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BMI presents Exile members with Million Airplay Awards

by Jessica Blankenship
L to R: Exile’s Steve Goetzman, Maverick’s Clarence Spalding, Exile’s Sonny LeMaire and Marlon Hargis, BMI’s David Preston, Exile’s J.P. Pennington, BMI’s Jody Williams and Exile’s Les Taylor
Photo Credit: Bev Moser

On Tuesday, March 6, BMI executives Jody Williams and David Preston presented seven ‘Million-Air Awards’ to Sonny LeMaire and J.P. Pennington of Exile, in recognition of the success of major songs penned by the two writers and long-time band members. The awards totaled 11 million broadcast performances (radio spins) between four songs; “The Closer You Get,” “She’s A Miracle,” “Give Me One More Chance,” and “Beautiful Mess.”

A Million-Air Award is given to songwriters, composers, and publishers whose songs accumulate over one million U.S. broadcast performances. The acknowledgement is a mark of praise.

The songs recognized were:

J.P. Pennington
The Closer You Get performed by Alabama – 4 Million Broadcast Performances
She’s A Miracle performed by Exile – 2 Million Broadcast Performances
Give Me One More Chance performed by Exile- 1 Million Broadcast Performances

Sonny LeMaire
Beautiful Mess performed by Diamond Rio – 4 Million Broadcast Performances
Give Me One More Chance performed by Exile – 1 Million Broadcast Performances
She’s A Miracle performed by Exile – 2 Million Broadcast Performances

Monkey C Music (Sonny LeMaire)
Beautiful Mess performed by Diamond Rio – 4 Million

Crossover hit-making band, Exile, is celebrating a distinguished career of 55 years as the longest running American self-contained band and has sold over 8 million records, including three Gold records and eleven number one hit songs, along with numerous hits on the pop and country charts. They are known for major hits including “Kiss You All Over,” “Give Me One More Chance,” and “I Don’t Want to Be a Memory,” to name a few.

Exile formed in 1963 looking to play small clubs in Richmond, Kentucky, but managed to top both the pop and country charts during their over 55 year-long career. Their most successful hit, “Kiss You All Over” spent four weeks at the top of Billboard’s pop chart in 1978. In the early 1980’s Exile started to focus on country music. During their run on the country charts Exile has successfully had ten No. 1 singles including “I Don’t Want To Be A Memory” and “Give Me One More Chance.” They have toured with acts including Aerosmith, Fleetwood Mac, The Oak Ridge Boys, Kenny Rogers and The Judds. The 5 original Exile members re-formed in 2008 and continue to tour today. Current members of the band include J.P. Pennington, Les Taylor, Sonny LeMaire, Marlon Hargis and Steve Goetzman. 2018 celebrates 55 years for the band and 40th anniversary of the hit song “Kiss You All Over.” They were inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in 2013.

For more information, visit www.exile.biz.