The Soul / Motown sound band originated in the Westminster area. They were seen at teen centers and school dances around the Baltimore area. Also performed for numerous frat parties at the University of Maryland. Members included Pete Brock (lead vocal) later replaced with Phil Campbell, Gary Gunther (bass), Steve Hayes (drums), Henry Mohlhendrich (trombone), Bernie Harmon (sax), George Conover (trumpet), and Rusty Arenz (guitar). Margo Gunter took care of advertising and booking the band.
During the summer and fall of 1967 the Exzemptions won 4 first place awards at the Westminster Shopping Center Battles of the Bands contests. They also won the Battle of the Bands at the Fort Meade Service Club, earning Band of the Month honors for January 1968. With an invitation to perform on the Kerby Scott Show the band needed a professional recording of themselves. They went in the studio and cut the single “Expressway to Your Heart” b/w “Midnight Hour.” The group made two appearances on the show including one on February 2, 1968.
Henry continued playing in bands including Focus and a Rockville band called the 24 Karat Gold Band. In the ‘00s he performed occasional gigs with Mike Dugan & Blues Mission. Their CD “Step Ahead of Trouble” reached the Top 10 in Australia. He also made appearances as a duo with Ellis Woodward.
1968 Renjay 3015 Expressway to Your Heart / Midnight Hour
