Golden Crest Records was founded by Clark Galehouse, a resident of Cold Spring Harbor, who operated from manufacturing premises in Huntington Station from 1956 until his passing in 1983. Galehouse witnessed the evolution of the independent record industry as it transformed from a small-scale operation into a significant force driven by the rise of rock ‘n’ roll music. He contributed to this expansion through his Shelley Products pressing plant, which catered to numerous national labels. Under the Golden Crest label and others, he released a diverse array of music, spanning rock ‘n’ roll, rhythm & blues, and classical genres. Additionally, Galehouse recorded numerous college bands from across the nation. Utilizing his expertise as a musician, plastics specialist, recording engineer, and educator, he fully engaged his talents in both Shelley Products and Golden Crest.

In 1953, Galehouse established Crest Records, named in honor of his hometown of Creston, Iowa, primarily to showcase the western music of singer Arizona Cliff Martin. The Golden Crest label was launched in late 1956, coinciding with the burgeoning popularity of rock ‘n’ roll artists such as Bill Haley and Elvis Presley. However, the label's early releases largely reflected the pop music of Galehouse’s early experiences in the industry. Over the course of nearly three decades, Golden Crest released more than 500 commercial albums, along with numerous custom releases for colleges and schools, and approximately 200 45 rpm singles. Galehouse also founded a music publishing company, CFG Pub. Co., using his initials, which allowed him to publish much of the original material submitted for recording, thus generating an additional source of income. While the pressing plant was his primary revenue generator, Galehouse had a passion for producing and engineering music sessions, frequently traveling to record college and high school bands for custom releases under the Crest Records and Silver Crest labels. In May 1959, he introduced the teen label Shelley, named after the principal Shelley Products business, which by then had become a prominent independent pressing plant, as well as a tribute to his daughter.

By 1965, Golden Crest had largely transitioned into an album-focused label. According to Shelley Galehouse Broven, her father was recognized for allowing artists creative freedom, distinguishing him from many other producers or label owners. Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, Galehouse continued to travel across the United States, recording college bands at various conventions. Tragically, after suffering a second heart attack, he passed away on January 3, 1983, in Jacksonville, Florida, at the age of 71. An obituary published in the Oyster Bay Guardian honored him as “a pioneer in the field of recording and record manufacture.” Golden Crest Records continued for one more year, while Shelley Products ceased operations in 1985.