Black Oak Arkansas is an American Southern rock band named after the band's… Read Full Bio ↴Black Oak Arkansas is an American Southern rock band named after the band's hometown of Black Oak, Arkansas, USA. The band reached the height of its fame in the 1970s with ten charting albums released in that decade. Their style is punctuated by multiple guitar players and the raspy voice and on-stage antics of vocalist Jim "Dandy" Mangrum.
The group, originally called "The Knowbody Else", was formed in 1965 in Black Oak, Arkansas, by Jim "Dandy" Mangrum (vocals), Rickie Reynolds (guitar), Stanley Knight (guitar), Harvey Jett (guitar), Pat Daugherty (bass), and Wayne Evans (drums). Their first PA system was stolen from a local high school. Members of the group were subsequently charged in absentia with grand larceny and sentenced to 26 years at the Tucker Prison Farm (this sentence was later suspended). This led to their retreat to the hills of rural northeast Arkansas where they lived off the land and refined their musical style. Some of their influences during this time were The Beatles and The Byrds.
The Knowbody Else moved to Memphis, Tennessee, in 1969 and signed a record deal with Stax Records. Their debut album (and only album with Stax), The Knowbody Else, was largely ignored by the populace. During this time the band became interested in psychedelia and Eastern spiritualism which, combined with their Southern Baptist upbringing, contributed to their sound.
After several trips to Los Angeles, California, in 1970, the band was signed by Atco Records and rechristened "Black Oak Arkansas". Their new debut album, Black Oak Arkansas, was released in 1971 while the band toured extensively, gaining a reputation as a live act. The twin album releases that followed in 1972, Keep The Faith and If An Angel Came To See You, Would You Make Her Feel At Home, expanded on the group’s eclectic musical style.
In 1973, Black Oak Arkansas released their fourth album, Raunch 'N' Roll Live and introduced a new drummer, Tommy Aldridge. It was their fifth album, High on the Hog, released later that year, that established solid commercial success by peaking at number 52 on the Billboard charts. Vocalist Ruby Starr also toured with the band during this period. Her raspy voice can be heard on the group's remake of LaVern Baker's 1957 hit "Jim Dandy," which reached number 25 on Billboard's Hot 100.
The 1974 release of Street Party may have failed to maintain the momentum. However, another 1974 release, entitled Early Times, an overlooked Stax recording, made up for lost time. In 1975, the original lineup of Black Oak Arkansas (minus Harvey Jett, who was replaced by Jimmy Henderson) released their last album, Ain't Life Grand. A new version of the band, called Black Oak, was formed in 1977 around Jim "Dandy" Mangrum and Jimmy Henderson. Greg Reding (guitar and keyboards), Jack Holder (guitar), Andy Tanas (bass), and Joel Williams (drums) participated on the two Capricorn albums which were recorded in 1977 (Race with the Devil) and 1978 (I'd Rather Be Sailing). In 1978, guitarist Shawn Lane joined the band at age 14 and toured with the band for four years.
Released in 1984, Ready as Hell debuted a heavier sound with pinch harmonics and keyboards featured throughout. The album also marked the return of Rickie Lee Reynolds on rhythm guitar. In 1986, The Black Attack Is Back continued the heavy style of the previous album and featured the particularly adventurous track "I Want A Woman With Big Titties". Despite that lack of subtlety, the album is widely regarded as the finest of the band's long career, with the greatest lineup to date. Still, it made no commercial headway.
James Mangrum has continued recording and touring with a series of different Black Oak lineups up to present day. Black Oak Arkansas currently enjoys a loyal fan following. However, the later lineups have yet to duplicate the level of album sales that the original lineup generated in the early-mid 1970s. Jim Dandy is credited with inspiring Van Halen front-man David Lee Roth's image and onstage persona as well.
In 2008, Boston newspaper 'The Phoenix' named them the All Time Best Band from Arkansas.
Band Members
* James L. "Jim Dandy" Mangrum - lead vocals, washboard (1965-present)
* Rickie Lee "Ricky" "Ricochet" Reynolds - twelve-string guitar, vocals (1965-1977, 1984-present)
* Hal McCormack - lead guitar (2003-present)
* Johnnie Bolin - drums ( -present)
* George Hughen - bass guitar ( -present)
* Stanley Knight - lead guitar, steel guitar, organ, vocals (1965-1976)
* Pat Daugherty - bass guitar, vocals (1965-1977, 2000-2002)
* Harvey Jett - lead guitar, banjo, piano, vocals (1965-1974)
* Wayne Evans - drums (1965-1973)
* Tommy Aldridge - drums (1973-1977)
* Paul Simmons - drums (1985-1986)
* James Henderson - guitar (1975-1979)
* Jack Holder - guitar (1977-1979)
* Greg Reding - guitar, keyboards (1977-1979)
* Andy Tanas - bass (1977-1980)
* Joel Williams - drums (1977-1978)
* Marius Penczner - keyboards (1975-1977)
* Shawn Lane - guitar (1977-1981)
* Chris Craig - drums (late 70's - early 80's)
* Jon "Thunder Paws" Wells - drums (Ready As Hell)
* Dave Wilson - Bass Guitar (1979-1981)
* William Lemuel - bass guitar (Ready As Hell)
* Steve "The Axe" Nuenmacher - lead guitar, rhythm guitar (Ready As Hell)
* Billy Batte - keyboards, violin (Ready As Hell)
* Michael "Narley Dude" Martin (R.I.P.) - Lead Guitar (The Black Attack Is Back)
* "Big" Mike Fowler - bass guitar (The Black Attack Is Back)
* Biff Bingham - 2nd lead guitarist (Ready as Hell, The Black Attack is Back)
* Jerry A. Williams - drums (Ready as Hell, The Black Attack is Back) (1985-1986)
* Darrell Miller - drums (1970's)
* Les John - drums (1979-1980)
* Cozy Johnson - drums (early 80's)
* James "Little Jim" Mangrum Jr. - drum technician
* Danny Leath - lead guitar
* Rocky Athas - lead guitar (1996-2001)
* John Roth - guitar (mid 80's)
The group, originally called "The Knowbody Else", was formed in 1965 in Black Oak, Arkansas, by Jim "Dandy" Mangrum (vocals), Rickie Reynolds (guitar), Stanley Knight (guitar), Harvey Jett (guitar), Pat Daugherty (bass), and Wayne Evans (drums). Their first PA system was stolen from a local high school. Members of the group were subsequently charged in absentia with grand larceny and sentenced to 26 years at the Tucker Prison Farm (this sentence was later suspended). This led to their retreat to the hills of rural northeast Arkansas where they lived off the land and refined their musical style. Some of their influences during this time were The Beatles and The Byrds.
The Knowbody Else moved to Memphis, Tennessee, in 1969 and signed a record deal with Stax Records. Their debut album (and only album with Stax), The Knowbody Else, was largely ignored by the populace. During this time the band became interested in psychedelia and Eastern spiritualism which, combined with their Southern Baptist upbringing, contributed to their sound.
After several trips to Los Angeles, California, in 1970, the band was signed by Atco Records and rechristened "Black Oak Arkansas". Their new debut album, Black Oak Arkansas, was released in 1971 while the band toured extensively, gaining a reputation as a live act. The twin album releases that followed in 1972, Keep The Faith and If An Angel Came To See You, Would You Make Her Feel At Home, expanded on the group’s eclectic musical style.
In 1973, Black Oak Arkansas released their fourth album, Raunch 'N' Roll Live and introduced a new drummer, Tommy Aldridge. It was their fifth album, High on the Hog, released later that year, that established solid commercial success by peaking at number 52 on the Billboard charts. Vocalist Ruby Starr also toured with the band during this period. Her raspy voice can be heard on the group's remake of LaVern Baker's 1957 hit "Jim Dandy," which reached number 25 on Billboard's Hot 100.
The 1974 release of Street Party may have failed to maintain the momentum. However, another 1974 release, entitled Early Times, an overlooked Stax recording, made up for lost time. In 1975, the original lineup of Black Oak Arkansas (minus Harvey Jett, who was replaced by Jimmy Henderson) released their last album, Ain't Life Grand. A new version of the band, called Black Oak, was formed in 1977 around Jim "Dandy" Mangrum and Jimmy Henderson. Greg Reding (guitar and keyboards), Jack Holder (guitar), Andy Tanas (bass), and Joel Williams (drums) participated on the two Capricorn albums which were recorded in 1977 (Race with the Devil) and 1978 (I'd Rather Be Sailing). In 1978, guitarist Shawn Lane joined the band at age 14 and toured with the band for four years.
Released in 1984, Ready as Hell debuted a heavier sound with pinch harmonics and keyboards featured throughout. The album also marked the return of Rickie Lee Reynolds on rhythm guitar. In 1986, The Black Attack Is Back continued the heavy style of the previous album and featured the particularly adventurous track "I Want A Woman With Big Titties". Despite that lack of subtlety, the album is widely regarded as the finest of the band's long career, with the greatest lineup to date. Still, it made no commercial headway.
James Mangrum has continued recording and touring with a series of different Black Oak lineups up to present day. Black Oak Arkansas currently enjoys a loyal fan following. However, the later lineups have yet to duplicate the level of album sales that the original lineup generated in the early-mid 1970s. Jim Dandy is credited with inspiring Van Halen front-man David Lee Roth's image and onstage persona as well.
In 2008, Boston newspaper 'The Phoenix' named them the All Time Best Band from Arkansas.
Band Members
* James L. "Jim Dandy" Mangrum - lead vocals, washboard (1965-present)
* Rickie Lee "Ricky" "Ricochet" Reynolds - twelve-string guitar, vocals (1965-1977, 1984-present)
* Hal McCormack - lead guitar (2003-present)
* Johnnie Bolin - drums ( -present)
* George Hughen - bass guitar ( -present)
* Stanley Knight - lead guitar, steel guitar, organ, vocals (1965-1976)
* Pat Daugherty - bass guitar, vocals (1965-1977, 2000-2002)
* Harvey Jett - lead guitar, banjo, piano, vocals (1965-1974)
* Wayne Evans - drums (1965-1973)
* Tommy Aldridge - drums (1973-1977)
* Paul Simmons - drums (1985-1986)
* James Henderson - guitar (1975-1979)
* Jack Holder - guitar (1977-1979)
* Greg Reding - guitar, keyboards (1977-1979)
* Andy Tanas - bass (1977-1980)
* Joel Williams - drums (1977-1978)
* Marius Penczner - keyboards (1975-1977)
* Shawn Lane - guitar (1977-1981)
* Chris Craig - drums (late 70's - early 80's)
* Jon "Thunder Paws" Wells - drums (Ready As Hell)
* Dave Wilson - Bass Guitar (1979-1981)
* William Lemuel - bass guitar (Ready As Hell)
* Steve "The Axe" Nuenmacher - lead guitar, rhythm guitar (Ready As Hell)
* Billy Batte - keyboards, violin (Ready As Hell)
* Michael "Narley Dude" Martin (R.I.P.) - Lead Guitar (The Black Attack Is Back)
* "Big" Mike Fowler - bass guitar (The Black Attack Is Back)
* Biff Bingham - 2nd lead guitarist (Ready as Hell, The Black Attack is Back)
* Jerry A. Williams - drums (Ready as Hell, The Black Attack is Back) (1985-1986)
* Darrell Miller - drums (1970's)
* Les John - drums (1979-1980)
* Cozy Johnson - drums (early 80's)
* James "Little Jim" Mangrum Jr. - drum technician
* Danny Leath - lead guitar
* Rocky Athas - lead guitar (1996-2001)
* John Roth - guitar (mid 80's)
Back to the Land
Black Oak Arkansas Lyrics
We have lyrics for 'Back to the Land' by these artists:
DJ Shub I hear them telling us these challenges Are crazy times What…
Ursa Major When I get myself together, I will come and take you,…
We have lyrics for these tracks by Black Oak Arkansas:
After I Smoke I Like to Sleep Now its time to sleep, this is my sleepin' song. I hear…
All My Troubles Got up this morning Got into my car Turned on the motor But…
Back Door Man I am, a back door man I am, a back door…
Back It Up Back it up Right up to me Why don't you try it…
Bad Boy's Back in School He ain't too stocky but he is ever so cocky, He…
Bump 'n' Grind You make me holler to my uncle and squeeze my…
Can Love is the nectar Of the sweet fruit of life I can't…
Can't Blame It on Me I need some lovin' your style is so fine I've got…
Dancing In The Streets Stevenson-Gaye Callin' out around the world Are you read…
Dixie Black Oak Arkansas Miscellaneous Revolutionary All America…
Don You're troubled in your head. Good times have come and gone.…
Fancy Nancy Fancy Nancy, you look so good Only woman that understood Fan…
Feet on Earth Oh we'll fly in on the spring breeze, Shoutin dreams from…
Fertile Woman I want, I need I need to feel a fertile woman There…
Fever In My Mind Fever in my mind, I had a little bit. Money in…
Fightin' Cock Down south there's a gamblin' sport Where they throw cock-r…
Fireball Got the world at the tip of my fingers Women in…
Fistful of Love Grab a fistful of love It can't hurt Grab a fistful of…
Flying Horse Of Louisiana Flying Horse of Louisiana, Were you ever unknown? Did your c…
Fools and Friends Hyman Naugthon sat down to write a song, with the help…
Full Moon Ride The moon was bright On this mystical night Our studs were…
Gettin' Kinda Cocky Gettin' kinda cocky I'm a filly love jockey from WAY…
Good Good Woman Luther King was a good ole boy Raised in poverty Couldn't be…
Gravel Roads Driving fast on gravel roads Shakes a new truck to pieces An…
Great Balls of Fire You shake my nerves and you rattle my brain Too much…
Happy Hooker This poor child was standin' on a corner when Up walked…
Happy Hooker '99 This poor child was standin' on a corner when Up walked…
High When the water is a risin' tell me where you…
High Flyer Here's a story 'bout a brave boy A real love pusher Any…
High n Dry When the water is a risin' tell me where you…
Highway Pirate Movin' makes me thirsty. Hungry deep down Got my heart and…
Hold Me Down I don't wanna do somethin I'll regret,so Hold me long In 10…
Hot Hot & Nasty CHORUS: Yeah they call me yeah Hot n Nasty Yeah…
Hot 'N' Nasty '99 Hot & Nasty CHORUS: Yeah they call me yeah Hot n Nasty Ye…
Hot And Nasty Hot & Nasty CHORUS: Yeah they call me yeah Hot n Nasty Yeah…
Hot Rod I DRIVE SO HARD, I DRIVE SO FAR WON’T YOU WATCH…
I We're having an earthquake We're goin insane. A California e…
I Can Feel Forever Love is the nectar Of the sweet fruit of life I can't…
I Could Love You If you're feelin' what I'm feelin' It would be alright But i…
In Your Quiet Home Never before, Have I felt pain, Not in my life, Till I came…
Jim Dandy Jim Dandy to the rescue! Jim Dandy to the rescue! Jim Dandy…
Jim Dandy To The Rescue '99 Jim Dandy to the rescue! Jim Dandy to the rescue! Jim Dand…
Just to Fall in Love Some call life a mystery Where does it come from Where does…
Keep On When troubles got you down And sorrow's all around if you th…
La Grange Tekaas man jan lan togdjvx welel lalalalalala cmon le grange…
Let Us Pray [Chorus] I was walkin' down the road a carryin' The load tha…
Lord Have Mercy I've walked through the Halls of Karma I shook hands with…
Love Comes Easy Love, I've given you everything Love, straight from my soul…
Make That Scene I've been to new york city and la too I've loved…
Mean Woman If you ever wonder how I'll be. Call on me, now. I…
Mean Woman (If You Ever Blues) If you ever wonder how I'll be. Call on me,…
Memories at the Window I went to the window To look for some memories we…
Mutants of the Monster If you believe, I mean really believe Follow me and find…
My Brothers And Me We started off in life so fancy free, we ran in…
No One and the Sun In the nighttimes, Days don't seem too long, Happiness is f…
One Life Two Live How long will it take, to find someone to make me…
Our Eyes Ere on You Now you see it now you don't Singin' straight to you…
Our Mind If you think we'll let our spirits die When our bodies…
Pretty Pretty There's fire in your touch Honey in your words You whisper…
Ramblin Yea give a listen, cause I was born lonely Down by…
Rebel I grew up poor and honest In a Southern land I didn't…
Revolutionary All American Bands We're just what you need Good solid wood. You'd a done it…
Rock Don't ya want to rock and roll? Don't ya want to…
Short LIfe Line A fine lookin woman Walked up to me yesterday. She grabbed m…
Singing The Blues I never felt more like singin' the blues 'Cause I never…
Sly Fox Old Raven had a lunch of cheese And sly fox did…
So You Want To Be A Rock So you you want to be a rock 'n' roll…
So You Want To Be A Rock 'N' Roll Star So you want to be a rock 'n' roll star Well,…
Someone Something Someone is waitin' there for me. Oh, Yeah! Someone who's bee…
Son Of A Gun Some say I’m a no account Back where I come from I…
Spring Vacation Spring days to summer days The heat wave is here Let's run…
Storm of Passion I've felt the high of experience Holdin' a woman Gettin good…
Strong Enough to Be Gentle You look at me and all you see is muscle…
Taxman Let me tell you how it will be There's one for…
Television Indecision Television telephone Tell 'em all they're not alone Teletype…
The Big One We're having an earthquake We're goin insane. A California e…
The Hills of Arkansas There's a girl that I recall In the hills of Arkansas Her…
To Make Us What We Are Work all day, party all night Tryin our best just to…
Too Hot to Stop First verse Don't tell me no When you're eyes say go I …
Uncle Elijah [Chorus] Oh Uncle Lijiah, Uncle Lijiah He's still alive Oh U…
Uncle Lijah CHORUS: Oh Uncle Lijiah, Uncle Lijiah, He's still alive. Oh,…
Uncle Lijiah [Chorus] Oh Uncle Lijiah, Uncle Lijiah He's still alive O…
Up Back it up Right up to me Why don't you try it…
Vieux Carre I'm down on Bourbon Street again, Down in that quarter of…
We Help Each Other They call us rough, gaudy and crude Ain't got no edicate,…
We Live on Day to Day Now if you ever think twice About takin our advice To live…
When I And as people stand around. watchin' me Knowin' that I…
When The Band Was Shakin All Over Well now they started skinny minny And it turned to…
White Headed Woman White-headed woman White-headed woman Ain't had a chance yet…
Wild Men From the Mountains Wild and Wooly Honest but crude Their mouths were nasty …
you can Luther King was a good ole boy Raised in poverty Couldn't be…
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Charlotte Eagle
i find this song very uplifting and it makes me feel good , god bless you BOA!!!
Talbert Wilgar
I like this one more now than I did then, what a great band
kissalivein75
I agree this is a great album.
TheKitkatgold
Whole Album is good!!
TheJetfighter666
Of all my bands, I always felt closest to these boys❤️
marapepela22
todo el album es una bestialidad!!! son unos capos!
Jonathan Shaw
what a great song, i just wish i could breath the sweat fresh air in middlewich .
Ronald Schronce
Bought High on the Hog same day it came out. Black Oak , I should say Jim Dandy has many songs that have a time transfer effect on people. "Lord Have Mercy on My Soul" is my favorite.
RockinProfessor
Another mountain song from this band of the hills; however their best songs from the classic 1st LP are 'Memories at My Window', and 'Hills of Arkansas' PEACE
TheJetfighter666
Best is relevant to the listener. Your favorite is more applicable. They have more like this on various albums. I have everything they ever put out. Do you have the last five?? The new one?? The fantastic album from 2012-/13 Back Thar on Atco? The Wild Bunch? Rebound? Every Atco? Every MCA? The Knowbody Else album? You should buy the latest album. Many, acoustic mountain type songs are waiting. How about the two metal albums??