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)
Keep The Faith
Black Oak Arkansas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And sorrow's all around
if you think your loves all been in vain
just cry to end the pain.
Please keep the faith, we need it.
You look for a way out
It looks hard I understand
Swimmin' when you can't see land.
Please keep the faith, we need it.
You need to see the country
but something holds you back.
Travel near, far, and wide.
Have no fear or nothing to hide.
Please keep the faith,we need it.
If your tired of the human race
and you can't find yourself in pace,
there's too many games goin' round
and the Man's tryin' to bring you down.
Please keep the faith, we need it.
The lyrics to Black Oak Arkansas's song "Keep The Faith" are a message of encouragement to those who are feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges. The first verse speaks to those who are experiencing sadness and feel like their love has been in vain. The message here is to allow yourself to cry if you need to, as it can help to alleviate the pain. The chorus emphasizes the importance of keeping the faith, with a plea to hold onto hope in difficult times.
The second verse speaks to those who are struggling with doubt and fear, and urges them to keep moving forward even when it feels like they are swimming in an endless sea. The third verse encourages the listener to explore the world around them, to travel without fear or holding anything back. Finally, the fourth verse speaks to those who are disillusioned with humanity and are feeling like they can't find their place in the world. Again, the message is to keep the faith - to believe in oneself even when others are trying to bring you down.
Overall, "Keep The Faith" is an uplifting and hopeful song that urges the listener to persevere in the face of adversity. It acknowledges the difficulties of life, but encourages us to hold onto hope and to keep moving forward in pursuit of our dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
When troubles got you down
When life gets tough and everything seems dark
And sorrow's all around
When there's sadness and pain all around you
if you think your loves all been in vain
If you feel like your love has been worthless or unappreciated
just cry to end the pain.
Just let it out and cry to feel better
Please keep the faith, we need it.
Don't give up hope, it's important for all of us
You look for a way out
You seek a solution or an exit
of this sea of doubt.
Of this overwhelming feeling of uncertainty
It looks hard I understand
It seems difficult and I can empathize
Swimmin' when you can't see land.
It's like swimming in the open sea without a clear destination or direction
You need to see the country
You want to explore and travel
but something holds you back.
But something is stopping you
Travel near, far, and wide.
Explore anywhere and everywhere
Have no fear or nothing to hide.
Be fearless and transparent
If your tired of the human race
If you're fed up with humanity
and you can't find yourself in pace,
And you can't find peace within yourself
there's too many games goin' round
There are too many levels of deceit and dishonesty in the world
and the Man's tryin' to bring you down.
And those in power are trying to crush your spirit
Please keep the faith, we need it.
But despite all that, don't lose hope because we all need it
Lyrics © MELENDO MUSIC
Written by: ANDREW JOHN WILLIAMS, DESMOND MORGAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
L David Cassady
Such an under rated band... these guys blazed a trail back in the day!
_ dave
L David Cassady who underrated ‘em, who, huh, who. just lemme at’em...
Tuzotonic
One of the great, nearly forgotten bands of the 70s. Fantastic, classic music that is more than just southern rock.
pincha loaf
great song great group
Debra Mumma
The United States of America REALLY need to to take this album serirously! This person has it on vinyl, and has since 1973. People I'm pretty old, but still ready to stand for the things we stood for then!
SG’s - Guitar, Music, & Hiking Vlog
Love this one. That scratchy voice is good for the soul.
Mark Robbins
Please Keep The Faith.... That we have my brothers...all that ever strummed..blew the jug , scratched the board, blowed the harp, & all that other hillbilly twang...God we love ya ! Then and 45 years later...go Jim !
hoop02893
I still have this album and the deed that came with it, anyone else have theirs.
Mark Lynn
The album came with a deed ?? How cool is that ! and you still got your , thats cool..... Remember Cheech and Chong and the Big Bambu Album that came with a giant sheet made of rolling paper ??? Well I still got the album....LOL
Dennis Williams
Still have my deed heaven arkansas