Promotional Portrait of An Emergency Exit

This promotional card, which features an image of Emergency Exit, was produced by the band’s agent Garrett Enterprises. Although no photographer is credited, the photograph is stylistically similar to the work of Jini Dellaccio (1917-2014), who was foundational to developing the image of the Northwest rock scene, with her atmospheric and high energy black and white photos. 

Emergency Exit was formed in 1965 by Paul Goldsmith (b. unknown), Luther Rabb (1942-2006), Bill Leyritz (1945-2006), and Jim Walters (b. unknown). Although the band members all had a history with mainstream Rock ‘n’ Roll, their willingness to experiment with new sounds for new audiences led them to produce music best characterized as Garage Rock. The group only performed together for a couple of years, disbanding in 1967, but members continued playing music individually and with other groups. Luther Rabb, in particular, would go on to form the band Ballin’ Jack and later tour with Santana and War.