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)
Dancing In The Streets
Black Oak Arkansas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Callin' out around the world
Are you ready for a brand new beat ?
Summer's here and the time is right
For dancin' in the streets
They're dancin' in Chicago
Down in New Orleans
All we need is music, sweet music
There'll be music everywhere
There'll be swingin', swayin' and records playin'
And dancin' in the streets.
Oh, it doesn't matter what you wear
Just as long as you are there
So come on, every guy, grab a girl
Everywhere around the world
There'll be dancin', they're dancin' in the street.
This is an invitation across the nation
A chance for the folks to meet
There'll be laughin' and singin' and music swingin'
And dancin' in the streets.
Philadelphia, P.A. (Philadelphia, P.A.)
Baltimore and DC now (Baltimore and DC now)
Yeah don't forget the Motor City (can't forget the Motor City).
All we need is music, sweet music
There'll be music everywhere
There'll be swingin', swayin' and records playin'
And dancin' in the street, yeah.
Oh, it doesn't matter what you wear
Just as long as you are there
So come on, every guy, grasp a girl
Everywhere around the world
There'll be dancin', they're dancin' in the streets.
Philadelphia, P.A. (Philadelphia, P.A.)
Baltimore and DC now (Baltimore and DC now)
Yeah don't forget that Motor City (can't forget the Motor City)
All the way down in L.A. California
Not to mention Halifax Nova Scotia
..............
Manchester
Alexandria, Virginia, Virginia ...
The song "Dancing In The Streets" by Black Oak Arkansas is a cover of the original Motown hit by Martha and the Vandellas. The lyrics describe people all around the world preparing to dance to a "brand new beat" and enjoy the summer with "swingin', swayin' and records playin'" everywhere. The song invites people from across the nation to come together and have fun, no matter what they wear. The song mentions various cities, including Chicago, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, DC, Detroit, L.A. California, Halifax Nova Scotia, Manchester, and Alexandria, Virginia.
The song intends to inspire people to come together and celebrate life through dance, music and fun. The lyrics are simple yet effective, as they encourage listeners to forget their worries and join in the excitement. The song's upbeat tempo and catchy tune make it a popular choice for parties, concerts and events. The song has become an anthem for the civil rights movement, as it inspired people to unite against social inequalities and injustices.
Line by Line Meaning
Callin' out around the world
Let's spread the word globally
Are you ready for a brand new beat ?
Are you excited for some new music?
Summer's here and the time is right
It's summertime and it's the perfect moment to dance
For dancin' in the streets
Let's have a group dance session outside
They're dancin' in Chicago
People in Chicago are dancing
Down in New Orleans
People in New Orleans are also dancing
Up in New York City.
People in New York City are up too
All we need is music, sweet music
Good music is all that matters
There'll be music everywhere
Music will be present everywhere
There'll be swingin', swayin' and records playin'
People will be dancing and records will be playing music
And dancin' in the streets.
People will be dancing publicly
Oh, it doesn't matter what you wear
What you wear doesn't matter
Just as long as you are there
You just have to show up
So come on, every guy, grab a girl
Guys, bring a girl along to dance with
Everywhere around the world
This dance event is not limited by geography
There'll be dancin', they're dancin' in the street.
People will be dancing together on the street
This is an invitation across the nation
Everyone is invited to join
A chance for the folks to meet
This provides an opportunity for people to meet
There'll be laughin' and singin' and music swingin'
We'll have fun, sing and dance to the music
Philadelphia, P.A.
People in Philadelphia are dancing too
Baltimore and DC now
People in Baltimore and DC are dancing now
Yeah don't forget the Motor City
We can't forget to mention Detroit
All the way down in L.A. California
Let's also include people in Los Angeles, California
Not to mention Halifax Nova Scotia
We must include Halifax Nova Scotia in Canada
Manchester
People in Manchester are dancing too
Alexandria, Virginia, Virginia ...
People in Alexandria, Virginia are also dancing
Contributed by Bella W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.