James Preston Pennington (born January 22, 1949) is an American musician, known primarily as the guitarist and co-lead vocalist of the country pop band Exile. Pennington was one of the early members and one of the lead singers of the group until departing in 1989, though he would later reform the band in 1995, before reuniting the mid-80's country lineup in 2008.[2] After leaving Exile, he signed to MCA Records as a solo artist. There, he released three singles and one album, Whatever It Takes, in 1991.[1] Pennington re-established the band in 1995, together with guitarist Les Taylor.[2]