Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

BLACK OAK ARKANSAS

Southern rock band formed '65 by Jim Dandy Mangrum (b 30 March '48, Black Oak AR), vocals; Pat Daugherty (b 11 Nov. '47, Jonesboro), bass; Stanley Knight (b 12 Feb. '49, Little Rock), Rickie Reynolds (b 29 Oct. '48, Manilla), Harvey Jett, guitars. After three years on the road under various names made LP The Knowbody Else '69 for Stax under that name (no impression at the time; reissued '75 as The Early Years). Moved to LA, signed with Atlantic; built reputation by non-stop touring 50 weeks a year. First eponymous LP '70 prod. by ex-Iron Butterfly Lee Dorman and Mike Pinera, incl. 'Memories At The Window'; second (best) album Keep The Faith '72 showcased Southern blues boogie style typified by Mangrum's longhaired macho bare-chested stage persona; same year's If An Angel Came To See You, Would You Make Her Feel At Home? diversified into mystical swamp rock. After Raunch'n'Roll Live (introduced drummer Tommy Aldrich, b 15 Aug. '50, Nashville), High On The Hog (their best US showing at no. 52) and Street Party '73--4, Jett was replaced by Jimmy Henderson (b 20 May '54, Jackson MS), followed by Ain't Life Grand, X-Rated and Live Mutha '75--6. Three-guitar boogie style predated Lynyrd Skynyrd and made a big live attraction which conquered UK '74 when they supported Black Sabbath. Band's breadth broadened considerably when they added Ruby Starr, female vocalist who'd worked with Wayne Henderson (see Crusaders) and proved useful onstage foil for Mangrum; first sang with band in studio on 'Jim Dandy To The Rescue' on High On The Hog, no. 25 USA radio hit helped sell albums. After '76 the lineup fluctuated; band split '80 after label-hopping and Mangrum's heart attack. He returned with Ready As Hell '84, with former lieutenant Reynolds; reportedly nearly joined Black Sabbath as replacement for Ian Gillan. BOA's stage act did not transfer to record well except on live albums; uneven output and uncertain songwriting ability hampered success, but sellout concerts mid-'70s testified to popularity.