The Goldband Recording Corporation of Lake Charles, La., has played a key role in documenting and shaping musical traditions, tastes, and trends, both regionally and on an international level since 1944, when owner Eddie Shuler made his first recording to promote his band, the Reveliers. The music of the Reveliers and other early Goldband recordings reflect Shuler's preference for the country and western music of the 1930s and 1940s. In the mid-1940s, Iry LeJune, a Cajun accordion player, made his first recording on the Goldband label, and Cajun and zydeco styles became a permanent part of Goldband's catalog. Many other musical styles were recorded at the Goldband studios, including blues, rhythm and blues, gospel, and sacred music. The early recordings were intended for a regional market, but later Goldband recordings were released nationally and internationally. Materials document the operations of the Goldband Recording Company of Lake Charles, La., and other activities of Goldband's owner and manager, Eddie Shuler, such as TEK Publishing and other business ventures. Included are business records, correspondence, publicity materials for Goldband and for individual recording artists, studio recordings and released recordings in a variety of formats, sheet music and song lyrics, photographs, and other items. Photographs include candid snapshots and publicity photographs of Eddie Shuler, musicians, and others, including many snapshots inside the Goldband Recording Studio. Business materials include Goldband and TEK manufacturing and accounting records. Correspondence documents all phases of the companies' operations; major correspondents include Don Pierce and Mike Leadbitter. Of special interest are letters and accounting items that document the popularity of Cajun music in Europe and other parts of the world. Publicity and promotional materials include photographs of Goldband recording artists, promotional copy, mailings to radio stations, lists of customers, catalogs of Goldband recordings, and reviews of Goldband releases. There are also many newspaper and magazine articles relating to Goldband, to Shuler, to recording artists who worked for Goldband, and to other Louisiana musicians. Recordings include acetates, 78s, studio recordings, and released recordings in a variety of formats. Song lyrics and music include song folios from the 1940s.
