Formerly known as the Hot Fudge Sundae, the group decided the name was too teen sounding and it was time for a change. With the war in Viet Nam raging and the new political and social awareness they decided to rename the group Human Freedom and Security (keeping the same HFS initials). The group remained the same except that keyboard player Ray Remmers had left and was replaced with Bob Holland (ex-Graham Chambers System). The other original members included Richard Klender (guitar), Jack Rothenhoefer (guitar), Steve Demercado (bass), Monnie Wrightson (keyboards), and Kurt Kraus (drums).
The versatile group’s repertoire included a variety of Top-40, soul, rock, psych, blues, Beatles, Beach Boys, with an occasional original composition.
Top: Rothenhoefer, Kraus, Wrightson – Bottom: Klender, Demarcado
HF&S could be seen performing at Catonsville area CYO’s and teen centers, college frat parties, weddings, and eventually at clubs such as the White Gables, and Beck’s on Light Street.
The group released a single in 1970 “I Was Wrong” b/w “Now Forever More.” In December 1970 the band received a last-minute call to replace the New Years Eve band at the Carousel. Still being teenagers this was a big deal to be playing at a major local club.
Klender went on to Fresh Air, and toured with the nationally popular Up with People. He later teamed up with Ted Winchester and released LPs in the ‘70s (see Klender & Winchester). Rothenhoefer went on to join Cryptic Image and the local favorite Top-40 band Lucifer.
1970 Kaymar 2966 I Was Wrong / Now Forever More
