Share America Foundation chooses banjo stylist/vocalist Derek Stone as a scholarship designee

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The Share America Foundation, Inc. recently announced its third 2025 Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship winner in LaFayette, Ga.

Share America President Randall Franks (right) and organization benefactor Tim Witt (left) present Derek Stone with his Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship designee certificate recently. (Photo: Share America Foundation)

The scholarship honors students excelling in the Appalachian musical arts. Pearl and Floyd Franks were the late parents and former entertainment managers of actor/entertainer Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night.”

Musician Derek Stone, 15, of Chattanooga, Tenn., was selected as a scholarship designee.“

Stone is a talented musician and singer whose talents shine through whether in a jam session or on stage for a show,” Franks said. “He is definitely going to reach many people with his abilities.”

He has won titles at the Smithville Fiddler’s Jamboree in Smithville, Tenn., including First Place Beginning Banjo, Third Place Adult Banjo (twice), and Third Place in the Bluegrass Band Competition. He also won First Place in the Kids’ Band Competition at the Mountain City Fiddler’s Convention in Mountain City, Tenn.

Stone will receive a scholarship from the organization when he starts college.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award and recognition. I never expected to receive this award after only playing for three years,” Stone said. “I would like to thank my parents, my friends who have guided me, my teachers, and all the people who have taught me what seemed to be somewhat small things at the time but turned out to be a huge boost and influence on my playing style. I’d especially like to thank The Kody Norris Show for inviting me up on stage to play in two of their shows when I was just starting out!”

Derek Stone performs on stage at the Forever Bluegrass Festival with Carl Towns and Upward Road. (Photo: David Stone)

Among the places Stone has performed are Forever Bluegrass Festival, The Woodshop in St. Elmo, Tenn., Nine Mile Bluegrass Festival, Armuchee Bluegrass Festival, The Mountain Opry in Walden, Tenn., the IBMA World of Bluegrass – Chattanooga Stage, Crowe Fest, WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour Kids and Adult shows, Mountain City Fiddler’s Convention, Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree, and many more.

Stone is a multi-instrumentalist who focuses on banjo, is in tenth grade at McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tenn. He began playing at the age of 12 and currently performs with Carl Towns and Upward Road.

Stone said he is considering studying mechanical engineering or music business when he reaches college.

“I hope to study woodworking, teach banjo lessons, learn to be a luthier, and pursue being a full-time musician either on the road or in the studio,” he said. “However, one day I would really love to get a group of great, young musicians together and start a band and see where it goes.”

Stone is the son of David Stone and Mindy Luong of Chattanooga, Tenn.

Share America Foundation board members include Franks; Chairman Gary Knowles; Vice Chairman John Brinsfield; Secretary James Pelt; and Vice President Jerry Robinson Sr.

The Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship is funded by donations from individuals and companies, grants from the Kiwanis Club of Fort Oglethorpe and the Wes and Shirley Smith Charitable Endowment, special events, and special projects such as the upcoming CD “A Zippedy Doodle Day : American Folk Songs” and Share America Foundation’s #1 Global Americana CD — “Americana Youth of Southern Appalachia” — released in partnership to radio by AirPlay Direct. It is still available for donation through download outlets such as Amazon and iTunes or at https://ShareAmericaFoundation.org.

 

 

Singer/Musician Randall Franks Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award from Georgia Gospel Country & Bluegrass Association

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Entertainer Randall Franks (second from right) receives the 2025 Georgia Gospel Country & Bluegrass Association Lifetime Achievement Award from (left) GGCBA Vice President Karen Franks, Co-President Brenda Sinard, and Co-President Wayne Sinard during a ceremony in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. (Photo: Randall Franks Media)

The Georgia Gospel Country & Bluegrass Association (GGCBA) has named entertainer Randall Franks its 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.

Best known to television audiences as “Officer Randy Goode” on the long-running series “In the Heat of the Night,” Franks received the honor from GGCBA Co-Presidents Brenda and Wayne Sinard and Vice President Karen Franks during a recent ceremony in Fort Oglethorpe.

“This award means a great deal to Randall because it recognizes his work across country, bluegrass, and gospel – the three genres our association celebrates,” said GGCBA Co-President Brenda Sinard.

Franks is the sixth recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in the organization’s 30-year history adding to artists such as country singer Mary Kay James, entertainer James Rogers, and Southern gospel singer Earl Roberts, formerly of the Dixie Melody Boys.

“I am deeply humbled by this recognition,” Franks said. “No achievement happens alone. I owe everything to my parents, the musicians who mentored and played alongside me, the folks who bought tickets and recordings, and above all, to the good Lord who opened every door.”

Franks’ four-decade career spans all three genres represented by the GGCBA:

  • Country: 2025 #28 Country Comedy Single (“What It Was, Was Football”), 2024 Josie Music Awards Musician of the Year – Fiddle, 35 years leading the 80-year-old Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree, 1994 Male Vocalist of the Year, and collaborations with Grand Ole Opry stars The Whites, Kitty Wells, Pee Wee King, Little Jimmy Dickens, and others.
  • Bluegrass: Former member of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys, touring entertainer with Jim & Jesse, leader of the Peachtree Pickers (Grand Ole Opry guest performers), and multiple Top 30 bluegrass albums.
  • Gospel: First solo bluegrass gospel album to top a major Christian chart (1990), 2023 #1 Cashbox Magazine single “God’s Children,” and performances with Jeff & Sheri Easter, The Marksmen, The Lewis Family, Dottie Rambo, The Nelons, and many more Dove Award winners and Gospel Music Hall of Fame members.

More information about Randall Franks is available at www.RandallFranks.com and on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube (@RandallFranks).

About the Georgia Gospel Country & Bluegrass Association
A 30-year-old northwest Georgia non-profit, the GGCBA encourages artists of all ages through concerts, competitions, and educational opportunities. Through it’s history, it was a chapter of the North America Country Music Association, Int’l. Find the GGCBA on Facebook.

About Randall Franks:
Randall Franks is an award-winning musician, actor, and director known for his contributions to Americana, folk, gospel, and bluegrass music. Franks inspires audiences with heartfelt performances and a commitment to preserving musical traditions. His television show, Appalachian Sounds, showcases the rich heritage of Appalachian music, featuring his band and other talented artists and is found at Randall Franks TV on YouTube and Rumble. He is currently producing the upcoming collaborative album “A Zippedy Doodle Day : American Folk Songs” including stars of country, bluegrass, folk, Americana and gospel music supporting Appalachian Music Scholarships.

Randall Franks, Wesley Crider & Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree Shine at the Josie Music Awards

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Above: Nominees Randall Franks (right) and Dale Houston (center) with Winner Lee Newton  

Randall Franks (right), Dawson Wright (left) and Wesley Crider pause in the lobby of the Grand Ole Opry House at the Josie Music Awards.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The 11th Annual Josie Music Awards took place on November 2, 2025, at the iconic Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, celebrating independent artists from around the world. Among the standout nominees were Ringgold, Georgia-based vocalist and fiddler Randall Franks, guitarist Wesley Crider, and members of Franks’ Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree—Dawson Wright, Caleb Lewis, and Ryan Stinson—who represented their community with pride on this prestigious night.

The group earned multiple nominations across various categories, showcasing their talent in Americana, folk, and instrumental music:

  • Randall Franks: Male Vocalist of the Year – Americana/Folk; Musician of the Year – Fiddle; Best Actor in a Music Video – The American’s Creed; Social Impact Video of the Year – The American’s Creed (with Wesley Crider).
  • Dawson Wright: Musician of the Year – Banjo.
  • Ryan Stinson: Musician of the Year – Piano.
  • Caleb Lewis: Musician of the Year – Guitar.

Franks, Crider, and Wright attended the event, walking the red carpet, participating in media interviews, and connecting with fellow nominees and winners.

Dawson Wright, Wesley Crider and Randall Franks interview on the Red Carpet with Bubba Startz at the Josie Music Awards.

Franks, best known for his role as “Officer Randy Goode” on TV’s In the Heat of the Night, directed and starred in the film The American’s Creed, portraying his ancestor, Revolutionary Patriot Robert Shields. He is the reigning 2024 Josie Music Awards Musician of the Year – Fiddle. 

“Congratulations to all the winners and nominees,” Franks said. “We had a wonderful time cheering on fellow members of the JMA family as they received their awards.

“Many of my long-time friends took home a JMA,” he said. “While we did not bring home an award this year, according to the JMA, ‘there were 86,000 submissions this year so making it into the nominations was a huge feat!’ I congratulate Wesley, Dawson, Ryan and Caleb for that achievement and I am honored for the four JMAs for which I was nominated. Thanks to God for the blessings and the Josie Music Awards for including us!”

Crider, an internationally renowned finger-picking guitarist inspired by Chet Atkins and Merle Travis, co-wrote and performed the music for The American’s Creed with Franks, from which the nominated video was drawn. In addition to his performance career, he works weekly as a music therapist for patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

“It was an exciting time in Nashville at the Josies,” Crider said. “It is such a great opportunity for independent artists. I was blessed to be included.”

Spotlight on the Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree Nominees

The other Musician of the Year nominees hailed from Franks’ Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary.

All three—Wright, Stinson, and Lewis—are Pearl and Floyd Franks Share America Scholars, highlighting the program’s role in nurturing young talent.

  • Dawson Wright, 19, a banjo nominee among seven global contenders, also plays guitar and sings. A Ringgold High School graduate with about seven years of experience, he frequently performs in the region.

“I am thankful I had the opportunity to be part of the awards. I couldn’t believe that I was nominated,” he said. “Going to the awards was amazing. I never gave an interview before so sharing about my love of music was an amazing experience.”

  • Ryan Stinson

    Ryan Stinson, a piano nominee among 10 contenders, is an entertainer and vocalist who performs concerts across the South, including in Pigeon Forge and Nashville theaters. Find him at Ryan Anthony Stinson Music on Facebook.

Caleb Lewis

“It means a lot for me to be nominated for this award,” Stinson said. “ I want to share a word of appreciation for my family – parents, grandparents and sister for all their help and encouragement.”

  • Caleb Lewis, a guitar nominee among 12 in his category, specializes in finger-style guitar and studied under Wesley Crider. He attended Providence Christian Academy in Ringgold and graduated from Chattanooga State.

“This is such an honor,” he said. “I want to thank God for giving me this amazing talent. I want to thank my family for always believing in me. Every lesson, every jam session, every rehearsal, every small gig built up to moments like these – this nomination is also my teacher’s – Wesley Crider.”

All three expressed gratitude to Franks for his encouragement and for providing a global platform for their music.

For more information about their music, visit www.RandallFranks.com or www.WesleyCrider.com. To learn more about the nominated video, visit www.RandallFranks.com/The-Americans-Creed/.

About the Share America Foundation, Inc.

The Share America Foundation, Inc. encourages youth in Appalachian Music and Arts through mentoring, special programs and providing the Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarships. For more information, visit http://ShareAmericaFoundation.org.  

About the Josie Music Awards

The Josie Music Awards honor independent artists across genres, with the mission to honor, recognize and reward excellence, outstanding talents, and remain focused on creativity across the independent music industry. For details, visit www.JosieMusicAwards.com.

Actor and Fiddler Randall Franks, ‘In the Heat of the Night’ co-star, Inducted into Georgia Country Music Hall of Fame

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Entertainer Randall Franks (center) receives his induction plaque into the Georgia Country Music Hall of Fame from co-executive directors LaDonna Ray (left) and Shirley Maule at the Seaplane Opry House in Moultrie, Ga. (Photo: Randall Franks Media)

Randall Franks plays “Orange Blossom Special” at the Seaplane Opry House in Moultrie.

Moultrie, Ga. – October 28, 2025 – The Georgia Country Music Hall of Fame inducted entertainer, actor, and fiddler Randall Franks—known as “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night”—during its recent ceremonies at the Seaplane Opry House. Co-executive directors LaDonna Ray and Shirley Maule presented Franks with the honor, celebrating his legacy in country, bluegrass, and gospel music.

“It was a pleasure to induct Randall Franks into our Music Hall of Fame,” said LaDonna Ray, co-executive director. “His music, songwriting, and amazing contributions are a stellar addition to our honorees.”

Franks thrilled the audience with a high-energy fiddle rendition of “Orange Blossom Special” and joined fellow bluegrass inductee, vocalist/guitarist Dan Daniel, on stage.

Hall of Fame honorees Randall Franks and Dan Daniel pose with their awards.

“This recognition comes thanks to God, the artists who’ve given me a hand up, my fellow musicians who supported me, behind-the-scenes professionals, my parents, and especially the fans who’ve bought tickets, merchandise, and tuned in,” Franks said. “Your support means everything!”

Fellow Georgian, “The Dukes of Hazzard” and “Enos” star Sonny Shroyer congratulated his longtime friend shortly after the presentation by phone, Franks said. Shroyer was part of Franks’ country variety show, The Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree, now marking its 80th anniversary and recorded the song “Children In Need” with him.

The Hall also awarded Franks for his patriotic, country, bluegrass, and gospel songwriting. Some of his titles are patriotic tunes such as “The American’s Creed” and “Cascade;” country songs such as “I Know ‘Cause I’ve Been There,” “What About All These American Flags” and “You Can’t Stop Time;” to bluegrass gems such as “You Can’t Stop Time,” “The Old Black Fiddle,” “Filling the River with Tears,” and “Midnight Train;” plus gospel favorites including “God’s Children,” “Now I Know,” “Someone Greater Than I,” “Must Be A Reason,” “You Better Get Ready,” and “He’s Never Gonna Fool Me Again.” Among his co-writers are talents like Alan Autry, Cotton Carrier, Wesley Crider, John Farley, Noah Gordon, Dottie Moore, Carroll O’Connor, Ramblin’ Tommy Scott, and Mark Wheeler.

Founded by Shirley Maule, the Georgia Country Music Hall of Fame honors Georgia artists whose careers have touched lives in Georgia, Northern Florida, and beyond.

For more information, visit www.RandallFranks.com

Appalachian Fiddler Randall Franks joins The Moonlit Road.com for a new podcast celebrating it’s 28th Anniversary

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Randall Franks (second from left) reviews his musical enhancements in the studio with director Craig Dominey (left) and audio engineer Henry Howard. (Randall Franks Media)

Appalachian entertainer/actor Randall Franks, JMA Musician of the Year – Fiddle, adds his original musical accompaniment to a new episode of the heralded folklore podcast The Moonlit Road.

“Storytelling and fiddling has long gone hand in hand,” Franks said. “My great grandfather A.J. “Harve” Franks combined the two, entertaining all who came his way. In this adventure, I support another great storyteller.”

The Moonlit Road.com, the definitive online home for strange tales and ghost stories from the American South, today announced the exciting relaunch of The Moonlit Road Podcast. Celebrating its 28th anniversary, the influential digital folklore project is returning with an all-new series featuring performing storytellers and musicians, some of whom have not recorded with the team in over 25 years.

The relaunch signals a renewed commitment by the original production team to share the rich, eerie tapestry of the Southern storytelling tradition. The site and podcast, which has been hailed as the “masters of campfire lore” by Garden and Gun Magazine, will feature ghost stories, strange folktales, and regional myths, blending professional audio production with authentic Southern talent.

Inaugural Episode Features World-Renowned Musician

The first episode of the new series, “The Cow That Ate The Preacher,” sets a high bar for the season. This chilling and darkly funny Arkansas ghost story tells the tale of a traveling preacher, who has lost more than his way, and seeks revenge on an inhospitable farm couple.

  • The story is masterfully told by local storytelling legend David Hirt.

  • It features original musical accompaniment by world-renowned bluegrass musician and actor Randall Franks (Find him at https://randallfranks.com/).

“Many of my people come from the land of kilts, fiddles and bagpipes,” Franks said. “This retelling of a folktale from the old country just in time when many are focusing upon things that go bump in the night, allowed me to reconnect a bit with my Celtic heritage.”

The storytellers featured in the new series are well-known to the Atlanta, Ga. community, regularly performing at beloved live events such as the Tour of Southern Ghosts in Stone Mountain and Capturing the Spirit of Oakland in Oakland Cemetery. Check out the podcast at https://www.themoonlitroad.com/the-cow-that-ate-the-preacher/ .

A Return to the Dark Backroads

“We are thrilled to celebrate nearly three decades of sharing the South’s most spine-tingling stories by bringing the original team back together,” said Craig Dominey, Founder and Producer of The Moonlit Road.com. “This relaunch is a homecoming, allowing us to post new, high-quality audio stories that capture the unique atmosphere of the Southern storytelling tradition. For long-time fans and new listeners alike, it’s a chance to light a lantern and join us back down The Moonlit Road.”

New episodes of The Moonlit Road Podcast will be posted monthly and are available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and via the website at TheMoonlitRoad.com.

About The Moonlit Road.com

Founded in 1997, The Moonlit Road.com is the web’s leading source for Southern ghost stories, folktales, and strange-but-true tales, narrated by the region’s best storytellers. For over 25 years, the organization has been dedicated to preserving and promoting the oral tradition and distinct folklore of the American South.

CONTACT: Craig Dominey, Founder/Producer – The Moonlit Road.com feedback@themoonlitroad.com

Share America Foundation Names Wyatt Ellis as 2025 David Davis – Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship Recipient

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Randall Franks (left) and Marty Hays (right) present Wyatt Ellis with his David Davis – Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship certificate at Buck’s Place Recording in Hendersonville, near Nashville. (Photo: Teresa Ellis/Share America Foundation)

The Share America Foundation, Inc. proudly announces 16-year-old singer and mandolinist Wyatt Ellis of East Tennessee as the 2025 recipient of the David Davis – Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship, honoring students who excel in Appalachian musical arts.

The late Bluegrass star David Davis is remembered with a scholarship.

This scholarship commemorates bluegrass legend David Davis, mandolinist and leader of the Warrior River Boys for 40 years, who passed away in September 2024.

Ellis, a former student of Davis, first met him at age 12 during Monroe Mandolin Camp. “David was an incredible High Lonesome singer with such passion,” Ellis recalled. “He saw my love for singing and playing mandolin and took pride in nurturing it. I hope to honor his legacy by carrying forward that same passion.”

Cindy Davis, David’s widow, personally congratulated Ellis.

“I wish you great success,” she said. “David would be so proud of how you’re carrying on with what he shared with you.”

Marty Hays, a 30-year veteran of the Warrior River Boys, presented the award alongside Randall Franks, representing the band’s support.

“David shared the traditional sounds of Bill Monroe and others with his unique style,” Hays said. “It brings joy to my heart to see a musician of Wyatt’s age, singing Bill Monroe and Ralph Stanley songs on the Grand Ole Opry.”

Ellis, a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and composer, debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Bluegrass chart with his album Happy Valley, featuring instrumentals written at age 11. A 2025 IBMA New Artist of the Year nominee, he began performing at the Grand Ole Opry at 13 and now leads the IBMA Momentum Award-nominated Wyatt Ellis Band. His latest single, “Country Boy Rock and Roll,” is finding wide appeal, and he is featured in the Country Music Hall of Fame’s American Currents exhibit.

Ellis will receive the scholarship funds upon enrolling in college. He and his band will appear at the Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Festival in Rosine, Ky. On Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025 on an evening when the festival will also share a memorial tribute to David Davis. For more information, visit https://jerusalemridgefestival.com/.

Davis and his troupe toured with Randall Franks’ country variety show, now in its 80th year – The Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree, beginning in the 1990s.

“Wyatt’s talent is inspiring youth and adults to embrace traditional bluegrass,” said Randall Franks, Share America Foundation board member. “My late parents, Pearl and Floyd Franks, for whom this scholarship is also named, would be proud of how Wyatt is expanding the reach of Appalachian music.”

The scholarship is funded through donations, grants from organizations like the Kiwanis Club of Fort Oglethorpe and the Wes and Shirley Smith Charitable Endowment, special events, and projects like the Share America Foundation’s #1 Global Americana CD, Americana Youth of Southern Appalachia, available for donation at ShareAmericaFoundation.org, Amazon, and iTunes, and the upcoming A Zippedy Doodle Day: American Folk Songs.

Follow Share America Foundation, Wyatt Ellis, and Randall Franks on Facebook and other social media platforms.

About David Davis
David Davis, a mandolinist and vocalist, was a key figure in preserving the stylings of Bill Monroe and Appalachian roots music. Leading the Warrior River Boys since the 1980s, he earned acclaim through Rounder, Time Life, Wango, and Rebel recordings, including Didn’t He Ramble: Songs of Charlie Poole. A 2010 Alabama Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame inductee and 2014 National Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame honoree, Davis mentored countless musicians through performances and workshops.

About Wyatt Ellis
Wyatt Ellis, 16, is a rising bluegrass star from East Tennessee. A singer, mandolinist, and multi-instrumentalist, his debut album Happy Valley topped Billboard’s Bluegrass chart. A 2025 IBMA New Artist of the Year nominee, Ellis performs with his Wyatt Ellis Band and has appeared at the Grand Ole Opry and in the Country Music Hall of Fame’s American Currents exhibit. Learn more at https://WyattEllis.com.

About Randall Franks
Multiple music hall of fame inductee and Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame Legend Randall Franks, known as “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s In the Heat of the Night, is an actor, musician, author, and Share America Foundation board member. A former collaborator with David Davis through both the Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree and the Warrior River Boys, Franks is dedicated to preserving Appalachian music traditions. He currently hosts the TV show Appalachian Sounds. Visit RandallFranks.com for more information.

About Share America Foundation, Inc.
The Share America Foundation, Inc., based in Northwest Georgia, supports the preservation of Appalachian music through scholarships, events, and projects. Pearl and Floyd Franks are the late parents and former entertainment managers of Randall Franks. Its board includes Franks, Chairman Gary Knowles, Vice Chairman John Brinsfield, Secretary James Pelt, and Vice President Jerry Robinson, Sr. Learn more at ShareAmericaFoundation.org.

Share America Foundation Awards 2025 Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship to Lilly Anne Svrlingaa

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The Share America Foundation, Inc. named 15-year-old Lilly Anne Svrlinga of Pickens, SC, as the 2025 Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship designee at the 33rd Boxcar Pinion Memorial Bluegrass Festival in Chickamauga, Ga. The scholarship honors students excelling in Appalachian musical arts. Pearl and Floyd Franks were the late parents and former entertainment managers of actor/entertainer Randall Franks, known as “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s In the Heat of the Night.

Randall Franks (right) presents Lilly Anne Svrlinga with the 2025 Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship certificate at the Boxcar Pinion Memorial Bluegrass Festival . (Share America Photo)

Lilly Anne Presentation Video: https://youtu.be/Srsj5_ytNeY 

Lilly Anne Svrlinga, a 15-year-old musician from Pickens, SC, was named a 2025 Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship designee. The scholarship, which supports her future college education, recognizes her excellence in Appalachian musical arts.

“Lilly Anne is a talented performer whose talents encompass singing, flat picking on the guitar and leading her own shows,” Franks said. “She is already touching hearts with her talents.”

Svrlinga won the Youth Guitarist title at the Galax Fiddlers’ Convention and guitar and banjo contests at the South Carolina Fiddlers’ Convention. She has performed at prestigious venues including MerleFest, the Earl Scruggs Festival, and the Tony Rice Memorial Festival. She opened for Josh Turner, shared the stage with Josh Williams and Southern Legacy, and jammed backstage with Vince Gill at the Grand Ole Opry.

“I want to thank Randall Franks for providing this scholarship to me,” Svrlinga said. “It really means a lot and will help me so much on my musical journey. I am so blessed to have the ability to play and sing such wonderful music and I use music as another way to glorify God.

“I’m the kind of person that if I want something. I’m going to go for it,” she said. “I’ve been that way since the day I was born. It takes want to! I want to thank everyone for supporting me all these years. I wouldn’t be here without ya’ll. God bless and keep on riding this bluegrass train with me.”

Svrlinga, a ninth-grade homeschooler, began playing guitar at age five and currently performs with The Lilly Anne Band and Creekwater Collective. She is the daughter of Gregory and Anne Svrlinga of Pickens, SC.

Follow Lilly Anne Svrlinga on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms for updates on her musical journey.

The Share America Foundation Board includes Randall Franks, Chairman Gary Knowles, Vice Chairman John Brinsfield, Secretary James Pelt, and Vice President Jerry Robinson, Sr. The Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship is supported by donations from individuals and companies, grants from the Kiwanis Club of Fort Oglethorpe and the Wes and Shirley Smith Charitable Endowment, special events, and projects like the Share America Foundation’s #1 Global Americana CD, Americana Youth of Southern Appalachia, released in partnership with AirPlay Direct. The CD is available for download with a donation at Amazon, iTunes, or https://ShareAmericaFoundation.org.

For more information about the Share America Foundation and its scholarship programs, visit https://ShareAmericaFoundation.org.

Lilly Anne Svrlinga performs at the Boxcar Pinion Memorial Bluegrass Festival in Chickamauga, Ga. (Share America Photo)

Violet Hensley’s Whittlin’ and Fiddlin’ My Own Way Debuts on Kindle April 30

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Randall Franks (left) and Violet Hensley fiddle at Silver Dollar City when they started working on “Whittlin’ and Fiddlin’ My Own Way.” (Randall Franks Media: Jerry Robinson)

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 audience.

“Growing up on an Arkansas farm, I never imagined my skills would make me a TV star or bring me worldwide recognition,” Hensley said. “The first nine decades of my life are in these pages, and I’m thrilled to share my story with new readers on Kindle.”

A trailblazing fiddler, who is in the National Fiddler Hall of Fame, and one of the few 20th-century women recognized as a fiddle maker, Hensley’s talents captivated audiences for decades. An early performer at Branson’s Silver Dollar City, where she appeared seasonally for 50 years, she became a national celebrity, gracing shows like The Beverly Hillbillies, Captain Kangaroo, On the Road with Charles Kuralt, Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee, and more. Her charismatic fiddle performances, woodworking expertise, and Ozark traditions endeared her to fans worldwide.

Hensley, an Arkansas Living Treasure Award winner, learned to play the fiddle in 1928 and began crafting fiddles in 1932, inspired by her father, George W. Brumley, in Alamo, Arkansas. Though she no longer performs publicly, the Yellville native remains a beloved figure, enjoying music-filled visits with friends and family and occasional music event outings.

Violet Hensley’s autobiography comes to Kindle April 30. (Courtesy Peach Picked Publishing)

Co-authored with Randall Franks, award-winning journalist, musician, and actor known as “Officer Randy Goode” from In the Heat of the Night, the memoir reflects a three-year collaboration to capture Hensley’s vibrant spirit. A champion fiddler who performed with icons like Bill Monroe and Jim and Jesse, Franks is a longtime Grand Ole Opry guest star.

“Violet’s story is a testament to resilience and artistry,” Franks said. “Her infectious spirit leaps off every page, inspiring readers of all ages.”

Celebrate the legacy of the “Whittlin’ Fiddler” by ordering Whittlin’ and Fiddlin’ My Own Way on Kindle at https://www.amazon.com/Whittlin-Fiddlin-Own-Way-Backwoods-ebook/dp/B0DXCK4RGY/. For a physical copy signed by Violet Hensley, visit https://VioletHensley.com.

Doc Tommy Scott’s Medicine Show Memories with Randall Franks

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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 history with initial webisodes emphasis on the 1970s and 1980s. Scott was a 1940s Grand Ole Opry star, TV Star and Western Film Star who recorded hundreds of songs over eighty years and performed for hundreds of millions of Americans and Canadians while entertaining six days a weeks in live shows, television, radio and films. The series is produced by Katona Productions with Peach Picked Productions.

Check out Ramblin’ Tommy Scott TV on YouTube to find dozens of videos highlighting Scott’s career through television appearances and interviews and the web series Medicine Show Memories. https://www.youtube.com/@ramblindoctommyscott3626

Medicine Show Memories Playlist including all webisodes 

 

Doc Tommy Scott and Randall Franks on the set of Still Ramblin’ in 1999 at The Georgia Music Hall of Fame.

Visit DocTommyScott.com 

“The American’s Creed – Recitation” is new music video and single from Actor/Entertainer Randall Franks

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Appalachian actor/entertainer Randall Franks, Crimson Records and Peach Picked Productions announce the release of a new patriotic recitation single and music video “The American’s Creed – Recitation“ from the award-winning performer. Written by William Tyler Page with music by Randall Franks and Wesley Crider, the creed was adopted by the United States Congress in 1918 as a statement of belief in America that would in time stand beside the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Randall Franks and Wesley Crider from the documentary film “The Making of ‘The American’s Creed’.”

 

Franks’s performance is taken from his new film and documentary “The American’s Creed” and “The Making of ‘The American’s Creed’” and the brand new official music video includes scenes taken from the films directed by Franks.

Randall’s recitation is now available to radio programmers via AirPlay Direct and on streaming services such as Itunes and Amazon and upon its availability rose to #5 in the AirPlay Direct Global Americana Singles Chart.
Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” found a viral success in 2019 with his recitation “What About All These American Flags?” from his #1 APD Global Americana Album from the Share America Foundation charity album “Americana Youth of Southern Appalachia.”
Crider is a world-renowned finger-style guitarist, known widely in gospel music, who combines the styles of Merle Travis, Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed and others on his Wallace guitar to create an innovative, yet original style, Franks said.
“I was excited that he agreed to join me in adding to the feel of the films and this single,” he said. “He also made a cameo in the films which are set to be released in early 2025 in time for the American Revolution 250th.”
“I hope folks will also connect with these uplifting and encouraging words and also the music Wesley and I play behind it,” Franks said. “Perhaps from hearing it, they may be inspired to serve our country, state or community.”
Franks, who reduced his music and acting appearances to allow him to serve his local community for12years, said he sees serving the American experiment in elected or appointed office is a vital part of the vision our founders had for our success.
“They envisioned our best people taking time away from their vocations to serve their neighbors, acting in the best interest of all for some years and then returning back to their lives,” he said. “I was greatly honored to be there for my neighbors and to make a difference for generations to come in my hometown.”
Franks said his late parents instilled that service within him. It may also be passed down in his genes. According to Franks, his family tree includes 17 known grandfathers who fought on the side of the American patriots. Among his extended family are 48 of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence including its author Thomas Jefferson.
“I sometimes jokingly say my family all got together in 1776 and formed their own country,” he said.
In “The American’s Creed” he portrays a fictitious version of his own patriot ancestor “Robert Shields” who fought in the revolution and in this case, Franks also directs it and its companion documentary that are making the rounds in film festivals around the globe becoming a finalist or award winner in several.
His latest album also includes other music from “The American’s Creed;” live appearances from his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree; 40th Anniversary recordings of Randall appearing with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys – Wayne Lewis, Blake Williams and the late Tater Tate; and his comedy tribute to Andy Griffith – “What It Was, Was Football.” Funds raised from the Monroe recordings benefit the Share America Foundation, Inc. and its Pearl and Floyd Franks Appalachian music scholarships. Later in October. Franks will launched a new web page highlighting the 40thAnniversary of his first appearance for the Grand Ole Opry this month.

The Single – “The American’s Creed – Recitation”

“The American’s Creed – Recitation” is the latest single release from Randall Franks and focusing on the patriotic writings of his kinsman William Tyler Page.
Franks wrote a short film and a documentary to share initially around the world in film festivals and then for public release. He enlisted world-renowned finger-style guitarist Wesley Crider to enhance his fiddling.
“This is the first element of the American trilogy with ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ and ‘The Pledge of Allegiance’,” Franks said. “These words reflect why we believe in being an American. When William Tyler Page wrote these and Congress adopted them in 1918, I think those involved knew that we would need to be reminded of these thoughts again and again in future years.”
Franks said he hopes his radio friends will share the recitation as a regular reminder of the importance of what we believe as Americans. The recitation inspired the release of his #7 AirPlay Direct Global Americana Album “The American’s Creed.”
“The American’s Creed – Recitation” is now available from Crimson Records for radio programmers via AirPlay Director by requesting a direct download here. It is also available on popular digital streaming platforms such as Amazon here or Itunes here, or the Peach Picked Productions video can be seen on Randall Franks TV on Rumble (https://rumble.com/v5hqelo-the-americans-creed-recitation-randall-franks.html), YouTube (https://youtu.be/h8XPP00Fdiw), and Brighteon. For information, visit RandallFranks.com .

The American’s Creed – Recitation – Randall Franks  Single: (1:26) Video: (2:15)

Songwriter: Randall Franks, Wesley Crider and William Tyler Page

Publisher and PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI & ASCAP

Radio may also email e.m.c.2publicity@gmail.com for a mp3. 

Trivia:

In “The American’s Creed” Randall Franks portrays a patriot who musters militia to fight for his cousin General George

Washington. Does the actor have a real-life relationship to Washington?

Yes, Randall and President George Washingtonare fourth cousins through Randall’s maternal line.

They share grandparents – Lawrence and Margaret Washington.

Sources: Franks and Related Lines Genealogies – Family Search and Ancestry 


About Randall Franks
Randall Franks is a former NBC and CBS actor; an award-winning author of 11 books with his latest being “Seeing Faith: A Devotional” and a murder mystery “A Badge or an Old Guitar;” a journalist and a syndicated columnist who inspires millions of readers in the South and Midwest each week.
The International Bluegrass Hall of Fame Legend and Grand Ole Opry guest star marks his 40th Anniversary of debuting for the show this October.
He is an Independent Country Music, America’s Old Time Country Music, Atlanta Country Music and Tri-State Gospel Music halls of fame member and a Georgia Music Hall of Fame honoree with a long list of awards in multiple music genres. Through his Share America Foundation, he inspires youth to learn and share the music of Appalachia.
Georgia honored him for his service and philanthropy to the people of Georgia for helping raise millions to assist those in need. He starred and co-starred in four TV series and in 18 films for Hallmark, CBS and UpTV. He shared in numerous acting awards including for his latest films “The Cricket’s Dance” and “The American’s Creed.”
He is a 2024 Inspirational Vocalist and Musician of the Year nominee and his song “God’s Children” went to #1 on the Cashbox charts in 2023. He currently hosts the music-fueled TV show “Appalachian Sounds.”
To TV fans, he is known best as “Officer Randy Goode” from the drama “In the Heat of the Night.” More information may be found at www.RandallFranks.com.