Founded in 1941 in Houston, Texas, by Bill Quinn, Gold Star Records (originally Quinn Recording Company) became a significant force in the music industry, especially in Cajun, country, blues, rock, R&B, and hip hop genres. Renamed Gold Star Studios in 1950, it became the oldest registered recording studio in the Southeastern U.S., known for its innovative recording techniques and equipment.
Gold Star played a key role in launching the careers of artists like Lightnin' Hopkins, Harry Choates, George Jones, The Big Bopper, and others. It diversified beyond music production to include radio commercials and unique offerings like recorded birthday greetings. The studio's impact was marked by hits like Harry Choates' "Jole Blon" and songs by George Jones and The Big Bopper.
In the 1960s, Gold Star adapted to the psychedelic rock era, producing notable hits and leasing out their masters, broadening their influence. Today, Gold Star Sound Services, an extension of Gold Star Records, continues innovating with new recording technologies, maintaining its significant influence in the music industry.
