Following continued diminishing returns of the band’s record sales

Following continued diminishing returns of the band’s record sales (while still remaining a consistent concert draw), Mangrum dropped “Arkansas” from the group’s name in an attempt to downplay their Southern-ness and replaced everyone except Henderson. He even altered his own vocal style in an attempt to sound more mainstream (and ostensibly impress music critics in the process). The other members of the “Black Oak” lineup were Greg Reding (guitar and keyboards), Jack Holder (guitar), Andy Tanas (bass), and Joel Williams (drums). Black Oak released two albums on the struggling Capricorn Records, Race with the Devil in 1977 and I’d Rather Be Sailing the following year. Neither album sold well. In 1978, guitarist Shawn Lane joined the band at age 14 and toured with the band for four years.