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)
Hot Rod
Black Oak Arkansas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
WON’T YOU WATCH ME WHEELIN’ AROUND
SEEMS A HUNDRED MILES AN HOUR BABY THAT’S TOO FAST
BETTER HANG ON TIGHT LIKE YOU WANT TO LAST
HOT-TIE HOTTIE HOT HOT HOT ROD
IF YOU SEE ME HANGIN’ AROUND
AND YOU GOT NOTHIN’ BETER TO DO
A DEEP HOT ROD DANCE ALL OVER YOU
HOT-TIE HOTTIE HOT HOT HOT ROD
IF YOU WANT TO, IF YOU WILL
JUMP MY ROD, IT’LL GIVE YOU A THRILL
COME ON MAMA I’M ASKIN’ YOU PLEASE
SUCH A HOT ROD WOMAN, YOU PUT ME AT EASE
HOT-TIE HOTTIE HOT HOT HOT ROD
YEAH, IF YOU WANT TO STAY THE NIGHT
CAN ALWAYS TAKE IT FROM THE TOP
SOME MAN SAID IT’S A SIN
WON’T YOU LET THIS HOT ROD IN
HOT-TIE HOTTIE HOT HOT HOT ROD
"Hot Rod" by Black Oak Arkansas is a classic rock song that revolves around the singer driving his hot rod at a breakneck speed of 100 miles per hour. The song opens with the singer proudly boasting about his driving skills and how fast he drives his hot rod. He then invites a woman to get into his car while he drives around recklessly, promising her a thrilling ride. The song further emphasizes the man's attraction to the woman and how he longs to spend the night with her.
The lyrics of "Hot Rod" can be interpreted as an ode to hot rods, cars with powerful engines and customized designs, that were immensely popular during the 1950s and 1960s in America. The song portrays the popular subculture of hot rod enthusiasts who assembled their vehicles with high-performance engines, custom parts, and eye-catching designs. The song was a hit when it was released and became one of Black Oak Arkansas' most famous tracks. The tune's catchy lyrics and upbeat rhythm make it a perfect driving song that captures the spirit of hot rods.
Line by Line Meaning
I DRIVE SO HARD, I DRIVE SO FAR
I'm a very skilled and daring driver, pushing my car to its limit and beyond.
WON’T YOU WATCH ME WHEELIN’ AROUND
I want you to see and appreciate my impressive driving skills.
SEEMS A HUNDRED MILES AN HOUR BABY THAT’S TOO FAST
I'm going so fast that it feels like I'm going a hundred miles per hour, but maybe that's too much for you?
BETTER HANG ON TIGHT LIKE YOU WANT TO LAST
You better hold on tight to me and to life itself, because we're in for a wild ride.
HOT-TIE HOTTIE HOT HOT HOT ROD
I'm so proud of my cool car that I named it and want everyone to know its name. It's a hot rod, and it's hot.
IF YOU SEE ME HANGIN’ AROUND
If you see me loitering somewhere...
AND YOU GOT NOTHIN’ BETTER TO DO
...and if you're bored with nothing to do...
COME ON DOWN ON ME WE’LL SEE
...come hang out with me and let's see what happens.
A DEEP HOT ROD DANCE ALL OVER YOU
We might end up doing some sort of provocative dance to the hot rod music, while the car itself might do some impressive moves.
IF YOU WANT TO, IF YOU WILL
If you're interested and willing...
JUMP MY ROD, IT’LL GIVE YOU A THRILL
...you can come for a ride in my hot rod and experience something thrilling.
COME ON MAMA I’M ASKIN’ YOU PLEASE
Hey, woman, I'm begging you to come with me and enjoy the ride.
SUCH A HOT ROD WOMAN, YOU PUT ME AT EASE
You're such a hot and confident woman that you make me feel calm and comfortable even in this wild situation.
YEAH, IF YOU WANT TO STAY THE NIGHT
If you're interested in spending the night with me...
CAN ALWAYS TAKE IT FROM THE TOP
...we can always start again from the beginning, of course meaning taking the car for another spin.
SOME MAN SAID IT’S A SIN
Some people might view our behavior as sinful or inappropriate.
WON’T YOU LET THIS HOT ROD IN
But I still hope that you'll let me and my hot rod into your life, even if it might be a bit rebellious or crazy.
Contributed by Adalyn S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Robert Drury
Raunch n Roll Live has been my all-time favorite album for all these years so hearing the studio version of these four songs for the first time was a real treat for me. Especially since the studio/live versions are note for note. Best rhythm section in rock, and vocals, guitars are perfect. An art form all its own. Thanks, guys!
david defusco
My first concert was in 1972 black sabbath backed up by these guys.awesome night.
Southern Trucker
Black Oak Arkansas needs to be played more.
Roger Welyki
I saw them on the midnight special and was amazed at the energy they had
David Lee Newman
My 1st concert was in 72 at Keil auditorium in St Louis, my 8th grade year. The lineup was - Lynyrd Skynyrd - Framptons Camel - and headlining was B.O.A. . I became a drummer after that.
J Rob Dickson
My first concert,1976, opening of Village Creek State Park in Arkansas- my dad was a state employee,I was 8- my mom kept trying to herd me back to the playground, I kept trying to watch the band-
Joshua Long
in my 20's and stuck in the 70's. it's so nice to hear songs like this in a time like this. call me old fashioned, but if it isn't broke don't fix it. especially rock n roll.
Garrett Summerlin
Being 22 it’s hard to find buddies that rock this stuff
Luis Romero
Rock on 🎸🎼🎶
H.G Pink
My kitty Eric is named after the guy on True Blood but when I came into his life he became "HOT ROD" after this song and yes, I sing the chorus to him. And his mother cat was named "Sookie" from the same show. Even funnier to me than that is his owner and my girl is named "Angel"🤣