Gold Standard

Gold Standard Records was founded in the late 1950s, emerging as a notable independent label during a transformative period in the music industry. Initially focused on jazz and rhythm and blues, the label gained recognition for its innovative approach to production and artist development. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Gold Standard expanded its roster to include a diverse array of genres, including soul, funk, and rock, attracting key artists who would shape the sound of their respective eras. Among its notable artists were influential figures such as jazz saxophonist John Coltrane and soul singer Aretha Franklin, both of whom contributed to the label's reputation for high-quality recordings. In the 1980s, Gold Standard faced challenges due to the rise of major labels and changing market dynamics, leading to a decline in prominence. Despite this, the label's legacy endures, celebrated for its contributions to the evolution of popular music and its role in fostering artistic innovation.