Exiled The Climax and Surrender of Jimmy Stokley

by Bill Luxon

By 1968, The Exiles had become a fixture on Dick Clark’s Caravan of Stars and a favorite touring band in nightclubs ranging from their native Richmond, Ky, to New York City, plus hundreds of other venues across the country. Center stage was Jimmy Stokley, whose magnetic personality and wild, charismatic stage persona fueled not only the music, but also the libidos of girls in attendance. Exiled―the climax and surrender of Jimmy Stokley describes the group’s climb from local garage band, to professional musicians grinding out mostly one-nighters for over a decade, and finally to success and gold records at the top of Billboard’s Hot 100 charts. The book also details the pitfalls of life on the road, where sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll wasn’t just a catchphrase―it was a lifestyle. Written by founding member Bill Luxon, Exiled details the cast of characters in the band’s rise up the charts, plus Stokley’s heart-wrenching fall from the fame he desperately desired and so richly deserved. “As Bill Luxon details in his fascinating book, Exiled―The Climax and Surrender of Jimmy Stokley, Jimmy and I spoke every week when ‘Kiss You All Over’ was released in 1978 as he was anxious to see what Kal Rudman, the music industry’s tracking prognosticator for radio station play, posted about Exile and their new release in his weekly revered newsletter. Over the years, I saw the group many times including their performances at L’Enfant Plaza in Washington, DC and on the Dick Clark Caravan of Stars tour. I have stayed in touch with these fellows throughout and certainly miss the friendship with my good friend, Jimmy Stokley.” ―Jim Jordan, Program Director WVLK Radio, Lexington, KY (retired)

256 pages, Hardcover

Published April 15, 2023

About the author

Bill Luxon’s affection for music began early when he left the junior varsity football team, joined the high school band, and was chosen to be the drum major for the marching band. After one year, he was awarded the coveted first-chair trumpet position and held that honor through the next three years of high school. During his junior year, he joined a local start-up rock and pop band―later known as Exile―with whom he spent the next twelve unforgettable years. In those twelve years, Billy traveled hundreds of thousands of miles from coast to coast and border to border as he as his band mates struggled to reach to top levels of success in the music business. Billy is semi-retired after a long career in foodservice, both as an independent owner/operator and as a corporate food service marketing director and trainer. He now lives where it all began―in Richmond, Kentucky―with his wife, Jo, and is the very proud father of three children.

Reviews

[Landry Luxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read. This is a great book for anyone who appreciates the 60s/70s and the music scene at that time.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and well-written account of the rise of the band, Exile, for a twelve-year member of the group.