R. David Shew
Exile came to Renfro Valley on Valentine’s Day and did not disappoint. Sonny LeMaire talked about enjoying coming back to Renfro Valley and how much the audience at Renfro Valley means to the band. J.P. told the story of growing up in the Old Barn Theatre listening to his mother and the New Coon Creeks entertain their fans.
Towards the end of the show, Sonnie asked the crowd how many had seen Exile before and most everyone raised their hands. Then, Sonnie asked how many people were in the audience for the first time. Believe it or not, a few raised their hands. As usual, Exile played all their country hits and Kiss You All Over.
Their version of Sixteen Tons and the gospel tune Let It Rain were crowd favorites. Their melody of tunes of people they traveled with or met during their career included Roy Orbison’s Pretty Woman that Les Taylor really seems to enjoy singing and does a fabulous job.
Sonnie sang a couple of songs that he wrote or co wrote including When She Cries for Restless Heart, Beautiful Mess for Diamond Rio, and She Is A Miracle for Exile which was written by Sonnie LeMaire and J.P. Pennington.
Exile never fails to entertain their fans with appreciation for supporting them for all the years which now is 63. They recognized special former members in the audience including Mike Howard and Mac Davenport, roadie Ted Ponder, and former front house engineer Billy Moore.
This writer always enjoys the hits that J.P. Pennington wrote, especially Closer You Get and Take Me Down who Alabama took to #1 on the country charts and made J. P. happy. Les Taylor’s version of Heart and Soul was another crowd favorite and should have been another hit for Exile except for Huey Lewis and the News version that just struck a chord with fans.
Kudos to J.P. Pennington, Les Taylor, Sonnie LeMaire, Marlon Hargis, and Steve Goetzman for the show. Please come back to town.
In addition, the opening act was Briley Jean, a local young lady who sang a few originals. Her tribute to her grandpa, I Know You’re Up In Heaven, was truly special. She thanked him for introducing her to country music. Keep it up Breily.
