Black Oak Arkansas--Jim Dandy (1973)

     If you head east of Jonesboro Arkansas, out past Lake City at the intersection of Highway 18 and 158, you will find the village of Black Oak. Depending on where you are looking they have between 250 and 300 residents.
     Back in the mid-60's a group of guys calling themselves, "The Knowbody Else" were charged with larceny for stealing their first PA system. Although the initial 26 year sentence to a prison farm was commuted, they moved to a place in the northeast Arkansas hills. This gave them an opportunity to hone their style, which was southern rock with a hint of Detroit style attitude (think of a southern version of The Stooges). Their first album album stiffed in 1969, but a name change (to Black Oak Arkansas), and relentless touring helped their next recording in 1971 make some waves.
     The song, "Jim Dandy" was a cover of the 1956 R&B single by LaVern Baker, and was propelled by the vocals of Ruby Starr who joined the band after lead singer Jim Mangrum heard her in a club in Evansville, Indiana. The song reached the top forty late in 1973. Starr went on to form her own band in 1974. Mangrum is still recording and touring with the band today, although with the literally dozens of band member changes he has been the only constant throughout the years.