My good friend and client Sonny LeMaire, lead member of the late seventies-sensation band, EXILE, will be featured on a new on Great American Country called Hit Exchange. 

The pilot episode features Trace Adkins discussing his fondness of the song “Kiss You All Over,” which climbed all the way to #1 on the charts in 1978, the year I graduated!  The original version featured the late Jimmy Stokley on lead vocals.   In his book, A Personal Stand, Trace Adkins commented on the song:

In the late 1970’s, a few pop and rock bands went country – like Exile, that band from Kentucky.  I like them a lot.  I remember when “Kiss You All Over” went to number one in 1978.  They sang in gospel harmonies and eventually drifted over to country.

In the first episode of Hit Exchange, which will premiere on GAC on December 15th at 8 p.m., Adkins will further discuss how the song influenced him, and expand on his respect for Exile.  Trace and Exile recently went back into the studio to re-record the famous hit together.  The show will feature footage of the recording session, together with individual interviews with the members of their band and their support team (I think my invitation go lost in the mail!).  Finally, the show will feature a live performance of “Kiss You All Over” shot in Las Vegas with Trace joining Exile onstage! 

Earlier this year, Exile was also feature on the Opry at the Ryman with Trace Adkins.  Glad to see the band getting some well-deserved respect!