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)
Fever In My Mind
Black Oak Arkansas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Money in my pocket, just a little bit.
Gave the doctor what I had,
Money only makes me sad.
I still got the fever in my mind.
Doctor told me that I had
A little bit of fever in my head.
When he said it'd go away.
I listened to him but I knew
That it would stay because
The fever that I had was in
My mind in my mind.
Doctor told me that I had a little bit
Of fever in my head just a little bit.
But I knew what he would say
He would try to make me stay,
If I had a fever in my mind.
Oh no oh no oh no
Oh no in my mind.
The lyrics to Black Oak Arkansas's song "Fever In My Mind" suggest a certain level of frustration and helplessness. The singer describes having a fever in his mind, a sickness that he cannot seem to shake off. He also talks about having just a little bit of money in his pocket and giving it to a doctor, who could not cure him of his ailment. The suggestion is that the singer's mind is consumed by worries, anxieties, and fears, and that this is affecting his overall well-being.
The repetition of the phrase "fever in my mind" emphasizes the singer's words and ensures that the listener understands the severity of the situation. Additionally, the mention of "just a little bit" of money suggests that the singer feels trapped and unable to finance a real solution to his problems. The song's structure suggests that the singer is self-aware enough to realize that the fever is not physical but confined to his mental state. The final refrain of "oh no in my mind" is a fitting end to the song, conveying the pain of living with inner turmoil.
Line by Line Meaning
Fever in my mind, I had a little bit.
I am experiencing a strong yearning or desire, to which I've succumbed to a small extent.
Money in my pocket, just a little bit.
I possess a small amount of currency available for use.
Gave the doctor what I had,
I presented the medical professional with the value or quantity that I previously stated.
Money only makes me sad.
The potential of currency bringing me joy is far from my reality.
I still got the fever in my mind.
My previous statement about my desire remains true, as it still persists in my thoughts.
Doctor told me that I had A little bit of fever in my head.
The medical professional advised me that I am experiencing a slight elevation in my body temperature.
And he said it'd go away When he said it'd go away.
The doctor informed me of the fever's temporary nature and the timeline for it to reside.
I listened to him but I knew That it would stay because The fever that I had was in My mind in my mind.
I pretended to hear him, yet I knew it would remain as the fever is a mental one and not physical.
Doctor told me that I had a little bit Of fever in my head just a little bit.
The medical professional reminded me of my earlier diagnosis, reiterating its insignificance.
But I knew what he would say He would try to make me stay, If I had a fever in my mind.
Predicting the course of the conversation, I inferred that he would attempt to keep me at the hospital if he knew of my psychological struggle.
Oh no oh no oh no Oh no in my mind.
Exclaiming my discontent, my dissatisfaction or concern exists solely within my thoughts.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: HARVEY JETT, JIM "DANDY" MANGRUM, PAT DAUGHERTY, RICK REYNOLDS, STANLEY KNIGHT, TOMMY ALDRIDGE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
queballed
Stanly Goober Knight was one of the most underrated lead guitarists of all time. Saw BOA 3 times right here in Indianapolis IN. Geezus those guys rocked the friggin house. Damn how I miss growing up in the late 60's early 70's. Young people today have NO idea what real R&R is really about unless you heard the early rock bands of that period.
Ric Levine
I got to see them open up for Humble Pie (w/Peter Frampton) in Feb '72 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and they were GREAT!!!
A whole lot better than the blind date I was on, too.
Paul Carver
This song is an absolute blast of slow-burning rock and roll energy. It was 1972 and all music was good that year! Count me as a new fan since I found them in the LP bins. Keep the faith in this awesome band, all.
James Brown
This is a great song. The twangy guitars on this is pure Southern Rock. Jim Dandy has always been one of my favorite singers and frontman. To bad this band faded away in the late 70s.
old56timer
One of the pioneers of southern rock. A great band!!!
caddyjoint96
This is 'free your soul' kick ass, totally un-reserved rock music. It's also one of my favorite BOA tunes.
caddyjoint96
@C. Buck Hyres I'd say you described it quite well. I've played some BOA for a few people over the years but most don't get it. The raspy voice of Jim Dandy seems to displease them most but I find it to be delicious. I come back to BOA on a regular basis when I feel for some uninhibited raunch -- Rock that's gone hog wild in the mountains somewhere where it's all OK because nobody's judging.
wishn4tx
I went to 4 BOA concerts in the 70s. Jim Dandy had so much energy. One of my favorite groups. Now they probably wouldn’t be politically correct. Those were the days.
Tiago França
This band was the real deal in the 70s. My favorite till today. Thanks BOA.
HinjuRock
First time that I've ever really listened to BOA - great stuff!