James Preston "J.P." Pennington (born January 22, 1949) is an American musician, known primarily as a founding member of the country pop band Exile. Pennington was the founding member and lead singer of the group until departing in 1990. After his leaving Exile, he signed to MCA Records as a solo artist. There, he released two singles and one album, Whatever It Takes, in 1991. Pennington re-established the band along with guitarist Les Taylor.