Ripples run

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Ripples float endlessly across the lake as a large frog croaks in the distance.

The line running from the end of my pole drifts slightly with the light current pulling away to my left as the red and white float
moves with the ripples.

I had spent much of my time working thus far in my first fishing adventure to bring the hook with the worm slid upon it into the
drink.

My childhood adventures of fishing with my dad, especially early in the learning process reflected the scenarios of the episode of “The
Andy Griffith Show” where “Howard Sprague” went fishing with Andy and the rest of the guys only to spend more time with his hook
in a tree or his own pants than in the water.

In retrospect, my dad’s patience as he taught me the process and answered the questions the younger version of myself asked was
amazing. Why do fish eat worms? Why do we have to put the hook through the worms, can’t we just throw them out and let the fish
eat them? Why do we have a float on the line?

Why do I do better throwing the line behind me rather than in front of me?

These are just a few that I recollect in the process.

My father was someone much like myself – outdoor sports were not really his thing – but he felt it was important that I learned them,
that we shared the experiences that he had shared with his father and uncles. There are lessons that are shared in the midst of the
teaching that settle deeper beyond the immediate task at hand.

The bonds created between a father and son through positive joint experiences; respect for the world around us and the other people and
creatures who share it with us; and an understanding about what is expected of you when you are a man.

I am so glad that he did take this time with me, oftentimes, it seemed strategically placed around tough points in my life when I
needed the input, the lesson, the hope, the insights that he wanted to share.

Establishing the groundwork at a younger age, when the years passed allowed us a smoother path.

When as an older teen, I wished to push the bounds of our relationship by asserting my own authority on my life, we were able
to work through those tense moments when I was spreading my wings, and make them teachable moments in the life experience. They added to
our relationship rather than pushing us farther from each other.

Perhaps my father’s early passing set my prospective of our relationship forever in the nostalgia of my youth. We never really
got to the good stuff of the best friend relationship that should have happened as time went on because he was still having to spend
time being my dad. Not that such a role would have ever ended, but as I was able to take on more of the responsibilities for my life after
college, I would have hoped that the lessons could have taken on a different form.

It is in this time of the year, that my father’s memory seems closest to me, because we shared so much in the summer months. I am
thankful that God sent me to be in family where I had two parents who were present and participating. So many youths do not, and as the
news of the world seeps into my life, I can’t help but wonder if a few more participating, present mothers and fathers would have
prevented many of the headlines which plaque our country.

Are you present in your children’s lives? Are you teaching them the lessons needed? Do they respect other people, creatures, and
cultures? If they don’t, may I suggest a fishing trip. There is something iconic and idyllic about those opening TV shots of Andy and
Opie Taylor walking with fishing poles in hand along a country road. Funny how so many long for the simplicity portrayed. We may never
have it, but it never hurts to take the walk.

“So, take down your fishin’ pole.”

Glistening from the heat

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I watched the white shears wave gently back and forth in the windows of the living room as the breeze eased its way into the house.

It was an extraordinarily hot day. By midmorning the coolness gained in the previous night had given way to the demands of the sun making everyone glisten in anticipation for the afternoon that would change all of us into a cross between a drenched cat and a swimmer climbing out of the deep spot in the creek. That is except for the woman folk whose glistening would be fought off by the thick application of scented powder on face, arms, and torso.

When the heat was so extreme, I often thought the ladies in my neighborhood carried a powder puff with them everywhere they went.

When there was no breeze and absolutely no chance of finding relief by a stroll by the creek of sitting in the shade of a massive oak, the ladies would gather up the young folks and load us into station wagons and away we would be whisked for an afternoon of looking and feeling at Woolworth’s, JC Penney’s or Richs which all had the tremendous advancement of air conditioning. If we were lucky that might materialize into a visit to an air conditioned theater to watch a movie carrying us through the heat of the day so that by suppertime, we would be able to gather in the breeze on the porch or in the yards.

It is amazing how the heat never really bothered me much as a kid. I knew it was hot but that was just the way it was and we did what we wanted to creating adventures around the neighborhood. We built forts out of down tree limbs, gathered pine cones storing them up for massive battles between each other. We ran, rode our bicycles, played baseball, football, kick ball, dodge ball, whatever brought us together and created activities allowing us to engage with one another. I was at a disadvantage in much of these activities due to my health but despite limitations, I tried allowing me to win sometimes, fail sometimes and build the initial experiences upon which my life would be built.

The street lights would come on and after supper, most of the kids would gather in the street for a game of baseball as the parents and neighbors sat in chairs on porches, stoops or under trees cheering us on as we gave it our all.

I can still see myself wearing a pumpkin colored short sleeve shirt half buttoned up with burgundy colored shorts standing in the middle of the street playing outfielder with my older brother’s baseball give. I would try to catch the next pop fly that Bruce, Jennifer, Charlotte, Art or Bubba might hit and then coming up to bat only to be out as I rounded the man hole cover, which was second base, as Kay or Charles tagged me. Eventually as the darkness enveloped us, we each would hear the calling home of one of our parents and we would give in, relinquishing another day to powers beyond our control. As we reached the doors, we looked like we had a bath and often smelled like we needed one.

For many of us that was shortly our next stop before a few minutes of TV and then off to bed until the sun summoned our rise again as it sent its rays through the holes in the window shears making a funny design on our faces and pillow.

The smell of bacon cooking would draw us to wipe the sleep from our eyes, hurriedly throw on some clothes and move us towards the kitchen to begin another odyssey of adventure among our family and friends. The sound of the slamming of the screen door, and the heat of the day often beckons such sweet memories that are seared into my memory when life was not as comfortable but each day held such opportunities.

The cowboy way

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I have found in recent years with the barren desert I find on television I tend to gravitate towards the tried and true westerns that dominated the film screen and the television screens.

Read more

Why can’t I find you?

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Have you ever went where you thought something was and when you got there, I golly, it wasn’t.

I am amazed at how this phenomena can plaque our thoughts and erode a day into loss of effectiveness.

I know I put it there. That’s my safe place. When was the last time I used it?

Did I put it back? Did I leave it somewhere? Did someone take it?

I recently was looking for an item which has little value but means the world to me. It represents an important achievement in my career and thus my life. I would wear it on special occasions.

When this happens you begin racking you thoughts as when was the last time you saw the item.

Sadly, in this case, I don’t recall. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I would have used it. The last important one was 12 years back. That’s a long time for it to sit and not be used. There had to be something since. Keep thinking man!

So, in desperation, I began the systematic review of every nook and cranny in the house.

I remove each drawer, take out every item and then replace them. As I progress through the effort, another drawer, another drawer, until I reach nine of them. I shift to the cedar chest, everything out, everything back in. No luck. Three more drawers and a wardrobe to go.

Will I find it? I’m hope so, if not, I must begin the same process in other rooms and closets.

I know, unless I did something stupid at some point in history and lost it while having it on a trip, it is within the house. I just have to keep searching.

The effort does become tiring but at some point there will be a resolution – either I will find it, or I will come to the conclusion, it will remain in the land of the lost.

In a way, this is a lesson for life that we all can draw from.

We spend much of our life looking for things. We seek someone to spend our life with, a true love.

We hunt a job that will provide and sustain our daily needs. We strive to find success in our endeavors that bring us satisfaction. We look for the meaning of life.

Do we find these things? Sometimes we do, sometimes we don’t. What we wanted remains outside our reach.

Do we keep searching for it?

I think we should never give up the search. We might take a break from the effort, but pick it up again when our mind and body is recharged.

No matter what you are looking for, the adventure of life is within the search. Once we find our goal, we tend to find yet another goal to seek. That is the nature of much of our life.

So, keep hunting, you will find it. Now, back to my drawers. I didn’t remember having so many socks. By the way, if you find a blue sock with a guitar on it in you dryer, I think it’s mine.

Writing yields thousands of words

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The written word was forced upon me as a child. How many spelling tests did I endure in my early years of schooling. I was so frustrated by them in first grade they gave me my first lesson in character.

I just couldn’t seem to get the spelling into my head, so I would slip a piece of paper under my leg with the spelling on them of that week’s words.

Although I knew what I was doing was not proper, I didn’t really understand that it was cheating. I was just trying to gain approval by spelling properly. Instead, I received the life lesson of Miss Crumbley catching my efforts and I found myself standing outside the room awaiting being sent to the principal’s office where I caught a paddling. Then of course, she called my mother, and a few more licks found there way onto my behind.

I learned a lesson that has lasted a lifetime, cheating, no matter the reasoning, is not something a good person should do.

I eventually became a proper speller that I should have been all along. Amazing how a bit of a tanning gets one’s mind on the right track.

After a couple years, words from books became my constant companion. There was not a fiction or a history that did not interest me. As I grew instead of consuming the words, I began to see them flow from my pencil, pen or ends of my fingers as I typed. Eventually those words created something worthwhile. Articles that people wanted to read that appeared in a school newspaper, then organization publications, magazines and newspapers.

After a few years, they contributed to being what allowed me to construct books which have provided hours of enjoyment to readers, a creative outlet for me, and the blessings of some income.

My pastime of genealogy has provided a basis for the efforts as I have found a list of writers and poets in my tree who have shared in the same gene pool of inspirational talents. The great Geoffrey Chaucer, considered the father of English literature was one of my grandfathers. Among my cousins are names such as Clemens, Poe, Dickinson, Austen, Stevenson, Hawthorne and Ingalls Wilder. I often pray that some of the God flows He shared with some of them might find their way into my writing spirit.

My latest book has now hit the market. I embark on a new genre not non-fiction, not cookbooks, not autobiographies or murder mysteries, this one is religious as I created “Seeing Faith: A Devotional.”

My life experiences combined with the theological knowledge of seven pastors have yielded 31 lessons to fill a month or two-thirds of a year with an opportunity to find a closer walk with Jesus through the words He provided me over many years. I talk about lessons from friends in film, television, music, and people from the South and Appalachia and how they provided experiences for me which allowed me to see Jesus through them, in them and in their treatment of others. I pray the words are a blessing for all that read them.

That book is now finding its way into other’s hand and eyes and God is already providing words for the next written adventure, this time another foray into fiction, set in a Southern town with an amazing group of characters. The words keep flowing through the genes. Thank you grandfather, and thank you Lord.

Find out more about “Seeing Faith: A Devotional” at www.RandallFranks.com/Seeing-Faith or on Amazon.

Mountain kin makes for good music

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The amazingly talented Dolly Parton is reaching out among her family and back into history for her upcoming album and a docuseries project “Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables” expected out in November in partnership with Owepar Entertainment.
 
“I cannot believe that it has been 60 years this month since I graduated from Sevier County High School and moved to Nashville to pursue my dreams,” Dolly said in her release on DollyParton.com. “My Uncle Bill Owens was by my side for many years helping me develop my music. I owe so much to him and all the family members past and present who have inspired me along this journey. I am honored to spotlight our families’ legacy that is my Smoky Mountain DNA.”
 
Dolly hails from Sevier County, Tennessee, now the home of Dollywood and many others of her amusement endeavors. It is where her father Robert Lee Parton and Avie Lee Caroline Owens raised a large family including many singers, pickers and actors such as Stella Parton.
It is from the rich traditions and experiences of growing up in the Great Smoky Mountains that Dolly uses over and over again as her inspiration for her songs such as “Coat of Many Colors,” “In My Tennessee Mountain Home,” and so many others. Many of her stories in song touch on those who influenced her life like “Daddy Was An Old Time Preacher Man,” inspired by her grandfather the Rev. Jake Owens who will be featured prominently in the project.
 
Her first cousin Richie Owens, of Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau, is producing the project, which is said to include up to 40 recordings and a four-part docuseries.

Many of her immediate and extended family will be featured on the project going back for generations. The docuseries will include concert performances filmed at Knoxville’s historic Bijou Theater, featuring Dolly and family. The songs within the series will combine with the stories about the Parton and Owens families and their members while exploring the family heritage and lineage tracing back from the Appalachians of East Tennessee to the United Kingdom in the 1600s. Album Preorder will launch June 21.

On a personal note, I am related to both the Partons and Owens. I look forward to learn more about my extended cousins and I am hopeful and excited that the docuseries may reveal some interesting tidbits about our common grandparents in the old country and those who made the journey into the Great Smoky Mountains.

Be a connector

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In this era of social media, the lives of our circle of friends and family scrolls by on our phones and tablets. Sometimes we will pause to like it or make a comment and through this we feel like we are staying connected to other people.

The reality is when we post, not everyone who are friends see it, in fact Facebook and the other social media company has structured things that way. We can have 5,000 “friends” and only a couple hundred will see what we post.

I say all that to say this…. STOP IT! This is not connection. Gaining likes and smiley faces is not a relationship with another living breathing person.

In the olden days, like prior to 15-20 years back, if you wanted to know how someone was, you picked up the phone and called. You interacted for a few minutes or longer and before you hung up you had truly connected. Some folks would even go so far as walk or drive over to someone’s house or office and say let’s go to lunch, or “Here, you got some coffee, I brought the donuts.” Then they would sit down and talk.

When I was growing up, folks often had two living rooms in the house, one was for company (living room) and the other (den or family room) for the family. One remained clean to receive folks who dropped in and the other was generally more lived in. Many folks had both a formal dining room and the a kitchen eating area.

We built our lives, our homes, our decor, expecting people to drop in for a talk, a meal, or even overnight – hence guest rooms.

This is how we connected. I have noticed that the formality of things have disintegrated over the years and now not many go out of their way for guests, in fact many don’t even bother with the old social norms of greeting folks at the door, asking them in, offering them a seat, serving a refreshment, and then just being there with them, no distractions, to just talk. When they leave, you show them out, and wave a smile as they go. In years past, there were long lists of etiquette to follow.

Today, well, folks are lucky if people even come to the door if you knock.

I have traveled much of my live passing through towns and made many friends through the years. Before we carried cell phones, if I was rolling through some where and the timing was right, I would often just stop knock on the door and spend some time with friends. I remember one time passing through Plains, I stopped knocked on the door, my friend, Miss Allie, came to the door, invited me in, offered me refreshments and we had a nice visit before I got back on the road. Being of the WWI generation, she followed all the expected Southern formalities. This trip my friends the Carters were away, so spending a few minutes with Rosalyn’s mom was a blessing and allowed me to reconnect and learn about everyone’s current status through Allie.

In my dad’s family, we had two connectors, people who managed to keep us all interwoven by regular phone calls, cards, and an outward showing of love – my Uncle Burl, who died a few years back and my Aunt Lois who left us this Mother’s Day. She was our last connector. Through her, we knew how all those we are suppose to love because of blood are doing. I realize with her death, those phone lines will no longer be burning. My weekly visit by phone will no longer occur when I got the updates on this cousin’s children or that cousin’s illness, or someone’s birthday is this week. For years I have known everything about everyone that is suppose to matter. More than I could ever glean from scrolling through social media.

That will be gone now. Our connection is cut. Now I will go through my weeks knowing less and less about family until we happen to bump into each other at a town event, store or restaurant when we spend a few moments asking about everyone and learn what’s happening. Those encounters are good but really not enough for meaningful connections.

I remember when I was a boy Sunday was visiting day. After church, we would spend the rest of the day in the car going from house to house or we would be at home receiving friends and family. You never knew who might show up, but Mom always had extra food prepared and the house was extra clean so folks wouldn’t talk. We connected regularly.

Whether by phone or in person, be the connector in your family or circle of friends. Shake the bonds of the computer age and return to real life people talking to one another face to face. You might even like it!

Change is inevitable

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In life, we often see ourselves in a never ending cycle of the same.

We go through the same routine daily. Get up, prepare for the day and off to work.

Then we return and back to house routine until we slow down for sleep.

We do this, day after day, year after year, often just watching our lives fly by as the clock spins upon the wall.

While things in our lives often remain the same, day in and day out, from time to time something happens which jolts us out of our mundane routine.

Sometimes its a pleasant surprise which makes life different. If we are single, we might fall in love.

If we are childless, a child might be in the making.

Or we might be jolted by some unexpected moment that changes our lives – an accident, a fall, an illness, the death of a loved one. Any of these might shake our life.

It might be something simple. For me recently after many years with having the same people live around me. Solid good neighbors upon which I depended upon for decades, now I am seeing a shift as different ones move away. With each a little adjustment is required. Now there are new people to learn, but its unlikely that decades of neighboring will be recovered quickly in these new relationships, but in time perhaps, I will once again feel as comfortable as I did with the others. At least I hope so.

No matter what aspect of our lives we are looking upon, the inevitability of change is always there—new co-workers, new responsibilities, new expectations, new neighbors, new elected officials, new problems, new hopes, new dreams and new losses.

Despite this, we see our lives as routine, but in actuality every day is filled with little differences.

We are provided opportunities for countless choices every single day. Any one choice might be the one that catapults us into a sea of unknown circumstances. We choose the wrong food item at lunch and we get food poisoning. Were off to the hospital and we get an unplanned bill. We miss a few days of work. All this sequence of events hinged on a quick decision while walking through a cafeteria or restaurant food line.

Change is always with us, it is the source of our opportunities. If we are mindful and watch the changes in our surroundings, we might find one coming that opens boundless opportunities for our future.

I am saddened at the recent and coming changes within my circle of neighbors. Hopefully, good folks will fill the voids left by these changes and overtime will become the stalwarts I hope to have around me as we move forward in this uncertainty we see around us.

Be mindful and forward thinking as you go through you daily routines and perhaps, just perhaps, you will be the orchestrator of positive change that impacts us all rather than the dutiful recipient.

Grand Ole Opry 40th Anniversary

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Randall Franks

40th Anniversary 

Grand Ole Opry Artist Debut

1984-2024

Continuing Performances For

WSM Radio

Ernest Tubb Record Shop Midnight Jamboree

CMA Country Music Fan Fair

1982-2001

(Sponsored by the CMA and Grand Ole Opry)

Grand Master Fiddler Championship

(Started by the Grand Ole Opry)

 

                                                                                                            Randall Franks performs on the Grand Ole Opry in 2015 (Photo by LuAnn Adams)

 

Grant Turner features Randall’s Ivory Halls Album on The Grand Ole Opry Warm Up Show upon its release in 1982. (Atteiram Cover Photo)

Randall Franks and Grant Turner backstage at the 1985 Grand Ole Opry Fan Fair Bluegrass Show (Photo: Randall Franks Media: Donna Tracy)

1982

 Country Music Hall of Fame member Grant Turner introduced Randall’s first recorded music to WSM Opry Audience on his Opry Warm Up Show from Randall’s album Ivory Halls. Randall participated in his first Country Music Association Country Music Fan Fair.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Randall Franks performs at the Grand Ole Opry’s Grand Master Fiddler Championship in 1983.

Randall Franks becomes a mentee of Bill Monroe in 1983.

1983

  • Randall appeared at his first Grand Ole Opry sponsored event – The Grand Master Fiddler Championship on stage at the Ryman Auditorium and participated in his second CMA Country Music Fan Fair appearing in the Atteiram Records and the Jim & Jesse Fan Club booths in June. His Fan Fair appearance yielded Randall his first TV Series regular role as he and his Peachtree Pickers became part of the “Country Kids TV Series.”

  • The Father of Bluegrass Music Bill Monroe took an interest in Randall Franks as a fiddler and began teaching and coaching him on his playing and improving his skills as a band leader in December.

 

 

Grand Ole Opry announcer Hairl Hensley introduced Randall Franks for the 1984 debut.

Music City News featured Randall Franks with other country stars in a 59th Birthday Celebration Photo Spread. Lydia Dixon Harden took the photo.

1984

Randall participated in his third CMA Country Music Fan Fair appearing in the Atteiram Records and the Jim & Jesse Fan Club booths promoting his “Building on Sand” album and attended the Grand Master Fiddler Championship.

Randall made his first guest starring appearance with his Peachtree Pickers for the Grand Ole Opry 59th Birthday Celebration in October. His appearance was covered and featured in a spread featuring him among the stars of Country Music including The Judds, Lee Greenwood, Alabama, and Reba McIntire.

 

Randall Franks with Roy Acuff backstage the night of his debut for the Grand Ole Opry.

Randall Franks performs at his Grand Ole Opry debut.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Randall Franks performs with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Randall Franks performs with the Blue Grass Boys in Seattle, Wash. (Photo by Barry Brower)

Randall replaced Kenny Baker with Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys and toured from coast to coast with Bill Monroe and fellow Blue Grass Boys Blake Williams, Tater Tate and Wayne Lewis in October and November. Learn more about his association and work with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys here: www.RandallFranks.com/Bill-Monroe-and-the-Blue-Grass-Boys

 

1985

Randall Franks and the Peachtree Pickers backstage at Grand Ole Opry Bluegrass Show at 1985 Fan Fair. (Randall Franks Media Photo by Donna Tracy)

Randall Franks performs for the Grand Ole Opry with Ralph Stanley, Wilma Lee Cooper and Bill Monroe in 1985. (Randall Franks Media Photo by Donna Tracy)

Randall Franks returned with his Peachtree Pickers for Grand Ole Opry Fan Fair Show in June during and participated in his fourth CMA Country Music Fan Fair promoting his “Peach Picked Fiddle Favorites” album and attended the Grand Master Fiddler Championship. This began a decade of regular appearances by Randall for the Grand Ole Opry at Fan Fair. As a Grand Ole Opry guest star, he soon became the only regular bluegrass performer to become a Fan Fair exhibitor other than Opry members Bill Monroe, the Osborne Brothers, Jim & Jesse and Wilma Lee Cooper.

 

 

1986

The Lewis Family and The Peachtree Pickers appear at the Cedartown Civic Auditorium in 1986.

 

 

Randall Franks participated in his fifth CMA Country Music Fan Fair exhibiting at the Jim & Jesse Fan Club booth and participating in the Grand Ole Opry Bluegrass Show and attended the Grand Master Fiddler Championship

.

 

 

 

1987

Randall Franks with The Marksmen Quartet who appeared with him at the Grand Ole Opry.       

Randall “Randy” Franks was honored in 1987 by the Grand Ole Opry and Bluegrass Unlimited for his contributions to American music as one of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys.

Randall Franks participated in his sixth CMA Country Music Fan Fair exhibiting at the Jim & Jesse Fan Club booth promoting his “Pick of the Peaches Fiddlin'” album and participating in the Grand Ole Opry Bluegrass Show and attended the Grand Master Fiddler Championship

While limiting musical appearances, Randall began concentrating on his film and television career acting in the CBS movie of the week “Desperate for Love.” Randall’s father and manager Floyd Franks died in August.

He was honored by the Grand Ole Opry for his contributions to American music as part of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys.

Randall Franks brought the Marksmen Quartet to appear with him for the Grand Ole Opry’s 62nd Birthday Celebration.

 

1988

Randall Franks and Grand Ole Opry star Wilma Lee Cooper backstage at the 1989 Grand Ole Opry Fan Fair Bluegrass Show. (Photo: Randall Franks Media: Donna Tracy)

Randall Franks participated in his seventh CMA Country Music Fan Fair exhibiting in the

Randall Franks and Ralph Stanley backstage at the Grand Ole Opry Bluegrass Show in 1988.

Randall Franks Fan Club booth and participating in the Grand Ole Opry Bluegrass Show and attended the Grand Master Fiddler Championship

While making limited musical appearances, Randall continued his film and television career acting in “No Holds Barred,” “Last Time Out,” and began his regular role as “Officer Randy Goode” on the TV series “In the Heat of the Night” on NBC in August.

1989

Randall Franks participated in his eighth CMA Country Music Fan Fair exhibiting in the Randall Franks Fan Club booth and participating in the Grand Ole Opry Bluegrass Show.

He continued his work on NBC on TV’s “In the Heat of the Night” touring musically when off from the show.

 

1990

Randall Franks and Grand Ole Opry star Justin Tubb pause backstage at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop Midnight Jamboree.

  • Randall Franks serves up fans at the Ernest Tubb Fan Appreciation Day Dinner in 1991. (Photo: Randall Franks Media: Donna Tracy)

    Randall Franks appeared regularly on the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree on WSM following the Grand Ole Opry from the late 1980s-2009. Randall’s association with the Ernest Tubb Record Shop began while attending a performance as a youth where he saw Ernest Tubb appear with guest star Loretta Lynn. He began appearing on the show as a guest of Justin Tubb and David McCormick. He appeared many times for ET Record Shop on radio, live shows, and for in-person autograph sessions as the Record Shop also sold his releases.

  • Randall Franks participated in his ninth CMA Country Music Fan Fair exhibiting in the Randall Franks Fan Club booth promoting his “Handshakes and Smile” album and participating in the Grand Ole Opry Bluegrass Show.

    Randall Franks was the first bluegrass artist to cross over and climb to the top 20 Christian Music Sales charts (Music City News – Gospel Voice) with his Handshakes and Smiles release. His 1990 music video “Handshakes and Smiles” was featured on numerous outlets. He was recognized as one of country music’s most visible fiddlers, appearing regularly on TNN, network talk, variety, various award and TV shows taped at the Grand Ole Opry House.

    He continued his work on NBC on TV’s “In the Heat of the Night” touring musically when off from the show.

    Grand Ole Opry Manager Hal Durham with Randall Franks in 1990 at Grand Ole Opry Fan Fair Show. (Photo: Randall Franks Media/Jean Osborn)

     

  • Randall Franks appears on Nashville Now with Ralph Emery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Randall (back left) works with Jim & Jesse in their CMA Fan Fair booth in 1984,

    Randall Franks with Jim & Jesse talks with the press following entertaining 10,000 country music fans at the 1992 Grand Ole Opry Bluegrass Show,

  • Grand Ole Opry stars Jim and Jesse McReynolds became mentors of Randall Franks beginning in the early 1980s. Jesse joined him on his first solo recording “Handshakes and Smiles.” He began appearing with the Jim and Jesse Show in 1989 and often used Jim and Jesse and the Virginia Boys to serve as his band on national stage and TV appearances including for the Grand Ole Opry. He also appeared with Jim & Jesse, fiddling as a Virginia Boy and later with just Jesse, after Jim’s passing – making special appearances from 2007-2015. He produced and appeared on countless Grand Ole Opry Package Shows with Jim & Jesse, The Osborne Brothers, Bill Monroe and other stars in the 1980s-90s.

 

Randall Franks share an interview with WSM’s Ed Hamilton in 1991.

Randall Franks produces and records with Grand Ole Opry star Little Jimmy Dickens in 1990.

Randall often appeared on WSM radio shows and WSMV TV promoting his music, appearances and upcoming projects. His association as part of the family of Grand Ole Opry Guests facilitated the open door he was given on many shows.

Randall Franks produced the In the Heat of the Night cast Christmas Time’s A Comin’ CD with Alan Autry in 1990 including several Grand Ole Opry stars Jim and Jesse, Little Jimmy Dickens, The Whites, Grant Turner, and veteran Opry stars Pee Wee King, Johnny Wright and Kitty Wells and numerous other music stars.

Randall began touring nationwide with his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree at country concerts and fairs. The show was founded in 1945 by Ramblin’ “Doc” Tommy Scott.

 

 

1991

    • Curly Ray Cline, Randall Franks and Jimmy Campbell fiddle on the Grand Ole Opry Bluegrass Show in 1991. (Photo: Randall Franks Media/Donna Tracy)

  • Randall Franks and Grand Ole Opry stars the Whites – Sharon, Cheryl and Buck record their Top Country Vocal Collaboration in 1990.

  • Randall Franks performed for his 10th CMA Country Music Fan Fair at the Grand Ole Opry Bluegrass Show. He yielded a top-five Country Music Collaboration with Grand Ole Opry stars The Whites.

    He continued his work on NBC on TV’s “In the Heat of the Night” touring when off from the show.

    Randall Franks brought Alan Autry and David Hart to Nashville to join him on the Grand Ole Opry. Randall performed with Jim & Jesse and the Virginia Boys playing fiddle. The trio also appeared on stage with Porter Wagoner.

    Randall Franks (right), Alan Autry (center) and David Hart appear on the Grand Ole Opry on Nov. 21, 1991. (Photo: Donna Tracy)

    During their time in Nashville, the trio also appeared on Crook and Chase and Video Morning on TNN and did an autograph session for their Sonlite Records release “Christmas Time’s A Comin'” at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop.

Alan Autry, Randall Franks, Sonlite Records President Chris White and David Hart at Ernest Tubb Record Shops in 1991.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1992

 

Randall Franks performs for 10,000 country music fans at the Grand Ole Opry Bluegrass Show in 1992. (Photo: Alan Mayor)

Randall Franks participated in his 11th CMA Country Music Fan Fair in the Randall Franks Fan Club booth. He appeared on the Grand Ole Opry Fan Fair Show backed by Jim & Jesse.

Randall also appeared on TNN’s “Miller and Company” and “Nashville Now” promoting his “Sacred Sounds of Appalachia” album.

He continued his work on CBS on TV’s “In the Heat of the Night” touring musically when off from the show.

Randall Franks appears with a stage full of Bluegrass Legends for the Grand Ole Opry in 1992. (Photo: Alan Mayor) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1993

 

Randall Franks visits with fans in his Fan Fair booth while Channel 5 conducts a news interview.

Randall Franks and Carl Jackson visit backstage at CMA Country Music Fan Fair in 1993. (Photo; Randall Franks Media/Donna Tracy)

Randall Franks participated in his 12th CMA Country Music Fan Fair in the Randall Franks Fan Club booth. He appeared on the Grand Ole Opry Fan Fair Show for Bill Monroe and attended the Grand Master Fiddler Championship.

He continued his work on CBS on TV’s “In the Heat of the Night” touring musically when off from the show.

1994

Randall Franks (second from left) fiddles on stage at Grand Ole Opry Fan Fair Bluegrass Show in 1994. (Photo Donna Tracy)

Randall Franks participated in his 13th CMA Country Music Fan Fair in the Randall Franks Fan Club booth. He appeared on the Grand Ole Opry Fan Fair Show for Bill Monroe.

Randall Franks appeared on the Grand Master Fiddler Championship as a Grand Ole Opry performer.

Randall continued touring with his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree, guest starred with other artists and acted.

1995

Randall Franks hosts the SPBGMA Bluegrass Music Awards in the Opry’s Roy Acuff Theater in 1995.

Randall Franks backstage with Grand Ole Opry stars Jan Howard and Jeannie Seely who were all performing for the Ernest Tubb Record Shop.

Randall Franks serves as Host of Nashville’s SPBGMA Bluegrass Music Awards in January.

Randall Franks participated in his 14th CMA Country Music Fan Fair in the Randall Franks Fan Club booth promoting his “Tunes and Tales from Tunnel Hill” album. He appeared on the Grand Ole Opry Fan Fair Show for Bill Monroe.

Randall Franks appeared for the Ernest Tubb Record Shop.

Randall continued touring with his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree, guest starred with other artists and acted.

 

Randall Franks backstage with Grand Ole Opry star Grandpa Jones.

1996

Randall Franks spent much of this year in Hollywood pursuing his acting career.

Randall participated in his 15th CMA Country Music Fan Fair in the Randall Franks Fan Club booth. Randall joined Bluegrass Stars for the Grand Ole Opry Fan Fair Bluegrass Show following Bill Monroe’s stroke. Bill Monroe passed away and Randall attended his funeral services at the Ryman.

Grand Ole Opry star Stonewall Jackson and Randall Franks visit backstage while performing for the Ernest Tubb Record Shop in 1996.

He performed for the Ernest Tubb Record Shop.

Randall Franks appeared on the Grand Master Fiddler Championship as a Grand Ole Opry performer.

Randall continued touring with his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree, guest starred with other artists and acted.

Randall Franks and Grand Ole Opry star Ricky Skaggs backstage at the 1996 Grand Ole Opry Bluegrass Show.

Randall Franks is honored with his own exhibit at the newly-opened Georgia Music Hall of Fame alongside Ray Stevens, Brenda Lee, Jerry Reed, Alan Jackson, The Lewis Family and others. Franks, Travis Tritt, Little Richard, were among stars in attendance. Franks and Tritt were featured on TNN in “Opry Notes” with Roxanne Russell. from this event.

 

 

1997

 

Randall Franks fiddles as he hosts A Night at the Ryman in 1997.                                     

Randall Franks entertains for the Grand Ole Opry at the Grand Master Fiddler Championship in 1997 at Opryland backed by Opry musicians including Joe Edwards,

Randall Franks participated in his 16th CMA Country Music Fan Fair in the Randall Franks Fan Club booth.

Randall Franks appeared for the Grand Ole Opry on the Grand Master Fiddler Championship at Opryland as an Entertainer.

Recognized historically by Annually in This Day in Rock and Roll History – Randall Franks hosts a Night at the Ryman concert featuring Franks, Rhett Akins, Ronna Reeves, and the Kentucky Headhunters.

Randall continued touring with his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree, guest starred with other artists and acted.

Randall co-starred with Stella Parton in the film “Phoenix Falling.”

Randall Franks (right) and future Grand Ole Opry star Trace Adkins visit while appearing for the Grand Opening of the Country Star Restaurant.

Randall Franks is featured in exhibits alongside other country stars in the Country Star Restaurants and appears at openings with Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Tracy Lawrence, Trace Adkins and others

 

1998

Sonya Isaacs of the Isaacs visits with Randall Franks in his Fan Fair booth in 1999.

Randall Franks participated in his 17th CMA Country Music Fan Fair in the Randall Franks Fan Club booth promoting his “Comedy Down Home” album.

Randall continued touring with his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree, guest starred with other artists and acted.

Randall starred in the film “Firebase 9.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Randall Franks (right) with Sue (left) and Kim Koskela wait backstage to ride through Opryland’s Presidential Ballroom in 1999.

1999

Randall Franks participated in his 18th CMA Country Music Fan Fair in the Randall Franks Fan Club booth.

Randall continued touring with his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree, guest starred with other artists and acted. His Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree played to its largest attracted audience of 30,000.

Randall Franks performed at the Opryland Hotel as likely the only performing act with Sue and Kim Koskela to sing while riding through the Presidential Ballroom on horseback.

Randall Franks co-starred with Grand Ole Opry star Dolly Parton in the film “The Blue Valley Songbird.”

Bluegrass Hall of Famer Sam Bush and Randall Franks work with director Richard Colla for “Blue Valley Songbird.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2000

Randall Franks and his mother and manager Pearl Franks stand in front of his exhibit at the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1999. The exhibit was featured from 1996-2011, when its museum closed.

 

Randall Franks participated in his 19th CMA Country Music Fan Fair in the Randall Franks Fan Club booth promoting his “God’s Children” CD.

Randall continued touring with his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree, guest starred with other artists and acted.

 

 

 

2001

Actors Randall Franks and Kassie DePaiva visit with each other and fans at the 2001 CMA Country Music Fan Fair.

Randall Franks (right) “Officer Randy Kraft” returns to CBS in Hallmark Hall of Fame’s “The Flamingo Rising” in 2001. Franks rehearses with Academy Award winner William Hurt (left) as award-winning director Martha Coolidge gives some insights into the scene. A background actor (center) also prepares. Photo:Courtesy Hallmark/Anthony Neste, Used by permission of Randall Franks Music.

 

Randall completed his 20th Country Music Association Fan Fair Appearance.

Randall  made his return to CBS  starring in an ensemble cast with William Hurt for the 50th Anniversary Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation “The Flamingo Rising.”

 

 

 

 

 

2002-2006

Randall stepped away from widespread music touring and acting to care for his late mother, manager and fan club president Pearl Franks. Although he did make occasional musical appearances with his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree and guest appearance with other stars when his mother’s health was stable within the region close to home, he started a syndicated column called “Southern Style” running in newspapers through the South and Midwest and became a journalist (2001-2009) writing on government, politics and features. He featured many of his Grand Ole Opry friends in those writings. In 2024, he marks 23 years of publication. In 2005, he became a published author. Randall co-authored the award-winning celebrity cookbook “Stirring Up Success with a Southern Flavor” which was featured in Country Weekly. He was honored with a special musical exhibit by the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in the I-75 Georgia Welcome Center in 2005. He was honored by the State of Kentucky for his contributions to the music of Bill Monroe.

 

2007

 

Randall Franks serves a Celebrity Host of the Grand Master Fiddler Championship at the Country Music Hall of Fame and other venues 2007-2024 replacing Grand Ole Opry stars Porter Wagoner and Roy Acuff before him.

Randall Franks performs with Jesse McReynolds at a Virginia Boys Reunion in 2007.

Randall Franks becomes the official celebrity host of the revitalized Grand Master Fiddler Championship started by the Grand Ole Opry in the 1970s at the IBMA World of Bluegrass in Nashville. Though he has shared the duties through its years at the IBMA, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Belmont University, he continues serving. Continuing its tradition, The Grand Master Fiddlers appear on the Grand Ole Opry annually.

Randall returned to perform with Jesse McReynolds as a Virginia Boy.

Randall began hosting monthly concerts in Ringgold, Georgia raising funds for the Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship from 2007-2018.

Randall began limited appearances with his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree and guest starred with other artists.

2008

Randall Franks performs with Jesse McReynolds and the Virginia Boys in 2008.

Randall Franks hosts the Grand Master Fiddler Championship started by the Grand Ole Opry at the IBMA World of Bluegrass in Nashville.

Randall Franks performed with Jesse McReynolds as a Virginia Boy.

Randall continued limited appearances with his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree and guest starred with other artists.

                        2009

Randall Franks and Mark O’Connor backstage at the Grand Master Fiddler Championship in 2009 in Nashville.

Randall Franks hosts the Grand Master Fiddler Championship started by the Grand Ole Opry at the IBMA World of Bluegrass in Nashville.

Randall returned full time appearing with his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree and guest starred with other artists.

Randall returns Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree on WSM co-starring with Kathy Mattea.

Randall performs on PBS for the Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards. He also starred in Robert Townsend’s “Musical Theater of Hope.”

 

                                                                                  2010

 

Randall Franks interviews fiddler Tex Logan on stage at the Grand Master Fiddler Championship in 2010 at the IBMA World of Bluegrass.

Randall Franks and Grand Ole Opry stars the Whites backstage in Owensboro, Ky. when Randall was honored as a Bluegrass Legend.

Randall Franks hosts the Grand Master Fiddler Championship started by the Grand Ole Opry at the IBMA World of Bluegrass in Nashville.

Randall was honored as an International Bluegrass Music Museum Legend in Owensboro alongside Hall of Fame members. In his career at that point, Franks has contributed to the legacies of over thirty bluegrass hall of famers, and another dozen country and gospel hall of famers.

Randall continued touring with his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree, guest starred with other artists and acted.

                                                   2011

Bluegrass Legends Curly Seckler, Randall Franks and Tommy Scott at the 2011 Pioneers Gathering at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in Owensboro.

Randall Franks hosts the Grand Master Fiddler Championship started by the Grand Ole Opry.

Randall was honored a second time as an International Bluegrass Music Museum Legend, this time for his work as a Blue Grass Boy with Grand Ole Opry star Bill Monroe, for his Centennial Celebration.

Randall continued touring with his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree, guest starred with other artists and acted.

He starred in several films beginning in 2011.

2012

Randall Franks serves as celebrity host for the Grand Master Fiddler Championship started by the Grand Ole Opry.

Randall continued touring with his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree, guest starred with other artists and acted.

Randall starred with John Schneider in the film Lukewarm, Natalie Grant and Billy Dean in Decision, and with his Cornhuskers String Band appeared in the popular film Lawless.

Randall Franks with his Cornhuskers String Band as seen in the popular film “Lawless,” also including star Mia Wasikowska.

2013

Randall Franks hosts the Grand Master Fiddler Championship in 2013.

Randall Franks serves as Grand Master Fiddler Championship celebrity host at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, started by the Grand Ole Opry.

Randall continued touring with his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree, guest starred with other artists and acted.

Randall guest starred in the film The Solomon Bunch.

He was inducted into the Independent Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013.

 

 

                                                                               2014

WSM Host and Grand Ole Opry Dancer Marcia Campbell and Randall Franks co-host the Grand Master Fiddler Championship in 2014.

Randall Franks with ET Record Shop owner David McCormick in 2014.

 

Randall Franks serves as Grand Master Fiddler Championship celebrity host at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, started by the Grand Ole Opry.

Randall continued touring with his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree, guest starred with other artists and acted.

Randall starred with Soren Fulton in the film Broken.

2015

Randall Franks fiddles on the Grand Ole Opry in 2015 with Jesse and Garrett McReynolds and the Crowe Brothers. (Photo by LuAnn Adams)

Randall Franks and Grand Ole Opry Dancer and WSM Host Marcia Campbell in 2015.

Randall Franks serves as celebrity host for the Grand Master Fiddler Championship started by the Grand Ole Opry.

Randall Franks returns to appear for Grand Ole Opry appearing with Jesse McReynolds in May.

Randall Franks appears on WSM Radio on The Allnighter with Marcia Campbell with special guests Mountain Cove Bluegrass Band and Ryan Stinson. He directed and starred in the documentary “The Road to Nashville” taken from a series of Nashville experiences in this trip.

Randall continued touring with his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree, guest starred with other artists and acted.

2016-2022

 

GMFC host Randall Franks (right) with organizers Ed Carnes, Howard Harris, Woody Paul from Riders in the Sky and Grand Master Fiddler Maddie Denton in 2016.

 

Celebrity GMFC host Randall Franks, with organizers Ed Carnes, Howard Harris and 2017 Grand Master Mia Orosco

 

GMFC Co-Hosts Randall Franks and Keith Bilbrey with organizers Ed Carnes, Howard Harris with Grand Master Fiddler in Trustan Baker in 2018.

Randall Franks serves as Celebrity host or co-host of the Grand Master Fiddler Championship at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum continuing the Grand Ole Opry tradition started by Roy Acuff and Porter Wagoner.

Randall continued touring with his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree, guest starred with other artists and acted.

He was inducted into America’s Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame in 2019.

Randall won an ensemble acting award for his role in “The Cricket’s Dance” which also secured five Best Film Awards in 2020.

He was inducted into the Tri-State Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2022.

 

Grand Master Fiddler Championship co-hosts Randall Franks, The Farmer and Adele at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in 2022.

Randall Franks backstage with Grand Ole Opry stars The Riders in the Sky at the Country Music Hall of Fame. (Photo: Michelle Mize)

GMFC Host Randall Franks with organizers Ed Carnes and Howard Harris with Grand Master Fiddler Ridge Roberts in 2019.

GMFC Host Randall Franks with organizers Howard Harris and Ed Carnes with Grand Master Fiddler Katrina Nicolayeff in 2021.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 2023

GMFC Host Randall Franks with organizers Ed Carnes, Howard Harris and Grand Master Fiddler Tristan Clarridge in 2023.

Randall Franks serves as Celebrity host of the Grand Master Fiddler Championship at Belmont University.

Randall continued touring with his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree, guest starred with other artists and acted.

Randall starred in and directed the film “The American’s Creed” released in worldwide film festivals.

He was nominated for Inspirational Vocalist of the Year and Musician of the Year (Fiddle) in the Jose Awards at the Grand Ole Opry House.

 

 

2024

GMFC Host Randall Franks with organizers Ed Carnes, Howard Harris and Grand Master Fiddler Ridge Roberts in 2024.

Randall Franks serves as Celebrity Host of the Grand Master Fiddler Championship in Franklin, Tenn.

Randall continued touring with his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree, guest starred with other artists and acted.

Randall starred in and directed the documentary film “The Making of ‘The American’s Creed'” released in worldwide film festivals.

He is nominated for Inspirational Vocalist of the Year and Musician of the Year (Fiddle) in the Jose Awards at the Grand Ole Opry House.

Randall’s latest film and album “The American’s Creed”:

Itunes:
Streaming on Rumble, YouTube and Brighteon
Learn more at our website:
Radio please download at AirPlay Direct:

 

 

 

Randall marks the 40th Anniversary of

his first appearance as a

Guest Star for the Grand Ole Opry

October 11, 2024.

(R) The Grand Ole Opry is a Registered Trademark of Ryman Hospitalities Properties, Inc.

 

Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys

/in , , /by

Randall Franks performs with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys in Dahlonega in 1984.

Appalachian Entertainer/Fiddler Randall Franks has the distinction of being one of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys working alongside Wayne Lewis, Tater Tate and Blake Williams. As of 2024, he is considered the youngest of the living members of the band contributing to the legacy of the Bluegrass Music, Country Music, Rock and Roll Music and Songwriter halls of fame member.

For his contributions to the legacy of Bill Monroe, Randall Franks was honored or recognized by the Grand Ole Opry; Bluegrass Unlimited; The State of Kentucky; The International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum at Monroe’s Centennial Celebration with also an exhibit inclusion; and Bluegrass Music Profiles.

In 1987, The Grand Ole Opry – Hal Durham, Grand Ole Opry General Manager & Country Music Hall of Famer E. Bud Wendell, Gaylord Entertainment Vice President, and Bluegrass Unlimited – Bluegrass Hall of Fame Member Pete Kuykendall, editor and general manager, honored Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys.

Monroe Enterprises – Bill Monroe was aware of every Blue Grass Boy honored in this effort and fiddler/bassist Randall “Randy” Franks received award #173.

The award stated: “Since 1939 Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys have set the standards for aspiring musicians around the globe. On this, the occasion of Bill Monroe’s 75th birthday, September 13, 1987, Bluegrass Unlimited and the Grand Ole Opry proudly honor Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys for their contribution to the American way of life through music.”

Project Coordinator: Blue Grass Boy Doug Hutchens; Design by Fred Huffman; Award Design Medals

Randall “Randy” Franks was honored in 1987 by the Grand Ole Opry and Bluegrass Unlimited for his contributions to American music as one of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys.

 

“Without Bill Monroe, (Randall Franks) would have not had a music career in Nashville and would have never performed as a guest artist for the Grand Ole Opry,” Franks said. “He along with Jim & Jesse McReynold s were my greatest advocates, cheerleaders and door-openers in country music.”

Randall has written extensively and in greater depth about Bill Monroe in his book series Encouragers. In fact, he is featured in chapters in all three volumes of the collection including “Bill Monroe: A $1,000,000 Magical Mandolin,” “Bill Monroe: Stepping into Kenny Baker’s Shoes,” “Bill Monroe: Don’t Cry in Your Crush,” “A Moment with Doc Watson and Bill Monroe,”  “Being Brought into Focus by Bill Monroe,” and “Bill Monroe – The Hall of Fame Dance” available at www.RandallFranks.com/store .

Radio May Find Two New Releases “Back Up and Push” and “The Road to Columbus” of Randall with Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys on “The American’s Creed” album at https://airplaydirect.com/RandallFranksTheAmericansCreed/ 

“The American’s Creed” album is available on ITunes and other download outlets :  https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-americans-creed/1743671704

Downloads of the two recordings benefit the Pearl and Floyd Franks Appalachian Music Scholarship from the Share America Foundation, Inc.

Below is an interview that Randall Franks shared in 2008 for the former magazine Bluegrass Music Profiles:

Randall Franks Question and Answer for Bluegrass Music Profiles May 2008

Let me preface this interview with the following:

Randall Franks and Bill Monroe in 1984

I am proud to talk about my thoughts about the iconic performer Bill Monroe, although, I think there are many more worthy Blue Grass Boys more deserving of this level of discussion about his artistry. My tenure as a Blue Grass Boy was short for the reasons revealed below, but my friendship with him during our association was a true blessing to me and my late parents Floyd and Pearl. So my comments are not to lift up my association with him but rather simply to remember someone who along side other artists such as Jim and Jesse and the Virginia Boys, The Lewis Family, Jeff and Sheri Easter, Doodle and the Golden River Grass, and The Marksmen that helped place in motion a series of God’s door openings to allow me to reach NBC and CBS as an series actor and to bless my music career with top selling musical releases and various awards.

1) What did you know and think about Bill Monroe before you met him?

First, I knew the sound of his music from the records I had bought; as a child I looked forward to whenever I could catch his appearances on Hee Haw or various specials on the three majors networks. I learned about some of the Monroe lore about various topics from the Georgia and Tennessee bluegrassers that I was exposed to growing up such as stories about Monroe’s relationships with former band members such a Flatt and Scruggs and Jimmy Martin, his musical successes, frustrations and sometimes unchanging attitudes.

2) How and when did you meet him?

Bill Monroe greets fans at Scottsboro, Ala. in 1983. (Randall Franks Media)

As a fan, I first met him when he went to Scottsboro, Ala. to cut a live album in Cathedral Caverns in Alabama. My late father and my friend and mandolin teacher Eugene Akers along with another member of my band The Peachtree Pickers made the trip to see the recording and have an opportunity to be part of that bit of Bluegrass history. Although I don’t think the project as a whole was ever released, it was a fun day and it only solidified my awe of Monroe.

3) Tell me how you heard about an opening and how you auditioned for the group?

I didn’t audition for the Blue Grass Boys. I had met Monroe as a musician in Jekyll Island, Ga. while appearing at an event with Josh Graves. After coming off stage, Monroe was back in a small dressing room where all the performers kept cases. The musicians all played a number with Mr. Monroe, because he had out his mandolin and was tuning up. They all put away their instruments and went away. Mr. Monroe came up to me and asked ‘Do you know how to play ‘Katy Hill’.’ I replied ‘Yes, sir.’ And proceeded to play. He looked at me and shook his head ‘That’s not the way you should play it, you should do it like this.” Showing me the first section and then waiting for me to mimic him. So that is how our relationship officially began, teacher to student. After that tune I looked around and realized we were the only one in the room and the lesson continued with only brief interruptions as acts moved in and out as they went on and off stage for about three hours.

He then invited me to Nashville where I visited him at the farm and at the Opry. I shared some volunteer hours helping to build, set up displays for the creation of the first Bill Monroe Bluegrass Hall of Fame on Music Valley Drive. I performed with the Blue Grass Boys as a guest at its opening, then at Bill’s birthday celebration.

Randall’s 1984 debut for the Grand Ole Opry was featured in Music City News.

In October, Bill invited me to bring my band the Peachtree Pickers to appear on the Early Bird Bluegrass Show for the Grand Ole Opry in October of 1984. We did. It was just a few days later that Kenny departed the group just prior to their going to Japan.

Sue Lewis (Blue Grass Boy Wayne Lewis’s wife) made me aware of Kenny’s departure. Bill and his secretary Betty McInturff were searching for a replacement as they were departing for Japan. My name was discussed and I received the call, but too late for the overseas trip. (I didn’t have a passport.) I joined them on their return to the states.

4) Tell me about your first rehearsals and your first shows as a Blue Grass Boy. What were the typical comments he’d give you about your playing?

I didn’t have a first rehearsal. I walked on the bus in Yakima, Washington. Monroe asked me if I knew most of his numbers. I told him I knew several but was not greatly familiar with his regular set list. Kenny kicked off many of the tunes; this was an area that had me concerned. He said ‘Well why don’t you play the big fiddle tonight and we will let Tater play the little fiddle.’

Randall Franks plays bass as a Blue Grass Boy.

Since I had done little more than hold a bass, this made my stress level increase immensely. Tater gave me a fifteen-minute bass lesson, taped up my fingers and the next thing I knew I was on stage as a Blue Grass Boy for my first 75-minute show. Some of the biggest advice about playing bass was he told me to smile and look like I’m having a good time. I smiled a lot because I did have a good time; although I am sure, my contribution drove my fellow Blue Grass Boys crazy as I tried to keep up with them with an instrument on which I had just a passing knowledge. Those 75 minutes flew by and I was in a musical heaven. I was a Blue Grass Boy. As the tour continued, Tater and I would swap instruments back and forth.

5) Where did you meet for road dates and what were the traveling conditions like? Where were you living?

I flew from Atlanta to meet Bill in Washington and rode his bus from there until we returned to Nashville. Traveling conditions were fine — a bunk in a bus and motel rooms. Otherwise, I drove to meet them at various shows from Atlanta.

Randall Franks on stage with Blake Williams, Bill Monroe and Tater Tate in Seattle, Wash. 1984  (Photo courtesy of Barry Brower)

6)  What did Bill usually do during travel and can you tell me a story about something unique you witnessed?

I don’t know how unique it is but he often sat in his recliner playing solitaire or gin rummy. I often would sit and play with him. He also would like to sit in the jumper sit at the front of the bus and I would sit down on the stair by him at night. We along with the bus driver would talk about a myriad of subjects, often about his experiences on the road, with various people, sometimes simply singing hymns such as “Farther Along.”

7) Did you write any songs with Bill? If so, what were they and how did they come together?

I did not share any writing credits with him. (However, we do share some shared arrangements on my released performances with the Blue Grass Boys)

8) Did you witness Bill writing or practicing/ How did he usually do this?

Bill Monroe listens to Randall’s band in 1984 while sporting a belt buckle, Randall had specially made for him.

Bill was constantly creating tunes and songs in his head. Any time he put the old mandolin in his hands inevitably a new tune would come out.

9) What songs do you remember him writing while you were a member?

“Jekyll Island” was one that sticks in my mind. That was another one that he taught me early on. There were several others through the years I heard him work on, many of which he recorded in his last instrumental session that I attended.

10)  What projects and songs did you record on/Where and when were these done and what was the atmosphere like?

Although I did have the honor of sitting next to Mr. Monroe throughout one of his final recording sessions, I never recorded in the studio with him, however, thanks to James Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys of my period, Wayne Lewis, Blake Williams and the late Tater Tate, a few of the live performances that I did with Bill featuring me on fiddle (are available on a) special project for our Share America Foundation, Inc. to help raise monies for our Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship Fund, named for my late parents, helping young people continuing the traditional music of Appalachia. (The songs released this year are Back Up and Push,” and “Road to Columbus,” and another may be released soon.)

11) Who were the other band members at the time and what members joined and quit before you left?

Mr. Bill was trying different things to fill needs at the time — basic core Wayne Lewis, Blake Williams and the late Tater Tate; he also had Joe Stuart and Roger Aycock (bass) come in on different appearances. Seems like I recall Dale Morris coming in following me.

12) What were your favorite songs to perform live?

I enjoyed performing “Sweet Blue Eyed Darling,” “Old, Old House,” “Blue Moon of Kentucky” and “Bluegrass Breakdown.”

13) What was your relationship with Bill like when not on the road and did you spend much free time with him at his home?

As an artist, Randall Franks appears for the Grand Ole Opry in 1985 alongside Ralph Stanley, Wilma Lee Cooper and Bill Monroe.

Even as a youth, I always felt Bill treated me somewhat as an equal possibly because I was leading my own band. We were always friends and when I’d come to Nashville, he’d take me out to eat or to an area music venue and when he came to Georgia, I would do the same. I visited the farm on several occasions and felt it to be a special look at someone I really admired.

14) Did you have any other chores or responsibilities?

While working on the road, I helped keep up with the mandolin and often carried it around. I also would make sure Bill had what he needed when we went to eat or he ate in his motel room.

15) What did you learn from Bill Monroe?

In short, perseverance. He was an overcomer, no matter what he faced in his career or personal life, he came back giving it his best with the attitude that only the best will happen to those who are steadfast, honest and who treats his friends with dignity.

16) Can you give me a story about him or tell something people may not know about him?

When Bill was in a major car accident in the 1950s that sidelined him for a while. As he lay injured following the accident at the edge of the highway and out of it, he could feel a passerby not there offering him aid but working to pull whatever rings he was wearing from his fingers.

17) How, when and why did you leave the group?

Surprisingly, it was years after my departure from the group that I knew what brought about my leaving.

I had completed the cross-country tour and was making various appearances with Monroe as part of his winter shows. We were at Norman Adams’ and Tony Anderson’s Myrtle Beach, S.C. show that Thanksgiving. My parents had made the trip in with me to see me appear with Bill. He and they went out to dinner together without me.

I found out years later that my future as a Blue Grass Boy was the point of discussion. Bill told my parents he wanted me to work for him; they told him they wanted me to finish college. I was the first in my family on both sides at the time to start that endeavor and they wanted me to see it through.

Floyd and Pearl Franks with Bill Monroe backstage at Myrtle Beach, SC in 1984

After some discussion, they agreed and when classes started back after winter break guess who was on campus. Years later after my father’s death, mother and I were back stage at the Opry after my own star was rising. Monroe came over placed his hand on my shoulder and commented to mom, ‘I guess we did a good job in getting him a good education.’ Mother agreed, he gave me a little pat on the back and he moved along. She then told me the story. She also added the fact that he told them if I ever wanted to come back to the Blue Grass Boys after school, he wanted me back. Of course, I did come back many times as a guest appearing on stage with most of the other remaining band members at events during his last years.

18) What was Bill’s reaction and what was your last performance and last days as a BGB like?

In response to the above discussion, Bill just quietly let me know he would be looking at other fiddlers. (Myrtle Beach) was that except I also attribute to my stint with the group an appearance at the High School Auditorium in Sparta, Tenn. It was essentially as a back up fiddler for lack of better description that Bill asked me to join them in case he needed me. Tater and I both played at that show. Joe Stuart played bass.

19) Did you ever regret leaving? Did you see Bill many times after that?

Randall Franks fiddles with Bill Monroe at Bill Monroe Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.

Did I regret leaving?  I was devastated at the time. I was a teenager sitting in our bluegrass equivalent of the first chair of the New York Philharmonic. It was initially hard to come down from being on stage and going back to my own youth band but the experience elevated my reception in the regional bluegrass community and helped our group gain more opportunities and me more fiddling engagements with other artists. Bill (and the Grand Ole Opry) also brought my group, whomever I was working with and wanted to bring back to perform for the Opry bluegrass shows several times.

20) How do you look back on that phase of your life and career?

I was learning, soaking up anything and everything I could. I was definitely not deserving of the opportunity afforded but ever so glad that God allowed our musical careers to become one for a while.

21) How did you feel when he passed away?

This 1989 photo by Ronald Stuckey is in the room where Monroe originally took an interest in the musical talents of Franks at Jekyll Island, Ga. originally in 1983. Of course, Bill had Randall join him on stage during his show.

While Bill was a man of few words, we shared many in our association. I feel there was times he didn’t always agree with the direction of my musical career especially during the time musically my sounds were becoming more country in orientation. The last time I spoke with him he said “I tell you man, there are not that many people like you and me anymore. Folks like us have got to stick together and be friends to one another.” I was in California pursuing acting opportunities when I heard of his stroke. I was working behind the scenes on “Grace Under Fire.” As soon as I returned South, I immediately went to Nashville and arranged to spend some time with him at the hospital where he was staying.

He could barely speak and was not the tower of strength that helped push me on the national stage, he was just my friend Bill, slowed by infirmities of his age. When I walked in and said my name, he looked up at me and with some effort brought out the syllables ‘Good Fiddler.’ I spent some time with him there just talking about the shared moments as he lay there listening with no response. I told him goodbye, placed my hand on his shoulder, and said “Mr. Bill, I will see you again soon. Thank you for all you did for me.”

I had to return again to Los Angeles, but had returned south when I heard of his death. I felt as if I had lost a father and a person who let his star shine on me for a while and thus gave me a chance to shine myself.

I was only able to make the service at the Ryman and wasn’t able to go to Rosine, although I wish I had.

I for the last time placed my hand on that hand as it laid still in the casket; the one that would often bring me to me knees as he shook mine. It was a hard goodbye and I have missed him ever since but I imagine not any less than anyone else who knew the Man.

22)  How do you sum up what you think of Bill Monroe now and what he means to you?

He was strength personified. Someone that carried his own legacy and an industry into something he could have never even envision in his own youth. He was a man who gave of himself to those he cared about and held to strict philosophies and opinions that were a compass to his life. Did he have shortcomings, sure. Did he make decisions that some questioned, sure. We all do. But what he shared with me is his later life is that he knew Jesus came to clean the slate. He was one of my musical fathers. Because he and others took an interest in me, I do my best to take an interest in young people wishing to continue what we do. That is an honor I owe not only my parents but also all those who helped me along the way including Mr. Monroe.

End of Interview

“I think this photo by Donna Tracy above sums up our friendship, in 1991, I took my co-stars from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night” Alan Autry and David Hart to appear with me on the Grand Ole Opry. Look how Bill greeted us. He was so glad to see the tremendous success that one of his Blue Grass Boys was having on network TV as an actor,” Franks said.

Randall Franks appears with Bill Monroe with a stage full of Bluegrass Legends for the Grand Ole Opry in 1992. (Photo: Alan L. Mayor)

Randall has appeared at Blue Grass Boys Reunions hosted by East Tennessee State University in Tennessee, by the IBMA Hall of Fame and Museum in Owensboro, Kentucky, and in North Carolina.

As historical accounts are written about Bill Monroe and members of the Blue Grass Boys, Randall wanted to make sure that his legacy in the history of the band was solidified by the only remaining officer and staff member of Monroe Enterprises, so he asked James Monroe to attest about his place in Bill Monroe’s legacy and the Blue Grass Boys’ history. James Monroe gave the following statement:

To Whom It May Concern:

     My father Bill Monroe became aware of the talents of Georgia fiddler Randall “Randy” Franks in 1983 and began teaching him

James Monroe and Randall Franks backstage at Grand Ole Opry Bluegrass Show in 1996. (Photo: Randall Franks Media/Donna Tracy)

tunes on the fiddle, and in 1984 he began inviting Randy to come a make appearances with the Blue Grass Boys.

     His first appearance was at the Grand Opening Celebration of Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame on June 4, 1984 in Nashville, Tenn. We had included a picture of his band – The Peachtree Pickers in the museum of the Hall of Fame.

     Dad had him come to the Dahlonega Bluegrass Festival in June 1984 to have him appear with the Blue Grass Boys alongside Kenny Baker. He was included to play among other Blue Grass Boys at dad’s birthday celebration at the hall of fame in September 1984.

Pearl Franks presents Randall with his honor from the State of Kentucky recognizing his role as one of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys in 2002.

Dad then had him bring his band – The Peachtree Pickers to appear at the Grand Ole Opry Birthday Celebration at the Early Bird Bluegrass Show on October 9, 1984. Which he continued to do either at the Birthday Celebration or at Fan Fair with his band or other Grand Ole Opry acts backing him until my father’s passing in 1996.

     When Kenny Baker left the Blue Grass Boys at the Jemison Bluegrass Festival, dad was leaving for a Japan tour. Our office reached out to Randy to see if he could do the tour, but he did not have a passport. Despite this, dad had Betty hire him as a Blue Grass Boy in mid October and we arranged for him to join the band upon their return to the United States. He flew from Atlanta, Ga. to Yakima, Wash. on Oct. 29, 1984. He stayed over night and met the band – dad, Blake Williams, Wayne Lewis and Tater Tate upon their arrival at the Capitol Theatre. They did one 7:30 p.m. show. The band then moved to Portland, Oregon doing an 8:30 p.m. show at the Starry Night; then to Seattle, Wash. for an 8 p.m. appearance on Thursday, Nov. 1 at the Jane Adams Auditorium for the Seattle Folklore Society. The band then traveled to Colorado doing shows at the Arvada Center in Arvada, Colo. at 8 p.m. on Nov. 2 and 3. The band moved on to Fort Collins, Colo. for a 7 p.m. show at the Cow Palace on Nov. 4. After traveling for three days to The Ark in Ann Arbor, Mich. they did 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. shows on Nov. 7. The band returned to Nashville, Tenn. and Randy returned to his classes in Atlanta. Dad had him come and appear with the

Randall “Randy” Franks

Blue Grass Boys in Sparta, Tenn. on Nov. 18 and at the South Carolina State Bluegrass Festival in Myrtle Beach on November 23. While I was not there during the discussion, I understand that dad had dinner with Randy’s parents, Floyd and Pearl at Myrtle Beach and talked with them about him staying with the Blue Grass Boys, they wanted him to finish school first, and

asked dad to allow him to come back in the future once that was done if a spot was open then, and for dad not make Randy the offer. They all agreed.

     As dad continued to try future fiddlers, he did have Randy make some appearances in 1985 and guest appearances for years to come. Randy played both fiddle and bass as a Blue Grass Boy. My dad was proud of one of his Blue Grass Boys in future years achieving network television stardom as an actor on “In the Heat of the Night.” The Grand Ole Opry and Bluegrass Unlimited presented him with one of the Blue Grass Boys buckles. The state of Kentucky made him a Kentucky Colonel for his work as a Blue Grass Boy and the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame honored Randy alongside me and the other Blue Grass Boys in 2011 as a Bluegrass Legend at my father’s centennial celebration.

     Though some historians may try to look back upon history and change reality based on their own criteria, to Bill Monroe, and to me, Randall “Randy” Franks was, is, and will always be a Blue Grass Boy. He will always be part of the legacy of Bill Monroe.

James Monroe

Oct. 23/’23

Randall Franks is honored at the Bill Monroe Centennial Celebration at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in 2011 for his contributions as a Blue Grass Boy to the legacy of Bill Monroe by emcee and fellow Blue Grass Boy Blake Williams.

 

 

Randall Franks poses along with his Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame exhibit which also included his Blue Grass Boys hat.

Randall’s Blue Grass Boy hat on display at Bluegrass Music Museum in Owensboro.

 

Here is another  webpage referencing his work as a Blue Grass Boy: https://doodah.net/bgb/RandallRandyFranks.html

Randall Franks is an actor. entertainer and journalist. He serves as president of the Share America Foundation, Inc. a Georgia 501-C3 that works to preserve the traditional music of Appalachia by encouraging youth through the Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship. For more information, visit  www.ShareAmericaFoundation.org or write P.O. Box 42 Tunnel Hill, Ga. 30755.