Jimmy Stokley was an American musician and member of the Exile band. In the 70s, his band captured the hearts and attention of many music lovers with their song, Kiss You All Over Again.
Despite the fact that Jimmy Stokley has been dead for over 35 years, his life and time in a music career are still interesting.
Here are the facts you never knew about the Kentucky singer.
Biography Of Jimmy Stokley
He was born James Carr Stokley on 18 October 1943 in Kentucky. Jimmy’s parents were Elmer Stokley and Marike Stokley. He died a few months before his 42nd birthday.
Jimmy started and completed his education at Madison Central High school in Kentucky. While at school, Jimmy was always attracted to bands and their performances. It was not odd to always find him playing the drums for bands as well as doing solo performances.
This interest became the beginning of his lifelong career as a musician and lead singer of one 70s great band.
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Jimmy Stokley Life And Death
Jimmy dedicated his life to a passion he had since childhood. He just wanted to make music. As the frontman of the Exile band, known facts about him are linked to his time with the band.
Having sung for many decades, he suffered complicated health due to hepatitis. His life was cut short when he died in August 1985.
Before his death, benefits were set up to raise money for his medical treatment by television and radio stations in Lexington.
He was residing in Richmond, Madison county at the time of his death.
10 Interesting Facts About Jimmy Stokley
1. From Fascination Band
The first band Jimmy formed alongside his friends was called Fascination in 1962. Alongside his six friends, they made up the original lineup of the band. They are;
Billy Luxon
Paul Smith Jr.
Mack Davenport
Doug Jones
Ernie Rhodus
Ronnie Hall
2. Fascination To Exile
They put so much effort into making the band work to the extent that they had to move to Kentucky after High School.
The band’s name was changed to Jimmy Stokley and the Exile in 1963. The changes also affected the lineup of the band members. While some left, others joined.
Four of the Fascination members were part of the new band while Mike Howard, Buzz Cornelson, and JP Pennington joined.
3. Exile 1978 Hit Song, Kiss You All Over Again
In 1978, a new song, Kiss You All Over Again became the hottest item that people were listening to. Importantly, it showcased the talent of the Exile band as the new voices and sound to be heard.
Adding to the uniqueness was the energy of the band’s lead singer, Jimmy Stokley.
The song was an instant Hit in over 60 countries. It reached the top 5 positions on the Billboard hot 100 singles of 1978. The song was really a hit as it reached the top 5 of Billboard’s 50 Sexiest Songs of All Time.
4. What Happened To Members That Didn’t Join The New Band
While Pennington replaced Paul Smith, many people still thought Smith was part of the band. It is a fact that Smith never joined the band because he was called into the army.
Not much is known about Doug Jones and Ernie Rhodus’s reasons for not joining the band’s new lineup. Ronnie Hall did not join because he joined the National Gaurd.
5. Change Of Style And Release Of Other Songs
While the group gained fame and popularity, they changed their music style to deliver more songs. In the 70s, they were a rock band before they switched to Country music.
In 1983, listeners were awed with a variation from the usual style of the Exile. They released, Woke Up In Love, I Don’t Want To Be A Memory and Give Me One More Chance.
6. Jimmy Stokley Left The Band In 1980
After over a decade of singing with the band, Stokley left the band in 1980. He was replaced by Les Taylor.
Leaving in at the time he did mean that he never got to be a part of the band’s album, Don’t Leave Me This Way
7. JP Pennington Is The Member of The Original Lineup Remaining With the Exiles
The current lineup of the band is made up of new members. JP Pennington is the only member of the original lineup still singing with the band. He had left the band in 1990 but later along with Tres Taylor decided to restore the band.
Under his leadership, the band sings with a bit of Southern Rock flavor.
8. The Exile Albums And Popular Songs
Between the time the started out and now, the band has over 12 albums to its name;
Exile
stage Pass
Mixed Emotions
All There Is
Don’t Leave Me This Way
Heart and Soul
Exile(1983)
Kentucky Hearts
Hang On to Your Heart
Shelter From the Night
Still Standing
Justice
Wrapped Up In Your Arms for Christmas
9. Jimmy Stokley Induction Into The Hall of Fame
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. His dear friend and cousin, Kim Owen accepted the award on his behalf. JP Pennington remembered how the Exiles rode Stokley’s coattails during their early days during the award.
