Post by cofi on Mar 7, 2007 10:48:47 GMT
[shadow=red,left,300]BLACK OAK ARKANSAS [/shadow]
BLACK OAK ARKANSAS is an American Southern rock band named after the band's hometown of Black Oak, Arkansas. 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" Mangru
History
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 self-titled debut album, and their only album with Stax, 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 self-titled 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 third album Raunch 'N' Roll Live and introduced a new drummer, Tommy Aldridge. It was their fourth 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.
The original lineup of Black Oak Arkansas (minus Harvey Jett, who was replaced by Jimmy Henderson) released their last album, Ain't Life Grand, in 1975. 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.
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.
These days Black Oak Arkansas keeps up a busy tour schedule, especially during the summer when they are a favorite at bike rallys and outdoor music fairs and festivals around the country. In 2004 Rhino Records releasesd a new Black Oak Arkansas DVD called "The first 30 years!" now in store worldwide. It features old videos and tv apperance spanning the groups long history. In 2005 The DVD "Live at the Albert Hall DVD" goes on sale along with thress new CD, "Greatest Hits 2005", "Keep The Faith LIVE" and " Live at the Albert Hall" all are unvailed to the world.
The current lineup consists of original singer and wildman Jim Dandy Mangrum on vocals, original member Rickie Lee Reynolds on guitar, George Hughen (ex-Greyghost) on bass, Johnnie Bolin (former Tommy Bolin Band)on drums, and Hal McCormack on lead guitar. (Hal has been a member of Tora Tora, Deep South, Uprisin, Survivor (with Jimi Jamison), and other groups.)
In 2007 BLACK OAK ARKANSAS is back on the road and in the studio working on the next mega BOA album. BLACK OAK ARKANSAS is about to release a new CD in 2007. A full tour will follow. Don't miss Jim Dandy and Rickie Lee with Hal, George and Johnnie Bolin ON TOUR!! LIVE!!! 2006!!!! BLACK OAK ARKANSAS are Still Rockin' and Still Rollin!!!!
Band Members
James L. "Jim Dandy" Mangrum - lead vocals, washboard (1965-present)
Rickie Lee "Risky" "Ricochet" Reynolds - twelve-string guitar, vocals (1965-1977, 1984-present)
Hal McCormack - lead guitar ( -present)
Johnnie Bolin - drums ( -present)
George Hughen - bass guitar ( -present)
Stanley Knight - lead guitar, steel guitar, organ, vocals (1965- )
Pat Daugherty - bass guitar, vocals (1965- )
Harvey Jett - lead guitar, banjo, piano, vocals (1965-1975)
Wayne Evans - drums (1965-1973)
Tommy Aldridge - drums (1973- )
James Henderson - guitar (1975- )
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)
Kinley Wolfe - bass (1976-1982)
Chris Craig - drums (1978-1982)
Shawn Lane - guitar (1977-1981)
Jon "Thunder Paws" Wells - drums (Ready As Hell)
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 Martin - 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)
James "Little Jim" Mangrum Jr. - drum technician
Danny Leath - lead guitar
If youd like to hear some of they're cool music, go on over to they're myspace page, they have some great song's posted on there "Fighting cock" "Hot Rod Live" "A Higher Grade" "Heartbreaker" and "Jim Dandy To The Rescue" enjoy ;D
Myspace
www.myspace.com/jimdandysblackoakarkansas
Band Website
BlackOakArkansas.Us
