Exit 9

Biography

Exit 9 was an American soul-funk band formed around 1973 in the United States, evolving from a guitar-based combo originally called Qualified Funk. The young musicians, aged 16 to 20 at the time, expanded to a nine-piece ensemble with a three-piece brass section, prompting the name change to Exit 9 under new management by John Jenkins and Modeste Clarke. They secured a deal with Brunswick-subsidiary BRC and released their only album, Straight Up, in 1975, featuring songs primarily written by guitarist Hollis Googe and vocalist Johnny Rios, including tracks like 'Jive Man,' 'Thoughts of You,' and 'Miss Funky Fox.'[2][3]

The band's musical style blended soul, funk, and rock elements, characterized by tight horn arrangements, groovy basslines, and energetic vocals, capturing the vibrant mid-1970s funk scene. Produced by their management team with assistance from Alonzo Johnson, Straight Up showcased their raw talent but did not lead to further releases, marking a brief but notable career in the competitive funk landscape.[2]

Exit 9's legacy endures among funk enthusiasts and collectors for their obscure yet high-quality output, with members like guitarists Hollis Googe and David Lavender later contributing to other projects—Googe on Pulse's 1981 single 'Don’t Stop the Magic' and Lavender on Sly Fox's 1985 album Let’s Go All The Way. Their singular album remains a sought-after rarity in soul-funk discography.[2]

Fun Facts

• The band members were remarkably young, between 16 and 20 years old, when they formed as Qualified Funk around 1973 and released their album in 1975.[2][3]
• Exit 9's name directly resulted from expanding to nine members, including a three-piece horn section.[2]
• 'Miss Funky Fox' and 'Jive Man' were released as 7-inch singles from their album.[2]
• Guitarists Hollis Googe and David Lavender each had post-Exit 9 credits in the 1980s funk and pop scenes.[2]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• John Jenkins and Modeste Clarke - Band managers who oversaw name change and secured record deal (Straight Up album production) [1973-1975]
• Alonzo Johnson - Production assistance (Straight Up album) [1975]

Key Collaborators

• Hollis Googe - Lead guitarist and primary songwriter (Straight Up (most songs), later Pulse 'Don’t Stop the Magic') [1973-1975]
• Johnny Rios - Lead vocalist and co-songwriter (Straight Up (co-wrote 'Jive Man,' 'Thoughts of You,' etc.)) [1973-1975]
• David Lavender - Rhythm/lead guitarist (Straight Up, later Sly Fox Let's Go All The Way) [1973-1975]

External Links

• Spotify