In the summer of 1985, I stood under the bright lights of Nashville’s Fairgrounds Speedway, my mandolin ringing out as I harmonized with bluegrass legends Ralph Stanley, Wilma Lee Cooper, and Bill Monroe on “I Saw the Light.” The roar of 12,000 fans filled the air, and in that moment, I felt a fire ignite […]
Why do our dreams so often transport us to familiar settings—our childhood homes, old schoolyards, or long-forgotten rooms? For me, these recurring landscapes are no coincidence. I believe our minds seek comfort in the known, anchoring us in spaces where we once felt safe to help us rest, reflect, or even receive deeper insights. My […]
Easter’s celebration of Christ’s resurrection renews our call to live fully in His service. As we proclaim, “He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!” we’re invited to carry His message by embracing a richer, more purposeful life. Jesus offers timeless lessons to guide us: love God and others, forgive freely, and trust in God’s provision. […]
YELLVILLE, AR – At 108, Ozarks legend Violet Hensley continues to inspire with her autobiography, Whittlin’ and Fiddlin’ My Own Way: The Violet Hensley Story, co-authored with Randall Franks. This captivating memoir, first published by Peach Picked Publishing in 2014, will be available on Kindle starting April 30, bringing Hensley’s extraordinary journey to a new digital […]
I messaged a Heart of Texas Records friend, Tracy Pitcox, on Facebook, hoping we’d cross paths during our uncoordinated Nashville visits. Little did I know God had plans to weave old friends and new moments together in Music Valley Drive—a corner of Music City that still feels like home. Nashville’s changed since my youth. High-rises […]
I gripped Dollar’s reins as she spun 180 degrees, testing my rusty riding skills. With effort, I turned it into a full 360, regaining control. It had been 20 years since I’d last swung a leg over a horse, and I’d lost much of my knack. Yet Dollar stayed patient with me as we worked […]
My father cradled a stone in his palm, its edges smoothed by time. “It takes just the right one to skip,” he murmured, “sending ripples with every touch upon the water.” With a flick of his wrist, he cast it forth, and three perfect bounces danced across the lake’s glassy face. From each fleeting kiss, […]
Love—who hasn’t wrestled with its mysteries? From ancient ballads to modern movies, we’ve spent countless words and melodies trying to capture its many faces. Through my life, I’ve experienced familial love from parents, siblings, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. Its depth varies by person, but for me, Mom and Dad shine brightest—their love steady and […]
Randall Franks, Officer Randy Goode of TV’s In the Heat of the Night, hosts “Doc” Tommy Scott’s Medicine Show Memories. Franks was Scott’s final celebrity co-star on his Last Real Old Time Medicine Show which was America’s second-longest-running production next to Barnum and Bailey from 1890-2013. Franks features performances from the show spanning its […]
Have you ever wondered why we have a tongue? Is it merely a tool to utter nonsense to those around us? Not everything that rolls off our lips is trivial—far from it. Words hold power, and what we speak can shape our lives in ways we might not expect. Consider a night from my youth. […]
