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)
Dixie
Black Oak Arkansas Lyrics
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Miscellaneous
Revolutionary All American Boys
We're just what you need
good solid wood.
You'd a done it for us
if you only could.
We're your power to make evil curl,
We're God's children
so don't forget.
Paradise is just around the corner
and we'll get there yet.
Then we'll give ya all our love;
we'll try our best.
For after all,
our love is what we want to give.
We're your crowd pleasers,
we're your body heaters,
we're your human crutch.
Oh we like you very much,
But we're just to look at
not to touch.
You know there always has to be
someone in this world like we,
sayin the needs that to be said;
someone to wish for in your lonely bed.
We're your freedom, we're your son.
We shine a light for everyone.
We're your happiness, we're your joy.
Your Revolutionary All American Boys!
The lyrics of Black Oak Arkansas's song Dixie seems to embody the band's confidence and conviction in themselves and their music as a means to effect change, revolution, and progress in society. The opening lines suggest that the band knows exactly what their audience needs and that they are the ones to provide it - solid, reliable, and potent music that has the power to repel evil and shape a better world. The next lines speak of their deep-seated faith and belief in a utopian future, a paradise that is just around the corner.
The chorus, "We're your crowd pleasers, we're your body heaters, we're your human crutch, Oh we like you very much, But we're just to look at not to touch," reinforces the band's self-assuredness while also touching on the idea that they are objects of desire for their fans, but they cannot be owned or controlled. The following lines emphasize the band's essential role in initiating change, being the voice of the unheard and providing comfort and hope to the lonely.
The final lines, "We're your freedom, we're your son. We shine a light for everyone. We're your happiness, we're your joy. Your Revolutionary All American Boys!" come across as assertive, highly patriotic, and revolutionary in nature. The band positions themselves as a beacon of light and hope that shines through all obstacles, spreading happiness and joy to all who hear them. This verse encapsulates the band's belief in their own ability to start a social movement, to shape the culture, and to influence society.
Line by Line Meaning
We're just what you need
good solid wood.
We are the perfect solution for you, strong, and unchanging.
You'd a done it for us
if you only could.
If only you could be like us, you would.
We're your power to make evil curl,
together we'll make and shape our new world.
We possess the strength to vanquish evil, and together, we will build a new and better world.
We're God's children
so don't forget.
We are children of God, do not overlook this fact.
Paradise is just around the corner
and we'll get there yet.
We are on the path to paradise, and we will reach it.
Then we'll give ya all our love;
we'll try our best.
Our love is limitless, and we will do everything possible to share it with you.
For after all,
our love is what we want to give.
Our greatest desire is to give you our love.
We're your crowd pleasers,
we're your body heaters,
we're your human crutch.
We entertain and amaze you, we keep you warm, and we support you when you need us.
Oh we like you very much,
But we're just to look at
not to touch.
We admire you, but we are only meant to be observed and not touched.
You know there always has to be
someone in this world like we,
sayin the needs that to be said;
someone to wish for in your lonely bed.
In this world, there must always be people like us, who say what needs to be said, and whom you can wish for and long for when loneliness strikes.
We're your freedom, we're your son.
We shine a light for everyone.
We're your happiness, we're your joy.
Your Revolutionary All American Boys!
We are your embodiment of freedom. We inspire everyone, bring happiness and joy to every situation. We're your Revolutionary All American Boys!
Writer(s): Black Oak Arkansas, Butch Stone **Terminated* Copyright: 24/7 NEWMUSIC.COM *terminated, Terry Toenges Dba Far Fetched Music, Far Fetched Music **terminated*
Contributed by Evelyn T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.