When Electricity Came To Arkansas: Vol 1 - 1971-1973

The first volume in a series of complete recordings by the popular Southern rock band featuring the incomparable and influential frontman Jim Dandy. Also includes the extended version of the live collection "Raunch 'N' Roll Live".

Black Oak Arkansas released their self-titled debut album (CD 1) in March 1971. Although their origins date back to 1963, the band eventually found its solid form around the incomparable frontman and born entertainer Jim "Dandy" Mangrum (vocals and washboard). Blending Southern rock, hard rock, and country, the band signed with ATCO Records, a subsidiary of Atlantic Records; the lineup included Rickie "Ricochet" Reynolds on guitar, Stanley "Goober" Knight on guitar and organ, Pat "Dirty" Daugherty on bass, and Wayne "Squeezebox" Evans on drums. Named after their hometown of Black Oak in (you guessed it) Arkansas, their first album featured the singles "Hot and Nasty," "Uncle Lijiah," and "Lord Have Mercy on My Soul."

Their second album for ATCO, “Keep The Faith” (CD 2), was released less than a year later, in January 1972. Recorded at Criteria Studios in Miami and Village Recorders in Los Angeles, the title track was released as a single.

When they released their third album – "If An Angel Came to See You, Would You Make Her Feel At Home?" – in June 1972, legendary drummer Tommy Aldridge (Whitesnake, Pat Travers, Ozzy Osbourne) had already joined the band. "If An Angel Came To See You, Would You Make Her Feel At Home?" includes the single "Full Moon Ride".

BOA had now established themselves as a major act and a crowd-puller at live concerts throughout the USA; therefore, it was only logical that their fourth album would be a live recording. Recorded in December 1972 and released in February 1973, "Raunch 'N' Roll Live" (CDs 4 & 5) captures the raw energy and enthusiasm of the band on stage. The expanded two-disc live set showcases their unique blend of hard rock, southern rock, and boogie.