Black Oak Arkansas is an American Southern rock band named after the band's… Read Full Bio ↴Black Oak Arkansas is an American Southern rock band named after the band's hometown of Black Oak, Arkansas, USA. The band reached the height of its fame in the 1970s with ten charting albums released in that decade. Their style is punctuated by multiple guitar players and the raspy voice and on-stage antics of vocalist Jim "Dandy" Mangrum.

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)

Mean Woman
Black Oak Arkansas Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

If you ever wonder how I'll be.
Call on me, now.
I told myself better than
Anyone that I see
Ain't no mean woman
Ever gonna let me be no...
If you ever think of me at night.
It's alright now.

But your out lookin
The daytime don't look bright
Cause mean ole' woman
Your personality is a fright girl
a fright girl

If you ever look at me
And smile all the while now.
It may be near
But it might as well be a mile
'Cause mean ole' woman
I just don't like your style, no
Oh, style no!

If you ever want to see me near
Be sincere now
The way your actin
Is just one thing that fear

Mean woman
You're just pretendin that you're a dear girl

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Black Oak Arkansas's song "Mean Woman" depict a man talking about a woman who is not treating him well. The singer seems to know that he deserves better than this woman, but he can't seem to break away from her grip. He reassures himself that he won't let any mean woman hold him back, but it seems that this one has a hold on him. He tells her that he doesn't like her personality and her style, and that she's just pretending to be a "dear girl."

The tone of the song is one of resignation and acceptance, even though the singer is clearly unhappy with the situation. The repetitive "mean woman" refrain reinforces the idea that this woman is the central issue in the singer's life at the moment. The song also highlights the power dynamic in the relationship, with the woman holding all the cards and the man feeling powerless to leave.

Overall, "Mean Woman" portrays the struggles of a man dealing with an abusive and controlling partner. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and hopelessness, as the singer accepts that he is trapped in this situation.

Line by Line Meaning

If you ever wonder how I'll be.
If you ever question my well-being and state of mind.

Call on me, now.
Contact me and I will assist you.

I told myself better than Anyone that I see
I have convinced myself that I am superior to everyone else.

Ain't no mean woman Ever gonna let me be no...
I am fearful and believe no woman will ever allow me to be peaceful.

If you ever think of me at night.
If you ever contemplate me during the night time.

It's alright now.
There is no need to worry at this current moment.

But your out lookin The daytime don't look bright
You are outside and enjoying the daytime, but it is not bright or joyful.

Cause mean ole' woman Your personality is a fright girl a fright girl
This is due to the presence of a cruel and scary woman, who possesses a frightening personality.

If you ever look at me And smile all the while now.
If you ever gaze at me and display a smile consistently.

It may be near But it might as well be a mile
Despite being physically closer, our emotional distance is vast.

'Cause mean ole' woman I just don't like your style, no Oh, style no!
This is because the woman in question has a personality and character I do not appreciate or enjoy.

If you ever want to see me near Be sincere now
If you desire my presence, I require you to be genuine and honest.

The way your actin Is just one thing that fear Mean woman You're just pretendin that you're a dear girl
Your current behavior instills a sense of dread in me, and I believe you are only pretending to be kind and compassionate.

Contributed by Elliot H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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