Black Oak Arkansas - their eponymous debut album. Still not sure why I am temporarily enamored with this odd group. First known as The Knowbody Else, they moved from BOA to Memphis, Tennessee in 1969 and signed a record deal with Stax Records. Their self-titled debut album was largely ignored by the public. But not by this blogger. 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 (whose parent label Atlantic Records once had a partnership with Stax) 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. Of note - they played at Cal Jam I, at the Ontario Speedway - on April 6, 1974. Attracting over 200,000 fans, appearing alongside 1970s rock giants Black Sabbath, Eagles, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Deep Purple, Earth, Wind & Fire, Seals and Crofts and Rare Earth. Portions of the show were telecast on ABC Television in the US, exposing the band to a wider audience. And each band member has a cool nickname...such as:
- Jim "Dandy" Mangrum: Lead Vocals, Washboard
- Rickie "Ricochet" Reynolds: 12 String Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
- Pat "Dirty" Daugherty: Bass Guitar, Vocals
- Harvey "Burley" Jett: Lead Guitar, Banjo, Piano, Vocals
- Stanley "Goober" Knight: Lead & Steel Guitar, Organ, Vocals
- Wayne "Squeezebox" Evans: Drums
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