Black Oak Arkansas

The Profile

American Southern rock band from Black Oak, Arkansas, led by vocalist Jim “Dandy” Mangrum. Known for gritty, high-energy mixes of Southern rock, country, and blues; key 1970s releases include High on the Hog and the live Raunch ’N’ Roll.

Origin: Black Oak, Arkansas, USA. Lead singer: Jim “Dandy” Mangrum. Early incarnation: The Knowbody Else. Signature cover: “Jim Dandy (To the Rescue)”—famously featuring Ruby Starr on vocals. Active and recording since the late 1960s, with a prolific early-1970s run.

Two DeBaser reviews frame Black Oak Arkansas as raw, whiskey-dusted Southern rock led by Jim “Dandy” Mangrum. High on the Hog earns high praise for variety, guitars, and cuts like Moonshine Sonata and Jim Dandy (with Ruby Starr). The 1971 debut is seen as a lively but immature tug-of-war between country/bluegrass roots and rock electrification. Overall vibe: rough, energetic, and unpolished in a good way.