ABOUT
Black Oak Arkansas is a veteran Southern rock band that became famous during the 1970s. They are best known for the rip-roaring "Jim Dandy" (1973).
Formed in 1963 in Black Oak, Arkansas by high school friends and first known as The Knowbody Else, the band later changed its name to Black Oak Arkansas and signed with Atco in 1970. Led by Jim "Dandy" Mangrum, the classic lineup also consisted of Tommy Aldridge (drums), Pat Daugherty (bass guitar, vocals), Wayne Evans (drums), Harvey Jett (lead guitar, banjo, piano, vocals), and guitarists Stanley Knight (February 12, 1949 - February 16, 2013) and Rickie Lee Reynolds (October 28, 1948 - September 5, 2021) who both also provided backing vocals. Black Oak Arkansas released its eponymous debut album in 1971, which soon after went gold. The band's many recordings include two other gold-certified albums, "Raunch 'N' Roll Live" (1973) and "High On The Hog" (1973).
Black Oak Arkansas debuted on the Pop/Rock charts in 1971 with "Lord Have Mercy On My Soul," which kicks off with a lengthy and mostly-spoken introduction. Their fame took off in late 1973 with their Top 40 rock remake of LaVern Baker's 1957 hit, "Jim Dandy (To The Rescue)," which features female guest vocalist Ruby Starr in sung dialog with Mangrum. This song was later used as part of the soundtrack to "Dazed And Confused" (1993). Other hits by Black Oak Arkansas include "Strong Enough To Be Gentle" (1976) and their remake of Jerry Lee Lewis' "Great Balls Of Fire" (1976).
Black Oak Arkansas has continued to perform and record actively to the present day, with many personnel changes over the years. Frontman Jim Mangrum is the only remaining original member.
LINKS
- For more info about Black Oak Arkansas and the band's current projects, visit blackoakarkansas.net.
- The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette remembers original Black Oak Arkansas guitarists Stanley Knight and Rickie Lee Reynolds.
MERCHANDISE
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- Black Oak Arkansas - CDs, vinyl, & more - Amazon.com
- Black Oak Arkansas - Digital music - Amazon.com
- Black Oak Arkansas - Rare vinyl, CDs, & more - MusicStack.com
SONGS
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Black Oak Arkansas
- Jim Dandy 1973
(This song was previously a hit for LaVern Baker (1957).)
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