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)
Fertile Woman
Black Oak Arkansas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I need to feel a fertile woman
There are many kinds of love
That make their homes on this earth
But we're gonna take a look at the love
Havin untold of worth - untold of worth
Not the kind with dyin vows, or even the
But the kind made by two animals
Just to look up and watch it fly
I want, I need
I need to feel a fertile woman
Do you like to be excited
Oh I like to be excited too
So come on we'll raise some excitement
Oh yea that's what we'll do
Gonna raise some excitement with you
Tell me fertil woman
Do I come on too strong
For us to come together
And to sing out life's song
Just to sing out life's song
I want, I need
I need to feel a fertile woman
The lyrics to Black Oak Arkansas's "Fertile Woman" can be interpreted in a few different ways. At the surface level, the song seems to be about a man who is seeking out a woman who is physically able to have children. He says "I want, I need, I need to feel a fertile woman," which seems to suggest that he is looking for more than just a romantic partner - he wants someone who can help him procreate. However, the lyrics also have a bit of a wild, animalistic quality to them. The singer talks about "love made by two animals" and wanting to "raise some excitement," which could suggest that he is looking for a more primal, passionate connection.
The line "not the kind with dyin vows" could be interpreted as a rejection of traditional marriage, or even monogamy. The singer seems to be looking for a more physical connection rather than an emotional one. However, there is still a sense of tenderness in the song - the singer asks if he is coming on too strong, and says that he wants to "sing out life's song" with this woman. Overall, "Fertile Woman" seems to be a song about primal desire and the search for a physical connection, but it's not entirely clear whether the singer is looking for a romantic relationship or just a one-night stand.
Line by Line Meaning
I want, I need
The singer desires something strongly
I need to feel a fertile woman
The singer specifically desires the sexual experience of a fertile woman
There are many kinds of love
Love takes many different forms
That make their homes on this earth
Love exists universally among humanity
But we're gonna take a look at the love
The artist is narrowing the scope to focus on one specific kind of love
Havin untold of worth - untold of worth
This love is of great importance and value
Not the kind with dyin vows, or even the
This love does not involve traditional commitments or obligations
Question why
There is no need to question or analyze this love
But the kind made by two animals
This love is instinctual and raw
Just to look up and watch it fly
The act of lovemaking is thrilling and euphoric
Do you like to be excited
The singer is seeking confirmation of their partner's desire for excitement
Oh I like to be excited too
The artist also enjoys excitement
So come on we'll raise some excitement
The singer is inviting their partner to share in this excitement
Oh yea that's what we'll do
The outcome of their excitement is already certain
Gonna raise some excitement with you
The singer is emphasizing the collaborative nature of their sexual encounter
Tell me fertil woman
The artist is addressing their partner, specifically referencing her fertility
Do I come on too strong
The artist is asking if their intensity is off-putting or uncomfortable for their partner
For us to come together
The singer wants to unite with their partner sexually
And to sing out life's song
This sexual encounter will be a celebration of life and vitality
Just to sing out life's song
The repetition emphasizes the importance of this celebration
I want, I need
The artist repeats their desire for emphasis
I need to feel a fertile woman
The song concludes with the artist's desire for a sexual encounter with a fertile woman
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BUTCH STONE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
synth0vampire vespers
definitely the height
of backwood rock &
apart from a few we
heard in choice sets,
"If An Angel Came To
See You Would You
Make Her Feel
At Home.?"
is a complete stage
with entirely unique &
rich compositions..
presenting such heart
as rendered, even still.
after all these decades
géza rádai
One of the greatest pop songs ever. I was about 16 years old, living in Hungary. When i visited Poland, l purchased this LP in Krakow on the black market, simply because of the look of it. Back home again l was awarded for my curiosity with great music. There was nothing like that, that time behind the iron curtain. l immediately felt a sense of freedom, l never experienced before in my life. 40 years later, now l fell the same. Thank you BOA!! Thank you Southern Rebel! Thank you Lord!
Invader civic
I'm 18 and just starting learning the guitar. So my grandpa started telling me stories of how he used to know Harvey Jett and a couple others. So now I'm going through their stuff. It's pretty great! I love the look of it too. I really care about the aesthetic!
Claudes Claws
I loved this album in the 70"s. This was my favorite track.
I still like this and saw BOA in concert as warm up for Montrose and Foghat.
I now look back, wondering what my mom must have thought about my playing this album over and over...
M. Maldonado
One of my all time favorite bands. Saw them many many times between 1971-1976. The first time opening for Humble Pie. They toured a lot with Black Sabbath, usually surpassing the headline band, whoever it was. Jim Dandy was such a showman! God, I miss seeing them live. As good as their albums were, they were at their best on stage!
Frankie Winn
They were just plan exciting, entertaining and full of talent!!! Saw them many times back in the early 70’s, they always stole the show! Jim Dandy was THE BEST FRONT MAN, period. Great times I will always cherish those memories of their concerts, and new LPs coming out!!!!!
kymoonrunner71
This is one of my favorite bands got out of school when they was at their height.Thanks for the memories
Brian Romsdal
the break at 4:54 is so brilliant
Jarrell Byerly
yes
synth0vampire vespers
definitely the height
of backwood rock &
apart from a few we
heard in choice sets,
"If An Angel Came To
See You Would You
Make Her Feel
At Home.?"
is a complete stage
with entirely unique &
rich compositions..
presenting such heart
as rendered, even still.
after all these decades
sherry moon
I love this band- they are helping me thru my depression right now- god when can I see them live again?? the last time I saw themwas at a biker rally in newton iowa and there were some hellacious winds and said to my friend "l don't know if we can make it out of here and she said [well at least we had a good time!!