remains an iconic piece of swamp pop and rockabilly history. Gene’s original band, the Kool Kats, also recorded under Rock-It Recording Company in Port Arthur, Texas, further solidifying his role in the local music scene and leaving a legacy that would influence future Texas musicians.