Gene Watson’s Peers within the country music industry believe in the sheer talent of this unassuming man from east Texas, so much so that Gene is regarded by many of them as ‘the singer’s singer’ – and rightly so!
All of Gene Watson’s Peers, who were contacted by The Gene Watson Fan Site, during 2019, were most gracious with their time and words.
It is here, within this special part of The Gene Watson Fan Site, that you have an opportunity to read a quote from Sonny LeMaire, which he submitted to this site on Saturday 23 March 2019.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Sonny LeMaire who has made a special contribution to a unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.
Sonny LeMaire
This quote was submitted on Saturday 23 March 2019.
‘I, and my band mates Exile, have been fans of Gene Watson since his No.1 hit, ‘Fourteen Carat Mind‘, which was written by Dallas Frazier (Friday 27 October 1939 – Friday 14 January 2021) and Larry Lee Favorite (Saturday 6 January 1940 – Saturday 26 May 2001).
We shared the charts together throughout the 1980s and always looked forward to hearing his next song & album.
He is a true distinctive vocal stylist and his voice is as pure as country music!’
Thank you, Sonny LeMaire, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Sonny LeMaire…
Sonny LeMaire was born Alfred William LeMaire in Fort Lee, Virginia on Tuesday 16 September 1947, and is best known as being the bass guitarist of the country-pop band Exile, a role that he first held in 1977.
J.P. Pennington was born James Preston ‘J.P.’ Pennington in Berea, Kentucky on Saturday 22 January 1949, and is known primarily as a founding member of Exile.
After lead singer J.P. Pennington quit Exile in 1990, Sonny LeMaire alternated with Paul Martin on lead vocals, including the singles ‘Nobody’s Talking’ and ‘Yet’.
Between 1995 and 1997, following Exile’s disbanding in 1993, Sonny LeMaire played bass for the band Burnin’ Daylight.
In January 1978, Exile saw the release of ‘Exile’ (RCA Victor Records, 1978), which was produced by Bill Traut, and included the following tracks:
‘Devil’s Bite’ (written by Todd Rundgren)
‘Ridin’ Thumb’ (written by Jim Seals and Dash Crofts)
‘You’re My Woman’ (written by Van Morrison)
‘Mabel’ (written by James Johnson)
‘Just One Victory’ (written by Todd Rundgren)
‘Jesus Is Just All Right’ (written by Reid Reynolds)
‘Please Be There’ (written by John Hall and Johanna Hall)
‘Believe’ (written by Todd Rundgren)
‘Do What You Think You Should’ (written by J.P. Pennington)
‘Hold Tight Sweet Woman’ (written by Todd Rundgren)
Personnel involved in the recording of Exile’s ‘Exile’ (RCA Victor Records, 1978) included the following:
Jimmy Stokley (vocal)
J.P. Pennington (guitar)
Bernie Faulkner (guitar, organ, sax)
Kenny Weir (bass)
Bobby Johns (drums)
Buzz Cornelison (piano, trumpet)
Billy Luxon (percussion, trumpet)
In March 1978, Exile saw the release of ‘Stage Pass’ (RCA Victor Records, 1978), which was produced by Bill Traut, and included the following tracks:
‘Sing A Song’ (written by J.P. Pennington)
‘Whatever Mood You’re In’ (written by Mark James)
‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Woman’ (written by Barry Fasman)
‘Leave Me Standing’ (written by J.P. Pennington)
‘We Can Work It Out’, which was written by John Lennon (Wednesday 9 October 1940 – Monday 8 December 1980) and Paul McCartney
‘Goin’ Down’ (written by Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter)
‘Bobber’, which was written by Sammy Johns (Thursday 7 February 1946 – Friday 4 January 2013)
‘New Ways Train Train’ (written by Johnny Beck)
‘Don’t It Feel Good’ (written by Jeff Thomas and Ed Fournier)
In June 1978, Exile saw the release of ‘Mixed Emotions’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1978), which was produced by Mike Chapman, and included the following tracks:
‘You Thrill Me’ (written by Mike Chapman and NIcky Chinn) / this track reached No.40 on the Billboard pop music singles chart in 1978
‘Never Gonna Stop’ (written by J.P. Pennington)
‘There’s Been A Chance’ (written by J.P. Pennington)
‘You & Me’ (written by J.P. Pennington)
‘Kiss You All Over’ (written by Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn) / this track, which was No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart for four weeks in September / October 1978, sold more than four million copies worldwide
‘Ain’t Got No Time’ (written by Danny Williams)
‘Don’t Do It’ (written by J.P. Pennington)
‘One Step At A Time’ (written by J.P. Pennington)
‘Stay With Me’ (written by J.P. Pennington, Even Stevens and Hillary Kanter)
Personnel involved in the recording of Exile’s ‘Mixed Emotions’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1978) included the following:
J.P. Pennington (guitar)
Sonny LeMaire and Danny Williams (bass)
Steve Goetzman (drums)
Buzz Cornelison and Marlon Hargis (keyboards)
Buzz Cornelison, J.P. Pennington, Jimmy Stokley, Marlon Hargis, Sonny LeMaire and Danny Williams (vocals)
In April 1979, Exile saw the release of ‘All There Is’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1979), which was produced by Mike Chapman, and included the following tracks:
‘How Could This Go Wrong’ (written by Mike Chapman, NIcky Chinn, J.P. Pennington and Linda Lawley) / this track reached No.88 on the Billboard pop music singles chart in 1979
‘All There Is’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Linda Lawley)
‘Too Proud To Cry’ (written by Sonny Lemaire, Jimmy Stokley and Marlon Hargis)
‘Part of Me That Needs You Most’ (written by Mike Chapman and NIcky Chinn)
‘Destiny’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Linda Lawley)
‘Being In Love With You Is Easy’ (written by J.P. Pennington)
‘Let’s Do It Again’ (written by Sonny LeMaire and Jimmy Stokley)
‘Come On Over’ (written by J.P. Pennington)
Personnel involved in the recording of Exile’s ‘All There Is’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1979) included the following:
Jimmy Stokley (vocal)
J.P. Pennington (guitar)
Sonny LeMaire (bass)
Steve Goetzman (drums)
Buzz Cornelison and Marlon Hargis (keyboards)
Andrea Robinson, Linda Lawley, Rusty Buchanan and Sue Richman (vocals)
In May 1980, Exile saw the release of ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1980), which was produced by Peter Coleman, and included the following tracks:
‘You’re Good For Me’, which was written by Mark Eugene Gray (Friday 24 October 1952 – Friday 2 December 2016) and Gregory Guldry
‘Nobody’s Hero’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Linda Lawley)
‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’ (written by J.P. Pennington)
‘Take Me Down’, which was written by J.P. Pennington and Mark Eugene Gray (Friday 24 October 1952 – Friday 2 December 2016)
‘Smooth Sailin’ (Rock In The Road)’, which was written by Mark Eugene Gray (Friday 24 October 1952 – Friday 2 December 2016), Steve Pippin and Johnny Slate
‘Jailbait’, which was written by Mark Eugene Gray (Friday 24 October 1952 – Friday 2 December 2016) and Eddie Setser
‘There’s A Love’ (written by J.P. Pennington)
‘Closer You Get’, which was written by J.P. Pennington and Mark Eugene Gray (Friday 24 October 1952 – Friday 2 December 2016)
‘It Takes Love To Make Love’, which was written by Mark Eugene Gray (Friday 24 October 1952 – Friday 2 December 2016), Sonny LeMaire, Sam Lorber and Jeff Silbar
‘Let’s Do It All Over Again’ (written by J.P. Pennington)
In August 1981, Exile saw the release of ‘Heart & Soul’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1981), which was produced by Peter Coleman, and included the following tracks:
‘Heart & Soul’ (written by Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn) / this single failed to crack the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1981, peaking at No.102 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles Chart
‘Heart & Soul’ (written by Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn) was made famous by Huey Lewis & The News, who included the track on ‘Sports’ (Chrysalis Records, 1983); the track reached No.8 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in November 1983, and No.1 on the Billboard Top Tracks Chart in 1983
The music video featured Huey Lewis looking for, and leaving with, a woman in a dance club, with Huey Lewis & The News concert footage spliced in.
‘Take This Heart’ (written by J.P. Pennington)
‘Till The Very End’, which was written by Mark Eugene Gray (Friday 24 October 1952 – Friday 2 December 2016) and Sonny LeMaire
‘Can’t Love You Anymore’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Philip Copeland)
‘One More Night For Love’, which was written by Mark Eugene Gray (Friday 24 October 1952 – Friday 2 December 2016) and Sonny LeMaire
‘Baby, It’s Me’, which was written by Mark Eugene Gray (Friday 24 October 1952 – Friday 2 December 2016)
‘Werewolf of Love’, which was written by Mark Eugene Gray (Friday 24 October 1952 – Friday 2 December 2016), Sonny LeMaire and Kent Blazy
‘Dixie Girl’ (written by Sonny LeMaire and John Paine)
‘Someone Like You’, which was written by J.P. Pennington and Mark Eugene Gray (Friday 24 October 1952 – Friday 2 December 2016)
‘What Kind of Love Is This’ (written by Mark Burdick)
‘Still So In Love With You’ (written by J.P. Pennington)
Personnel involved in the recording of Exile’s ‘Heart & Soul’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1981) included the following:
J.P. Pennington and Les Taylor (guitar)
Sonny LeMaire (bass)
Steve Goetzman (drums)
Marlon Hargis (keyboards)
Andrea Robinson, Linda Lawley, Rusty Buchanan, Sue Richman, J.P. Pennington, Les Taylor, Mark Eugene Gray (Friday 24 October 1952 – Friday 2 December 2016), Marlon Hargis and Sonny LeMaire (vocals)
When Exile first emerged on the Billboard country music singles chart during 1983, the band had already notched a No.1 pop music single five years earlier (in 1978).
‘Kiss You All Over’ (written by Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn) was No.1 on the Billboard pop music singles chart for four weeks in September / October 1978, beginning Saturday 30 September 1978, and the song finished up as one of the Billboard Top 5 pop records of the entire year.
‘Kiss You All Over’ (written by Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn) sold more than four million copies worldwide, but a year later, the group was on a downhill slide. Lead vocalist Jimmy Stokely left the group, and Exile charted only two more singles.
Two years after their ascension to the top of the pop music world, Exile struggled just to find work. They played locally in their hometown of Lexington, Kentucky, losing almost all contact with the record industry in Los Angeles. The one man who retained faith in the band was manager Jim Morey, a partner in Gallin Morey Associates, the same company which handled Dolly Parton.
Jim Morey suggested to Nashville producer Buddy Killen (Sunday 13 November 1932 – Wednesday 1 November 2006) that he work with the band, and Buddy Killen jumped at the chance.
At one time, Buddy Killen (Sunday 13 November 1932 – Wednesday 1 November 2006), along with Owen Bradley (Thursday 21 October 1915 – Wednesday 7 January 1998), recorded ‘Kiss You All Over’ (written by Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn), in a recording session with Bill Anderson, and had remained a fan of Exile.
Bill Anderson‘s version of ‘Kiss You All Over’ (written by Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn) was included on ‘Ladies’ Choice’ (MCA Records, 1979).
Buddy Killen (Sunday 13 November 1932 – Wednesday 1 November 2006) brought Exile to his downtown Nashville club, The Stockyard, on several occasions, to showcase the band for local record executives. It took a year before CBS division head, Rick Blackburn, signed the group to Epic Records.
In October 1983, Exile saw the release of ‘Exile’ (Epic Records, 1983), which was produced by Buddy Killen (Sunday 13 November 1932 – Wednesday 1 November 2006), and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘High Cost of Leaving’, which was written by J.P. Pennington, Sonny LeMaire and Mark Eugene Gray (Friday 24 October 1952 – Friday 2 December 2016) (No.27, 1983)
‘Woke Up In Love’ (written by J.P. Pennington) (No.1 for one week in March 1984)
‘I Don’t Want To Be A Memory’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire) (No.1 for one week in July 1984)
Exile’s ‘Exile’ (Epic Records, 1983) also included the following tracks:
‘Take Me To The River’ (written by J.P. Pennington)
‘Red Dancing Shoes’, which was written by Mark Eugene Gray (Friday 24 October 1952 – Friday 2 December 2016) and Sonny LeMaire
‘We’ve Still Got Love’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire)
‘I Just Came Back To Break My Heart Again’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Larry Cordle)
‘This Could Be The Start of Something Good’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire)
‘After All These Years (I’m Still Chasing You)’ (written by J.P. Pennington)
‘Here I Go Again’ (written by J.P. Pennington)
Personnel involved in the recording of Exile’s ‘Exile’ (Epic Records, 1983) included the following:
J.P. Pennington and Les Taylor (vocal, guitar)
Sonny LeMaire (bass)
Steve Goetzman (drums)
Marlon Hargis (keyboards)
Exile’s ‘Exile’ (Epic Records, 1983) reached No.10 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1983.
In August 1984, Exile saw the release of ‘Kentucky Hearts’ (Epic Records, 1984), which was produced by Buddy Killen (Sunday 13 November 1932 – Wednesday 1 November 2006), and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Give Me One More Chance’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire) (No.1 for one week in November 1984)
‘Crazy For Your Love’ (written by Sonny LeMaire and J.P. Pennington) (No.1 for one week in March 1985)
‘She’s A Miracle’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire) (No.1 for one week in July 1985)
Exile’s ‘Kentucky Hearts’ (Epic Records, 1984) also included the following tracks:
‘I’ve Never Seen Anything’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire)
‘You Make It Easy’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire)
‘Comin’ Apart At The Seams’ (written by Leslie Taylor and Jerry Marcum)
‘Just In Case’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire)
‘Somethin’ You Got’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire)
‘If I Didn’t Love You’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire)
‘Ain’t That A Pity’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire)
Personnel involved in the recording of Exile’s ‘Kentucky Hearts’ (Epic Records, 1984) included the following:
J.P. Pennington and Les Taylor (vocal, guitar)
Sonny LeMaire (bass)
Steve Goetzman (drums)
Marlon Hargis (keyboards)
Bergen White (arrangements)
Exile’s ‘Kentucky Hearts’ (Epic Records, 1984) reached No.1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1984.
In April 1985, Ronnie McDowell saw the release of ‘In A New York Minute’ (Epic Records, 1985), which was produced by Buddy Killen (Sunday 13 November 1932 – Wednesday 1 November 2006), and included the following tracks:
‘Betcha Gonna Miss My Lovin’ (written by Ronnie McDowell, Larry Meador and Bill Conn)
‘How Can I Love Her’ (written by Warren Keith)
‘I Think I Love Her’, which was written by Ronnie McDowell, Buddy Killen (Sunday 13 November 1932 – Wednesday 1 November 2006), Larry Meador and Bill Conn
‘In A New York Minute’ (written by Chris Waters, Michael Garvin and Tom Shapiro) (No.5, 1985)
‘She Lays Me Down’, which was written by Ronnie McDowell, Buddy Killen (Sunday 13 November 1932 – Wednesday 1 November 2006), Larry Meador and Bill Conn
‘Love Talks’ (written by Michael Garvin, Tom Shapiro and Bucky Jones) / this track, which featured guest vocals from Exile, reached No.9 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1985
‘I Never Lie To Ruby’ (written by Ron Hellard and Bucky Jones)
‘Habit Formin’ Love’, which was written by Ronnie McDowell, Buddy Killen (Sunday 13 November 1932 – Wednesday 1 November 2006), Larry Meador and Bill Conn
‘You’re The Best I Ever Had’, which was written by Joe Chambers (passed away on Wednesday 28 September 2022) and Larry Jenkins
‘I’m Burning My Little Black Book Tonight’ (written by Ron Hellard and Bucky Jones)
In July 1985, Exile saw the release of ‘Hang On To Your Heart’ (Epic Records, 1985), which was produced by Buddy Killen (Sunday 13 November 1932 – Wednesday 1 November 2006), and included five tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Hang On To Your Heart’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire) (No.1 for one week in November 1985)
‘I Could Get Used To You’ (written by Sonny LeMaire and J.P. Pennington) (No.1 for one week in March 1986)
‘Super Love’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire) (No.14, 1986)
‘It’ll Be Me’ (written by Sonny LeMaire and J.P. Pennington) (No.1 for one week in November 1986)
‘She’s Too Good To Be True’ (written by Sonny LeMaire and J.P. Pennington) (No.1 for one week in September 1987)
Exile’s ‘Hang On To Your Heart’ (Epic Records, 1985) also included the following tracks:
‘Promises, Promises’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire)
‘She Likes Her Lovin’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire)
‘Music’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire)
‘Practise Makes Perfect’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire)
‘Proud To Be Your Man’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire)
Personnel involved in the recording of Exile’s ‘Hang On To Your Heart’ (Epic Records, 1985) included the following:
J.P. Pennington and Les Taylor (vocal, guitar)
Sonny LeMaire (bass)
Steve Goetzman (drums)
Marlon Hargis (keyboards)
Bergen White (arrangements)
Exile’s ‘Hang On To Your Heart’ (Epic Records, 1985) reached No.2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1985.
The Forester Sisters – Kathy, June, Kim and Christy Forester – recorded Sonny LeMaire‘s ‘Just In Case’ (co-written with J.P. Pennington) and included the track on ‘The Forester Sisters’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1985); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in February 1986.
In May 1986, Exile saw the release of ‘Greatest Hits’ (Epic Records, 1986), which was produced by Buddy Killen (Sunday 13 November 1932 – Wednesday 1 November 2006), and included the following tracks:
‘Woke Up In Love’ (written by J.P. Pennington) (No.1 for one week in March 1984)
‘I Don’t Want To Be A Memory’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire) (No.1 for one week in July 1984)
‘Give Me One More Chance’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire) (No.1 for one week in November 1984)
‘She’s A Miracle’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire) (No.1 for one week in July 1985)
‘Hang On To Your Heart’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire) (No.1 for one week in November 1985)
‘Girl Can’t Help It’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire)
‘I Could Get Used To You’ (written by Sonny LeMaire and J.P. Pennington) (No.1 for one week in March 1986)
‘Crazy For Your Love’ (written by Sonny LeMaire and J.P. Pennington) (No.1 for one week in March 1985)
‘Super Love’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire) (No.14, 1986)
‘Kiss You All Over’ (written by Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn) (No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart for four weeks in September / October 1978)
Personnel involved in the recording of Exile’s ‘Greatest Hits’ (Epic Records, 1986) included the following:
J.P. Pennington and Les Taylor (vocal, guitar)
Sonny LeMaire (bass)
Steve Goetzman (drums)
Marlon Hargis (keyboards)
Bergen White (arrangements)
Exile’s ‘Greatest Hits’ (Epic Records, 1986) reached No.2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1986.
In September 1987, Exile saw the release of ‘Shelter From The Night’ (Epic Records, 1987), which was produced by Elliot Scheiner, and included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘I Can’t Get Close Enough’ (written by Sonny LeMaire and J.P. Pennington) (No.1 for one week in January 1988)
‘Feel Like Foolin’ Around’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire) (No.60, 1988)
‘Just One Kiss’ (written by J.P. Pennington, Sonny LeMaire, Robert Smith and Laurence Tolhurst) (No.9, 1988)
‘It’s You Again’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire) (No.21, 1988)
Exile’s ‘Shelter From The Night’ (Epic Records, 1987) also included the following tracks:
‘Shelter From The Night’ (written by Michael Foster)
‘My Heart’s In Good Hands’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire)
‘Showdown’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire)
‘Fly On The Wall’ (written by Bernie Taupin, Bruce Hornsby and Colin Moulding)
‘She’s Already Gone’ (written by John Farrar)
‘As Long As I Have Your Memory’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire)
Personnel involved in the recording of Exile’s ‘Shelter From The Night’ (Epic Records, 1987) included the following:
J.P. Pennington and Les Taylor (vocal, guitar)
Sonny LeMaire (bass)
Steve Goetzman (drums)
Lee Carroll (keyboards)
Exile’s ‘Shelter From The Night’ (Epic Records, 1987), which was recorded at The Carriage House Studio in Stamford, Connecticut, reached No.13 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1987.
At the beginning of 1990, J.P. Pennington left Exile.
On Wednesday 14 February 1990, Exile, which consisted of Paul Martin (vocal, guitar, steel guitar, Dobro, mandolin), Randy Sharp (guitar, vocals), Russ Pahl (steel guitar), Sonny LeMaire (bass, vocals), Steve Goetzman (drums, percussion) and Lee Carroll (piano, keyboards), saw the release of ‘Still Standing’ (Arista Records, 1990), which was produced by Randy Sharp and Tim DuBois, and included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Keep It In The Middle of The Road’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire) (No.17, 1989)
‘Nobody’s Talking’ (written by Randy Sharp and Sonny LeMaire) (No.2, 1990)
‘Yet’ (written by Randy Sharp and Sonny LeMaire) (No.7, 1990)
‘There You Go’ (written by D. Lowery and Randy Sharp) (No.32, 1990)
Exile’s ‘Still Standing’ (Arista Records, 1990) also included the following tracks:
‘Bad Blood’ (written by Randy Sharp and Sonny LeMaire)
‘I’m Still Standing’ (written by Randy Sharp and Sonny LeMaire)
‘Don’t Hang Up (Girl)’ (written by Kix Brooks and Randy Sharp)
‘Show Me’ (written by Randy Sharp and Sonny LeMaire)
‘For You’ (written by Randy Sharp and Sonny LeMaire)
‘Only A Woman’ (written by M. Barnes and Sonny LeMaire)
Personnel involved in the recording of Exile’s ‘Still Standing’ (Arista Records, 1990) included the following:
Randy Sharp (acoustic guitar, backing vocals)
Sonny LeMaire (bass, lead vocals, backing vocals)
Steve Goetzman (drums, percussion)
Paul Martin (electric guitar, acoustic guitar, Dobro, mandolin, steel guitar, lead vocals, backing vocals)
Lee Carroll (piano, keyboards)
Russ Pahl (steel guitar)
Exile’s ‘Still Standing’ (Arista Records, 1990) reached No.42 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1990.
Restless Heart recorded Sonny LeMaire‘s ‘When She Cries’ (co-written with Marc Beeson) and included the track on ‘Big Iron Horses’ (RCA Nashville Records, 1992); the track reached No.9 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1992, and No.11 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1992.
In March 1993, Exile saw the release of ‘Super Hits’ (Epic Records, 1993), which was produced by Buddy Killen (Sunday 13 November 1932 – Wednesday 1 November 2006), and included the following tracks:
‘Take Me To The River’ (written by J.P. Pennington)
‘Woke Up In Love’ (written by J.P. Pennington) (No.1 for one week in March 1984)
‘It’ll Be Me’ (written by Sonny LeMaire and J.P. Pennington) (No.1 for one week in November 1986)
‘Just One Kiss’ (written by J.P. Pennington, Sonny LeMaire, Robert Smith and Laurence Tolhurst) (No.9, 1988)
‘I Can’t Get Close Enough’ (written by Sonny LeMaire and J.P. Pennington) (No.1 for one week in January 1988)
‘Super Love’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire) (No.14, 1986)
‘Feel Like Foolin’ Around’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire) (No.60, 1988)
‘It’s You Again’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire) (No.21, 1988)
‘My Heart’s In Good Hands’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire)
‘Kiss You All Over’ (written by Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn) (No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart for four weeks in September / October 1978)
Personnel involved in the recording of Exile’s ‘Super Hits’ (Epic Records, 1993), included the following:
J.P. Pennington and Les Taylor (vocal, guitar)
Sonny LeMaire (bass)
Steve Goetzman (drums)
Marlon Hargis (keyboards
Ronnie Milsap recorded Sonny LeMaire’s ‘Somebody’s Gonna Get That Girl’ (co-written with Marc Beeson and Joanie Chappel-Beeson) and included the track on ‘True Believer’ (Liberty Records, 1993).
In May 1995, Exile saw the release of ‘Latest & Greatest’ (Intersound Records, 1995), which was produced by Mike Chapman and Peter Coleman, and included the following tracks:
‘How Bad Can It Be’ (written by Sonny LeMaire and Mark Jones)
‘In The Blink of An Eye’ (written by Larry Winslow and Mark Jones)
‘Heart of Steel’ (written by Sonny LeMaire and Randy Sharp)
‘L-O-V-E Spells Trouble’ (written by Sonny LeMaire, Randy Sharp and Paul Martin)
‘Yet’ (written by Sonny LeMaire and Randy Sharp)
‘Nobody’s Talking’ (written by Sonny LeMaire and Randy Sharp)
‘Keep In The Middle of The Road’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire)
‘I Can’t Get Close Enough’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire)
‘Give Me One More Chance’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire)
‘Woke Up In Love’ (written by J.P. Pennington)
‘Kiss You All Over’ (written by Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn)
‘Super Love’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire) (dance mix)
In 1996, Exile saw the release of ‘Something Good’ (Sony Music, 1996), which was produced by Mike Chapman and Peter Coleman, and included the following tracks:
‘Woke Up In Love’ (written by J.P. Pennington)
‘High Cost of Leaving’, which was written by J.P. Pennington, Sonny LeMaire and Mark Eugene Gray (Friday 24 October 1952 – Friday 2 December 2016)
‘Music’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire)
‘She’s A Miracle’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire)
‘I Don’t Want To Be A Memory’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire)
‘Comin’ Apart At The Seams’ (written by Leslie Taylor and Jerry Marcum)
‘I Could Get Used To You’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire)
‘This Could Be The Start of Something Good’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire)
‘Somethin’ You Got’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire)
‘Super Love’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire)
Between 1995 and 1997, following the disbandment of Exile in 1993, Sonny LeMaire played bass for Burnin’ Daylight, a band which was formed in 1995 by Sonny LeMaire, Kurt Howell and Marc Beeson.
Sonny LeMaire was formerly a member of Exile, Kurt Howell was a former member of Southern Pacific and later a solo artist for Reprise Records, and Marc Beeson was a Nashville songwriter, who had previously charted a solo single on BNA Records in the early 1990s.
Burnin’ Daylight had originally assumed the name The Loose Cannons, but was forced to change its name to Burnin’ Daylight because another band had the same name.
Originally, songwriters Trey Bruce and Rob Crosby were slated to be members of Burnin’ Daylight as well. However, they decided to focus on their respective solo careers instead.
Initially, Burnin’ Daylight was intended to be only a live band. They eventually sent a tape to Mike Curb, head of Curb Records, who signed the group in 1997.
On Tuesday 15 April 1997, Burnin’ Daylight – Marc Beeson (lead vocals, guitar), Kurt Howell (keyboards, vocals) and Sonny LeMaire (bass guitar, vocals) – saw the release of their self-titled debut album, ‘Burnin’ Daylight’ (Curb Records, 1997), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Love Worth Fighting For’ (written by Marc Beeson, Sonny LeMaire and Kurt Howell) (No.49, 1996)
‘Say Yes’ (written by Marc Beeson and Chuck Jones) (No.37, 1997)
‘Live To Love Again’ (written by Marc Beeson, Kurt Howell, Sonny LeMaire and Trey Bruce) (No.58, 1997)
Burnin’ Daylight’s self-titled debut album, ‘Burnin’ Daylight’ (Curb Records, 1997), also included the following tracks:
‘God Made A Woman’ (written by Marc Beeson, Sonny LeMaire and Bernie Nelson)
‘Some Hearts (Get All the Breaks)’ (written by Marc Beeson and Rick Bowles)
‘Nice Work (If You Can Get It)’, which was written by Sonny LeMaire, Marc Beeson and Robert Byrne (Saturday 10 July 1954 – Monday 27 June 2005)
‘I Wouldn’t Know’, which was written by Marc Beeson, Robert Byrne (Saturday 10 July 1954 – Monday 27 June 2005) and Mike McGuire
‘The Only Way I Know’ (written by Joanie Chappel-Beeson and Craig Bickhardt)
‘Cut & Run’ (written by Kurt Howell and Trey Bruce)
‘My New Tattoo’, which was written by Stephen Allen Davis (Tuesday 4 October 1949 – Monday 26 December 2022)
‘Everything Or Nothing At All’ (written by Marc Beeson, Kurt Howell and Sonny LeMaire)
Personnel involved in the recording of Burnin’ Daylight’s self-titled debut album, ‘Burnin’ Daylight’ (Curb Records, 1997), included the following:
Burnin’ Daylight
Marc Beeson (acoustic guitar, lead vocals)
Kurt Howell (keyboards, vocals)
Sonny LeMaire (bass guitar, vocals)
Additional musicians involved in the recording of Burnin’ Daylight’s self-titled debut album, ‘Burnin’ Daylight’ (Curb Records, 1997), included the following:
J.T. Corenflos (Wednesday 6 November 1963 – Saturday 24 October 2020) and Dann Huff (electric guitar)
Greg Morrow (drums on all tracks, except ‘God Made A Woman’)
Lonnie Wilson (drums on ‘God Made A Woman’)
Burnin’ Daylight’s self-titled debut album, ‘Burnin’ Daylight’ (Curb Records, 1997), reached No.74 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1997.
Bobbie Cryner recorded Sonny LeMaire’s ‘I Didn’t Know My Own Strength’ (co-written with Bobbie Cryner and Kent Blazy) and included the track on ‘Girl of Your Dreams’ (MCA Records, 1996); the track was released as a single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in the late summer of 1996, but it failed to chart.
Sons of The Desert recorded Sonny LeMaire‘s ‘What I Did Right‘ (co-written with Drew Womack) and included the track on ‘Change’ (MCA Records, 2000); the track reached No.22 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in early 2001.
Diamond Rio recorded Sonny LeMaire‘s ‘Beautiful Mess’ (co-written with Clay Mills and Shane Minor) and included the track on ‘Completely’ (Arista Nashville Records, 2002); the track was No.1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart for two non-consecutive weeks in September / October 2002.
Andy Griggs recorded Sonny LeMaire‘s ‘She Thinks She Needs Me‘ (co-written with Shane Minor and Clay Mills) and included the track on ‘This I Gotta See’ (RCA Nashville Records, 2004); the track reached No.5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 2004.
Clay Walker recorded Sonny LeMaire‘s ‘Fall‘ (co-written with Shane Minor and Clay Mills) and included the track on ‘Fall’ (Asylum-Curb Records, 2007); the track reached No.5 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart in 2007.
Kimberley Locke recorded Sonny LeMaire‘s ‘Fall‘ (co-written with Shane Minor and Clay Mills)and included the track on ‘Based On A True Story’ (Curb Records, 2007); the track reached No.1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Chart in 2008, and No.17 on the Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks Chart in 2008.
Buffy Lawson recorded Sonny LeMaire‘s ‘Bread On A Table’ (co-written with Shane Minor and J.P. Pennington) and included the track on ‘I’m Leaving You For Me’ (Wrinkled Records, 2012).
In 2023, Exile saw the release of ‘A Million Miles Later’ (Clearwater Records, 2023), which included the following tracks:
‘A Million Miles Later’ (written by J.P. Pennington, Sonny LeMaire and Sharon Vaughn)
‘Too Far Gone’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire)
‘After You’ (written by Sonny LeMaire, J.P. Pennington and Paul Jefferson)
‘Daydreamin’ (written by J.P. Pennington, Suzie Pennington, Jessie Pennington Brassfield and Chadley Brassfield)
‘Keep On Pushin’ (written by J.P. Pennington, Sonny LeMaire and Sharon Vaughn)
‘Valentine Sky’ (written by Sonny LeMaire and Sharon Vaughn)
‘Nothin’ But A Thang’ (written by J.P. Pennington, Sonny LeMaire and Sharon Vaughn)
‘Paint The Town’ (written by J.P. Pennington, Sonny LeMaire and Sharon Vaughn)
‘This Ain’t Nothin’ (written by J.P. Pennington, Sonny LeMaire and Sharon Vaughn)
‘Rough Around The Edges’ (written by J.P. Pennington, Les Taylor and Larry Cordle)
‘Nothin’ But Sunshine Now’ (written by Sonny LeMaire, Clay Mills and Mark Selby)
‘Never Lets Go’ (written by J.P. Pennington, Sonny LeMaire and Sharon Vaughn)
‘Down In Cold Water’ (written by J.P. Pennington, Sonny LeMaire and Sharon Vaughn) / this track featured guest vocals from The Isaacs
‘Just To Get Home’ (written by J.P. Pennington, Sonny LeMaire and Sharon Vaughn)
‘Sugar Free’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire)
‘Sixteen Tons’, which was written by Merle Travis (Thursday 29 November 1917 – Thursday 20 October 1983) / the original version of this track was recorded by Merle Travis at the Radio Recorders Studio B in Hollywood, California, on Thursday 8 August 1946; the track, which featured Cliffie Stone (Thursday 1 March 1917 – Saturday 17 January 1998) on bass, was first released in July 1947 by Capitol Records on Merle Travis’ ‘Folk Songs of The Hills’ (Capitol Records, 1947), and became a ‘Gold’ record.
Tennessee Ernie Ford (Thursday 13 February 1919 – Thursday 17 October 1991) recorded Merle Travis’ ‘Sixteen Tons’ in 1955 as the B-side of his cover of the Moon Mullican (Monday 29 March 1909 – Sunday 1 January 1967) standard, ‘You Don’t Have To Be A Baby To Cry’. With Tennessee Ernie Ford’s snapping fingers and a unique clarinet-driven pop arrangement, it quickly became a million seller. The song hit Billboard’s country music chart in November 1955 and held the No.1 position for ten weeks; it then crossed over and held the No.1 position on the Billboard pop music singles chart for eight weeks. In the United Kingdom, Tennessee Ford’s version was No.1 for four weeks in January / February 1956.
On Wednesday 25 March 2015, Tennessee Ernie Ford’s version of Merle Travis’ ‘Sixteen Tons’ was inducted into the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry. In 2002, ‘Sixteen Tons’ was played at the beginning of the Emmy-winning television Film, ‘Door To Door’. In 2023, ‘Sixteen Tons’ was included on the soundtrack of Wes Anderson’s 2023 film, ‘Asteroid City’.
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