Complete List Of Exile Band Members

Feature Photo: B!NoticedPR, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

When six high school students from a tobacco-growing, whiskey-distilling Kentucky town decided to chase their rock and roll dreams in 1963, nobody could have predicted they would become one of the most genre-defying success stories in American music history. From the small clubs of Richmond, Kentucky, to international chart domination spanning both pop and country formats, Exile accomplished something virtually unheard of in the music industry: reinventing themselves completely and achieving massive success in two entirely different genres across three different decades.

Exile, formerly the Exiles, is an American band founded in Richmond, Kentucky, in 1963, and their journey reads like a masterclass in musical evolution and persistence. The group formed in 1963 looking to play small clubs in Richmond, Kentucky, but managed to top both the pop and the country charts during a ten-year span in the late 1970s and 1980s. Their breakthrough came with “Kiss You All Over” was a major hit in 1978, spending four weeks at the top of Billboard’s pop chart, before making an unprecedented transition to country music that resulted in 10 number one country hits.

The band’s longevity is remarkable, with All told, there have been 35 members of Exile throughout their six-decade career. Despite numerous lineup changes, departures, and even a complete disbanding in the mid-1990s, the core members reunited in 2008 and continue performing today. The band consists of J.P. Pennington and Les Taylor, both of whom are guitarists and vocalists, along with Sonny LeMaire (bass guitar, vocals), Marlon Hargis (keyboards), and Steve Goetzman (drums). Their success led to an induction into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in 2013, cementing their status as one of Kentucky’s most successful musical exports.

Jimmy Stokley

Jimmy Stokley served as Exile’s original frontman and co-founder from the band’s formation in 1963 until his departure in 1979, establishing the magnetic stage presence that would define the group’s early identity. James Carr Stokley known as Jimmy Stokley (born October 18, 1943) was a co-founder, business manager, lead vocalist and flamboyant front man of the band Exile and all its preceding names, from 1963 to 1979. His charismatic performance style became legendary among those who witnessed it, with He has been compared to Mick Jagger regarding his stage presence, charisma and ‘magnetic’ personality.

Stokley’s leadership was instrumental in the band’s early development and their eventual breakthrough with “Kiss You All Over.” However, During the sessions, Chapman faced increasing difficulty recording Stokley’s voice, as the singer had developed nodules on his vocal cords and was weakened by hepatitis. His health issues became increasingly problematic during the recording of their pop albums, ultimately affecting his ability to perform at the level required by producer Mike Chapman.

Unfortunately, Stokley’s career was cut tragically short by his ongoing health struggles. After the release of Kentucky Hearts, the band members were informed of former lead singer Jimmy Stokley’s continued decline in health. In response, they held a charity concert in Richmond which raised $18,000 toward Stokley’s medical bills. RICHMOND, Ky. (AP) _ Jimmy Stokley, former lead singer for the country music band Exile, died Tuesday night, a hospital official said. He was 42. Stokley, who had suffered complications from hepatitis, died in the emergency room of Pattie A. Clay Hospital. Despite his departure from the band years earlier due to creative differences with producer Mike Chapman, his former bandmates honored his contribution to their success. His life’s work as a musician was honored when he was inducted after his death into the Hall of Fame. The Kentucky Hall of Fame honored Jimmy Stokley in 2013, many years after his death.

J.P. Pennington

J.P. Pennington stands as Exile’s longest-serving member and primary creative force, joining the band in 1964 as a fourteen-year-old bassist and evolving into their lead songwriter and guitarist. James Preston Pennington (born January 22, 1949) is an American musician, known primarily as the guitarist and co-lead vocalist of the country pop band Exile. His musical journey began when J.P. Pennington joined soon after; he was previously in a local band called the Le Sabers, whose lead singer Leroy Pullins was later known for his 1966 novelty hit “I’m a Nut”.

Pennington’s songwriting became the backbone of Exile’s success across both their pop and country eras. J.P. Pennington ••• Top Songs as Writer • #1: “Take Me Down” by Alabama • #2: “The Closer You Get” by Alabama • #3: “It’ll Be Me” by Exile • #4: “Hang On to Your Heart” by Exile • #5: “I Could Get Used to You” by Exile demonstrate his incredible range as a songwriter. Alabama #1s Take Me Down and Closer You Get were written by J.P. Pennington and were multi-million sellers, showcasing his ability to write hits for other major artists beyond Exile.

His contributions to the music industry have been recognized with numerous accolades. JP Pennington – BMI Songwriter of the Century Award and JP Pennington – BMI Airplay awards for more than 9 million performances on radio highlight his tremendous impact on popular music. Pennington was one of the early members and one of the lead singers of the group until departing in 1989, though he would later reform the band in 1995, before reuniting the mid-80’s country lineup in 2008. During his brief hiatus from Exile, After leaving Exile, he signed to MCA Records as a solo artist. There, he released three singles and one album, Whatever It Takes, in 1991, though he ultimately returned to lead the band he helped create.

Les Taylor

Les Taylor joined Exile in 1979 during their transition from pop to country music, becoming one of the band’s key vocalists and helping to define their country sound throughout the 1980s. In 1980, Taylor became the contributing lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of country-pop band Exile. He performed with the group until 1989, when he left to pursue a solo career. His addition to the band came at a crucial time when they were seeking to replace Jimmy Stokley and establish a new musical direction.

Taylor’s vocal abilities proved essential to Exile’s country success, as The album featured Taylor and Pennington alternating as lead vocalists and songwriters, with Ricky Skaggs being the only outside musician on the entire project. His partnership with J.P. Pennington created the vocal foundation for Exile’s most successful country period, during which they achieved multiple number-one hits. The chemistry between Taylor and Pennington was particularly evident in their live performances and studio recordings throughout the 1980s.

Like Pennington, Taylor pursued a solo career during the band’s initial disbanding period. Taylor inked a deal with Epic Records and released two singles, including “Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda Loved You” which peaked at #46. However, the pull of Exile proved too strong to resist. After parting ways with Epic, Taylor reunited with Exile in 1995 and continues to perform with the band. His commitment to the band’s legacy has been unwavering since their reunion, and he remains an integral part of their current touring lineup alongside Pennington.

Sonny LeMaire

Sonny LeMaire joined Exile in 1977 as their bass guitarist and became one of the band’s most prolific songwriters, contributing to their transformation from pop to country music. Alfred William “Sonny” LeMaire (born September 16, 1947) is an American country music artist. LeMaire is best known as being the bass guitarist of the band Exile, a role that he first held in 1977. His musical partnership with J.P. Pennington proved to be one of the most successful songwriting collaborations in country music history.

LeMaire’s songwriting talents extended far beyond Exile, establishing him as one of Nashville’s most sought-after writers. In addition to co-writing several of Exile’s singles with Pennington, LeMaire wrote Restless Heart’s 1992 hit “When She Cries”, along with “What I Did Right” by Sons of the Desert, “Beautiful Mess” by Diamond Rio, “She Thinks She Needs Me” by Andy Griggs, and “Fall”, recorded first by Clay Walker and then Kimberley Locke. His ability to craft emotionally resonant lyrics made him a valuable collaborator for numerous country artists throughout the 1990s and 2000s.

During Exile’s leadership transition in the late 1980s, After lead singer J. P. Pennington quit the band in 1989, LeMaire alternated with Paul Martin on lead vocals, including the singles “Nobody’s Talking” and “Yet”. When the original lineup disbanded, Following Exile’s initial 1993 disbanding, LeMaire played bass for Burnin’ Daylight in the mid-nineties, reuniting permanently with his “Kiss You All Over” bandmates in 2008. His dedication to the band’s legacy and his continued creative contributions have made him an indispensable part of Exile’s enduring success.

Mark Gray

Mark Gray served as Exile’s co-lead vocalist and keyboardist from 1979 to 1982, playing a crucial role during their transition from pop to country music while simultaneously establishing himself as a successful solo artist and songwriter. He recorded both as a solo artist for Columbia Records and as a member of the country pop band Exile, of which he was a member between 1979 and 1982. His addition to the band came during a critical period when they were reshaping their sound and seeking new vocal leadership following Jimmy Stokley’s departure.

Gray’s tenure with Exile coincided with some of their most experimental and transitional work. After this, the band found vocalists Mark Gray and Les Taylor, who also contributed on keyboards and guitar, respectively. Chapman had recommended Gray after discovering him in Los Angeles. During his time with the band, Gray’s joining briefly led to the unusual scenario of Exile having three keyboardists: him, Cornelison, and Hargis, showcasing the band’s willingness to experiment with their musical arrangements.

His songwriting abilities became apparent during and after his time with Exile, establishing him as a major force in country music. Gray went on to co-write a pair of Number One hits for Alabama, “Take Me Down” and “The Closer You Get,” in addition to Fricke’s 1982 chart-topper “It Ain’t Easy Being Easy”. Gray left the band at this point, as he wanted to become a solo artist. As a result, Pennington and Taylor became the band’s two lead vocalists. His solo career proved highly successful, with Gray’s solo career included three albums and nine singles, of which the highest-peaking is the No. 6 Tammy Wynette duet “Sometimes When We Touch”. Tragically, Gray died of undisclosed causes at the age of 64 in 2016, ending the career of a respected songwriter and performer who had contributed significantly to both Exile’s evolution and country music’s development.

Marlon Hargis

Marlon Hargis has served as Exile’s keyboardist for over four decades, joining the band during their early pop era and remaining through their country transformation and reunion. The band consists of J.P. Pennington and Les Taylor, both of whom are guitarists and vocalists, along with Sonny LeMaire (bass guitar, vocals), Marlon Hargis (keyboards), and Steve Goetzman (drums). His keyboard work has been a constant element throughout Exile’s various musical incarnations, providing the harmonic foundation for both their pop hits and country classics.

Hargis’s contributions to Exile’s sound cannot be overstated, as his keyboard arrangements helped define their distinctive style across multiple decades. Hargis noted that Killen was willing to let the band play all of their own instruments, as opposed to most country bands at the time, who relied on session musicians for their albums. This approach allowed Hargis to showcase his versatility and contribute to the band’s authentic sound throughout their country music period.

His commitment to the band’s legacy was evident during their reunion process. In 2008, Pennington and Taylor rejoined Hargis, LeMaire, and Goetzman for a charity concert in Lexington to benefit one of their former managers, who had been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. In doing so, they re-established the lineup of the band’s early Epic releases. Hargis’s participation in this reunion demonstrated his continued dedication to both the band and their community, helping to reestablish the classic Exile lineup that continues to perform today.

Steve Goetzman

Steve Goetzman has served as Exile’s drummer throughout their most successful periods, joining during their country music transformation and remaining with the band through their reunion and current touring activities. The band consists of J.P. Pennington and Les Taylor, both of whom are guitarists and vocalists, along with Sonny LeMaire (bass guitar, vocals), Marlon Hargis (keyboards), and Steve Goetzman (drums). His rhythmic foundation has been essential to Exile’s sound during both their country chart dominance and their later touring career.

Goetzman’s drumming style adapted seamlessly to Exile’s evolution from pop to country music, helping to anchor their sound during their most commercially successful period. At this point, the band consisted of Pennington, LeMaire, Taylor, Hargis, and Goetzman when they signed with Epic Records and began their country music career that would yield ten number-one hits. His steady presence behind the kit provided the foundation for the band’s complex vocal harmonies and instrumental arrangements.

Like his bandmates Hargis and LeMaire, Goetzman remained committed to the Exile legacy during their hiatus period and was instrumental in their reunion. In 2008, Pennington and Taylor rejoined Hargis, LeMaire, and Goetzman for a charity concert in Lexington to benefit one of their former managers, who had been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. His participation in this reunion concert helped reestablish the classic lineup that continues to tour and record today, demonstrating his ongoing dedication to the band and their music.

Bernie Faulkner

Bernie Faulkner served as one of Exile’s early keyboardists during their formative years in the 1960s and early 1970s, contributing to the band’s development during their transition from local club act to professional touring musicians. As a result, the Exiles did not have a lead guitarist at this point, instead relying on both Cornelison and Faulkner as keyboardists. In addition, Cornelison played trumpet, while Faulkner also played saxophone and rhythm guitar. His versatility as a multi-instrumentalist was valuable during an era when the band was experimenting with different musical arrangements and seeking their distinctive sound.

Faulkner’s tenure with the band spanned several crucial years during their early professional development. Bernie Faulkner (1967-1974) indicates his involvement during a period when the band was working to establish themselves beyond their Kentucky origins. His musical contributions helped bridge the gap between their early garage band days and their eventual breakthrough into the national music scene.

Sadly, Faulkner’s life came to an end in late 2024, marking the loss of another early Exile member. On December 1, 2024, former member Bernie Faulkner died at age 77. His passing represented the end of an era for the surviving members who remembered the early days of struggle and determination that eventually led to Exile’s remarkable success. Despite leaving the band well before their commercial breakthrough, Faulkner’s contributions during their formative years helped establish the musical foundation that would eventually support their pop and country successes.

Billy Luxon

Billy Luxon served as Exile’s trumpet player and background vocalist from the early years through 1975, witnessing firsthand the band’s evolution from local Kentucky teenagers to professional touring musicians. He was one of the founding members of the group, and he played on the band’s early singles and classic rock albums before co-founding the successful J. Sutter’s Mill club in Richmond, KY. His unique position as a brass player in a rock band reflected the experimental nature of Exile’s early sound and their willingness to incorporate diverse musical elements.

Luxon’s experience with the band provided him with a unique perspective on their rise to fame, particularly regarding the dynamic leadership of Jimmy Stokley. Billy vividly conveys his memories as a trumpeter and background vocalist for Exile from 1963-1975, and his story is valuable for anyone who is interested in rock ‘n’ roll, the entertainment industry, or music in Kentucky. His firsthand account of the band’s early struggles and eventual success offers insights into the dedication and persistence required to achieve musical success.

In recent years, Luxon has become the chronicler of Exile’s early history, particularly focusing on the era of Jimmy Stokley’s leadership. By 1968, The Exiles had become a fixture on Dick Clark’s Caravan of Stars and a favorite touring band in nightclubs ranging from their native Richmond, Ky, to New York City, plus hundreds of other venues across the country. His 2023 memoir “Exiled: The Climax and Surrender of Jimmy Stokley” provides detailed accounts of the band’s formative years and the personality of their original frontman, preserving important history of one of Kentucky’s most successful musical exports.

Paul Martin

Paul Martin joined Exile in the late 1980s as lead vocalist, taking over primary vocal duties after J.P. Pennington’s departure and helping to maintain the band’s presence during a transitional period in their career. After Martin was in place as lead singer, the band members sought a replacement for Taylor as well, indicating his importance to the band’s continued operations during a time of significant lineup changes. His vocal style was noted for its similarity to the band’s established sound, helping to maintain continuity during this challenging period.

Martin’s tenure with Exile came during a difficult time for the band commercially, as country music was shifting toward a more traditional sound that differed from their established approach. After lead singer J. P. Pennington quit the band in 1989, LeMaire alternated with Paul Martin on lead vocals, including the singles “Nobody’s Talking” and “Yet”. This vocal partnership with Sonny LeMaire demonstrated Martin’s ability to adapt to the band’s collaborative approach to lead vocals, even as they struggled to maintain their chart presence.

His vocal abilities were recognized by industry observers who noted the continuity he brought to the band’s sound. LeMaire told Jack Hurst of the Chicago Tribune that the addition of Martin to the lineup “opened up what we are capable of doing onstage” due to his ability to play other instruments such as mandolin and Dobro. In the same article, Hurst thought that Martin’s singing voice was very similar to Pennington’s. Despite his efforts to maintain Exile’s momentum, the band’s commercial fortunes continued to decline during this period, ultimately leading to their initial disbanding in the mid-1990s. Martin’s contributions during this transitional era helped bridge the gap between Exile’s classic lineup and their eventual reunion with the original members.

Mark Jones

Mark Jones joined Exile as guitarist and vocalist in 1989, becoming part of the band during their post-Pennington era as they attempted to maintain their career momentum with a new lineup. After Martin was in place as lead singer, the band members sought a replacement for Taylor as well. They found guitarist and vocalist Mark Jones, who joined in 1989. His addition came during a particularly challenging period when the band was dealing with the departures of two of their key creative forces and struggling to maintain their identity.

Jones had an interesting historical connection to Exile that predated his membership in the band. Jones had been aware of the band when he tried to hire them for his senior prom in 1978, but they were unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts. This early familiarity with the band’s music likely helped him understand their sound and approach when he eventually joined them over a decade later, bringing both fresh energy and respect for their established style.

His tenure with Exile occurred during a period of transition and challenge for the band as they navigated the changing country music landscape of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While specific details about his individual contributions and the length of his membership are limited in available records, Jones represented the band’s efforts to continue their musical journey with new personnel during a time when their original lineup had largely dispersed. His involvement demonstrated Exile’s determination to maintain their musical legacy even as they faced significant changes in both their membership and the broader music industry.

Current Members (2008-Present)

The current incarnation of Exile represents a remarkable reunion of the band’s most successful lineup, demonstrating both the enduring power of their music and the strong bonds between the musicians who created their greatest hits. Following their reunion, the Kentucky General Assembly honored the band in 2009 for “extraordinary talent”, which led to them performing for members of the state of Kentucky legislature. This recognition from their home state reflected not only their musical achievements but also their status as cultural ambassadors for Kentucky.

The reunited lineup has remained remarkably stable since 2008, with The band consists of J.P. Pennington and Les Taylor, both of whom are guitarists and vocalists, along with Sonny LeMaire (bass guitar, vocals), Marlon Hargis (keyboards), and Steve Goetzman (drums). This five-piece configuration represents the core group that achieved Exile’s greatest commercial success during their 1980s country music dominance, when they scored ten number-one hits and established themselves as one of country music’s most successful vocal groups.