A Classic Gets the “Exile” Edge: Kentucky Legends Breathe New Life into “Winter Wonderland”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
As the snow begins to settle and the holiday spirit takes hold, few things provide as much comfort as a familiar melody. However, when that melody is handled by Kentucky Music Hall of Fame inductees Exile, “familiar” quickly turns into “formidable.” The country-rock legends have officially released their rendition of the holiday staple “Winter Wonderland,” proving that even a 90-year-old classic can still rock if you give it the right amount of grit and harmony.
This release marks a festive milestone for a band that has spent over six decades defining the intersection of pop and country.
The Track: Tradition Meets the “Exile Way”
Originally written in 1934 by Richard B. Smith, “Winter Wonderland” has been a vehicle for everyone from big bands to pop icons. Exile’s version, however, strips away the orchestral fluff in favor of their signature country-rock energy. Produced by band members JP Pennington and Sonny LeMaire, the track was captured across two storied locations: Tower Station Studio in Lexington, KY, and The DAWg Houze in Gallatin, TN.
The result is a polished, radio-ready anthem that features:
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Signature Soulful Harmonies: The five-part blend that made them stars remains as tight as ever.
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Modern Warmth: Expert mixing by Paul Scholten at County Q in Nashville ensures the track feels contemporary while honoring its nostalgic roots.
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The “Exile Way”: As the band puts it, “A classic can rock if you give it a chance!” This version swaps the polite sleigh bells of the past for driving percussion and soulful electric guitar licks.
The Artists: Sixty Years of Staying Power
Exile is a rare breed in the music industry—a band that has successfully conquered two different genres while keeping its original lineup intact. Formed in 1963 in Richmond, Kentucky, the group has navigated a 60-year career that would be the envy of any musician:
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Pop Dominance: Their 1978 smash “Kiss You All Over” spent four weeks at #1 on the Billboard Pop chart and remains a cultural touchstone (featured in films like Happy Gilmore).
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Country Royalty: Transitioning to country in the 80s, they racked up ten No. 1 singles, including “Woke Up In Love” and “Give Me One More Chance.”
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Songwriting Giants: Beyond their own hits, they’ve penned chart-toppers for the likes of Alabama, Diamond Rio, and Restless Heart.
The current lineup—JP Pennington, Les Taylor, Sonny LeMaire, Marlon Hargis, and Steve Goetzman—re-formed in 2008 and has been touring relentlessly ever since, celebrating their 60th anniversary in 2023 with the release of A Million Miles Later.
The Verdict: A Soundtrack for Every Snowflake
“Winter Wonderland” is a testament to Exile’s ability to connect generations. It’s a track that feels equally at home on a high-energy holiday playlist as it does during a quiet, cozy night by the fire. As StarVista President Mike Jason noted, the band continues to capture a “timeless spirit” that remains vital in 2025.
By infusing a century-old lyric with their trademark Kentucky soul, Exile has gifted fans a holiday recording that isn’t just a cover—it’s a celebration of a life lived in music.
“Recording it the Exile way was a fun experience… Hope everyone enjoys our version as much as we did recording it.” — Exile