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)
Memories at the Window
Black Oak Arkansas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To look for some memories we had
But it seemed that the window
Had lost all its meaning
That's sad
I gazed through the window
But things didn't look like before
I know I'll see them no more
Some things may seem
So unimportant and small
But to the one's who love them most
Like the trees they are tall
For it was there that I first saw
The things I wanted in life
And to see them again would
Now woman if you want me
Then I'll want you
I'll want you
Woman if you'll have me
Then I'll have you
I'll have you
I went to the window
To look for some memories we had
But it seemed that te window
Had lost all its meaning
That's sad
I gazed through the window
But things didn't look like before
For the things I used to see
I know I'll see them no more
The lyrics to Black Oak Arkansas's song "Memories at the Window" convey a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past. The singer is looking out the window, searching for memories of a time gone by, but finds that the window no longer holds the same meaning. The repetition of this line underscores the feeling of loss and the impossibility of recapturing what has been lost. The singer's gaze shifts from the window to the things beyond it, and they mourn the passing of a time in which they were able to see the things they wanted in life. The connection between the trees and the singer's desires emphasizes the naturalness of their longing and the sense that their desires are part of a larger, enduring reality.
The refrain, "Now woman if you want me / Then I'll want you / Woman if you'll have me / Then I'll have you," suggests that the singer is seeking companionship and sees this as a way of recapturing the memories they have lost. The repetition of these lines underscores the importance of human connection and suggests that this may be the singer's way of moving forward and finding meaning in the present. Ultimately, the song conveys a sense of loss and impermanence, but also suggests that there is beauty in the longing and that human connection has the power to transform and heal.
Line by Line Meaning
I went to the window
I walked to the windowpane
To look for some memories we had
I hoped to recall some memories of us
But it seemed that the window
But the glass that I looked through
Had lost all its meaning
Had lost its importance
That's sad
I felt sadness
I gazed through the window
I peered through the pane
But things didn't look like before
But the scenery wasn't the same as it was in the past
For the things I used to see
Because the things that were there earlier
I know I'll see them no more
I won't get to see them again
Some things may seem
Certain things may appear
So unimportant and small
Insignificant and tiny to some
But to the ones who love them most
But those who cherish them most
Like the trees they are tall
They are tall and significant like trees
For it was there that I first saw
Because it was then when I initially saw
The things I wanted in life
The things I longed for in this life
And to see them again would
And to see them again would result in
Now woman if you want me
Now woman, if you desire me
Then I'll want you
Then I'll desire you
Woman if you'll have me
Woman if you'll accept me
Then I'll have you
Then I'll accept you
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BUTCH STONE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Drica Ferreira
One of the best songs that I ever heard. There's so much emotion in his lyric and melody, so much truths.
jeff dowler
In 1974 it meant the same to me then as now 2020. Life has change in time but our hearts have not. Bless you for your comment.
Dan Taylor Sr.
BOA was incredible in the day. Paved the way for many southern rock bands. Excellent album to own on Vinyl.
Robert Ricci
Roll down the windows.....step down deep on the gas.....and crank up Black Oak Arkansas in the land of the free. What a good good feeling
Brian Myers
Love this album. Miss you uncle bill, soon to be 25 years since the lord called you home thanx for many great memories miss getting high and talking to you😔
Lori Lori
remembering this album on an 8 track...playing it loud in the car! great tunes by these guys!
Irvin Still
My favorite band of all time... I'd didn't say the greatest band of all time just my favorite. Loved there sound and diversity. Years and years of music and memories. Thanks.
Kathy Raymelle S.
Irvin Still thanks
Kathy Raymelle S.
Irvin Still mine too, they were the first and last too.
Kathy Raymelle S.
BOA 💜