Actor/entertainer Randall Franks releases new single as tribute to Andy Griffith

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Appalachian humorist Randall Franks and Crimson Records are pleased to announce the release of a new comedy performance from the award-winning performer: “What It Was, Was Football.“
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Written by Andy Griffith, the monologue is the story of a Southern Christian revival worker setting up a revival tent who stops to grab a bite to eat but is swept up in the fervor of a crowd of folks headed on a wondrous adventure to watch something that he never had seen before. He then describes what he saw.
Randall’s version of the classic comedy story is now available to radio programmers via AirPlay Direct and on streaming services. For nearly thirty years, Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” has consistently included Appalachian humor in his performances. The late Appalachian scholar Loyal Jones recognized him as a unique voice in Southern humor in his book “Country Music Humorists and Comedians” reflected through his shows and comedy releases such as “Tunes and Tales from Tunnel Hill” (1995), “Comedy Down Home” (1999), and “Keep ‘Em Smilin’” (2016). His comedy recordings and his comedic acting performances on TV and in films are among the most beloved by his audience.
“Like many, one of the people who greatly inspired my career is the late Andy Griffith,” Franks said. “He did what many young Southern performers hope to do in combining acting, comedy and music into a decades-long career while creating several long-lasting TV series.”
Franks attributed “The Andy Griffith Show” as being one of the reasons he became a musical entertainer with its features of the Dillards as “The Darlings.”
“I included Andy and the Dillards in my “Encouragers” book series sharing the impact he and they had on my life and career,” he said.
His new album also includes music from his film “The American’s Creed,” live appearances from his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree and 40th Anniversary recordings of Randall appearing live with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys – Wayne Lewis, Blake Williams and the late Tater Tate. Franks recently launched a new web page highlighting his time with the legendary music icon at www.RandallFranks.com/Bill-Monroe-and-the-Blue-Grass-Boys . Funds raised from these recordings benefit the Share America Foundation, Inc. and its Pearl and Floyd Franks Appalachian music scholarships.
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The Single – What It Was, Was Football

“What It Was, Was Football” is Randall’s latest single release and is a tribute to the classic TV actor and comedian Andy Griffith who released it 70 years ago charting in Billboard’s Top 10 in February 1954. “There was probably not another person who had a greater impact in most Southern homes than Andy,” Franks said.
As a special addition to his #7 AirPlay Direct Global Americana Album “The American’s Creed,” the multiple music hall of famer recorded Griffith’s career beginning monologue “What It Was, Was Football.”
“Using my own comedy style, I have re-created what I felt was magical about his amazing hit,” he said. “It is available for all radio stations just in time for high school and college football seasons. I hope that radio around the country might give it a spin recognizing the 70th Anniversary and my paying tribute to this great performer.”
To the classic monologue, he added hints of his unique fiddle stylings including support from Gospel and Bluegrass music personalities: Mark Wheeler on guitar; Lewis Phillips on banjo; Steve Easter on resonator guitar; Jeff Easter on piano; Travis Lewis on acoustic bass; and the late Grand Ole Opry star Jesse McReynolds on mandolin.

Randall Franks pauses with Artist Colton Brown who created the artwork for the What It Was, Was Football video.

“What It Was, Was Football” is now available from Crimson Records for radio programmers via AirPlay Direct or by requesting a direct download here. It is also available on popular digital streaming platforms such as Amazon here or Itunes here, or can be seen featuring a unique artwork by Colton Brown on Randall Franks TV on YouTube (https://youtu.be/VxFDUQP_n1M), Rumble (https://rumble.com/v5e30dh-what-it-was-was-football-randall-franks.html), and Brighteon (https://www.brighteon.com/deaaf5e3-efc1-43c1-8357-74335bf81f39). 

 

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Trivia: 

Are the two actors Randall Franks and Andy Griffith who played notable comedic Southern police officers related?

Yes, Randall and Andy are quadruple country cousins as they share at least four sets of grandparents in their family trees being related to each other through each of Andy’s grandparents – the Griffiths, Taylors, Nunns and Cassells and both of Randall’s parents.

Sources: Franks and Related Lines Genealogies – FamilySearch and Ancestry 

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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.” 

Joe Barger

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Award-winning author Randall Franks joins long-time Ringgold Georgia Mayor Joe Barger in writing his autobiography

Testing the Metal of Life (The Joe Barger Story) by Joe Barger with Randall Franks is released in October 2023.

Randall Franks and Joe Barger

“Former Mayor Joe Barger called me several months ago and asked me to come over to his home,” Franks said. “He asked me to help him write his autobiography. This began months of Joe and his wife Barbara spending hours with me completing interviews, going over notes and photographs spanning his 93 years. From his early years in North Carolina to American military service in the Philippines; then from Ringgold to China and around the world, as he also led a small Appalachian town through 48 years of amazing growth.

“Writing this book with Joe is an amazing experience. It is a fascinating American story that I think anyone might enjoy and I  am so honored that Joe and Barbara place such trust in me.”

See Joe Barger and I share a program about the book at the Catoosa County Historical Society in February 2024:

Joe Barger died on April 10, 2024, we mourn his passing and ask for prayers for his family in the coming weeks.

Copies may be ordered either via mail (see address below) or by PayPal button below. In addition to cost and shipping, the button includes additional cost to cover PayPal fees. The book is also available via Amazon.com



Autograph Request by Co-Author Randall Franks? Please Provide Name Desired To


Order by mail by sending $25 check or

money order to

Barbara Barger

Peach Picked Publishing,

P.O. Box 42, Tunnel Hill, Ga. 30755

 

Randall Franks appears at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

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Randall Franks (center) pauses back stage at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum with western artists The Farmer & Adele prior to entertaining the audience. (Randall Franks Media)

American actor and entertainer Randall Franks of Ringgold appeared at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Labor Day weekend at the Grand Master Fiddler Championship.

“It is always an honor to be part of this great event which has played a role in my life since I first competed as a youth at the Ryman Auditorium,” he said. “It is amazing to hear and see that fiddling flourishes among all ages from around the country.”

Franks who marked his 14th year as celebrity host of the event taking over from the late Grand Ole Opry star Porter Wagoner. Also hosting were the western artists The Farmer & Adele, who Franks joined on stage to entertain the lively audience.

He joined special appearances made by Grand Ole Opry stars The Riders in the Sky, the GMFC Judges and country artist Kathy Mattea who helped make an award presentation.

Grand Master Fiddler Open Champion Trustin Baker (second from left) receives his award, from left, GMFC Directors Ed Carnes and Howard Harris and fiddler Randall Franks. (GMFC Photo)

“I was also honored to also take on the role of fiddler wrangler formerly performed by the late fiddler Charlie Bush serving our competitors as their dean of contest fiddling,” he said.

Fiddler Franks was on hand to crown the 2022 Grand Master Open Champion Trustin Baker of Missouri with GMFC Board members Howard Harris and Ed Carnes.

Randall Franks inducted in Tri-State Gospel Music Hall of Fame

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Appalachian fiddler, humorist and actor Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” of “In the Heat of the Night,” was inducted into the Tri-State Gospel Music Hall of Fame Aug. 6, 2022, at Parkway Baptist Church in Fort Oglethorpe, Ga.

Randall Franks Induction: Randall Franks (center) is inducted into the Tri-State Gospel Music Hall of Fame by (left) TSGMA President/Founder Herb Oliver and TSGMA Chairman Will Dickerson. (Photo by Robert York)

Franks was included in a class of inductees including Kelly Nelon, the late Rex Nelon, Peg McKamey Bean, Ruben Bean, Woody Wright, Adam Borden, Darren Haskett, Jeff Kelley, and Willie Kitchens. The Tri-State Gospel Music Hall of Fame, based in the Chattanooga area, includes Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama.

“It was such a wonderful honor to be inducted into the Tri-State Gospel Music Hall of Fame,” Franks said. “Thank you to Ken Hicks, Will Dickerson and all the Tri-State Gospel Music Hall of Fame board for this honor.”

At the event, Franks also appeared with The Nelons and the TSGHOF house band led by pianist Curtis Broadway to perform with the Hall of Fame Choir and the Scrap Iron Quartets.

“My journey here would not have been possible without God’s ever present hand opening doors for me to share for Him,” he said. “I thank my late parents, Pearl and Floyd Franks, all those who encouraged me along the way, those who played or sang with my acts, or those who allowed me to perform or record with them.” 

Franks latest release is “What About All These American Flags?” from his 2019 #1 Global Americana Album “Americana Youth of Southern Appalachia.” In addition to numerous gospel songs included on bluegrass, folk, country and Americana albums, his gospel releases are the Top-20 “Handshakes and Smiles” album, “Sacred Sounds of Appalachia,” “Christmas Time’s A Comin’,” “God’s Children,” “Keep Em’ Smilin’, “Precious Memories,” and “Faith Will See Us Through.”

Among his most popular songs are “In the Garden,” “Must Be a Reason,” “God’s Children,” “He’s Never Gonna Fool Me Again,” “Let’s Live Every Day Like It Was Christmas,” “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem,” and “You Better Get Ready.”

Some among the performers Franks has appeared with through his career are The Marksmen Quartet, Jeff & Sheri Easter, The National Quartet Convention All Star Band, The Morris Brothers, The Lewis Family, The Primitive Quartet, The Watkins Family, Tim Lovelace, Dottie Rambo, Bill Monroe, Jim and Jesse McReynolds and many more.

“So many lessons were taught, and doors were opened for me by Marksmen leader Earle Wheeler,” Franks said. “Without his ever-present involvement in my gospel music career, it’s safe to say I would not be receiving such an honor.”

Franks said this accolade is owed to those behind the scenes who made it possible.

“I appreciate the support of the promoters, the disc jockeys, the print journalists, the record execs – Chris White and Norman Holland, engineers, and all the groups who shared the concert stages,” he said. “It is an amazing journey. Most of all, I appreciate those folks who showed up rain or shine, to listen, applaud, buy records, tapes and CDs, and those who maybe bought a Coke or provided a meal along the way.

“I am eternally grateful that folks allowed this Georgia fiddler who sings on key from time to time and shares some corny Appalachian humor to come into their lives,” he said.

Franks most recent film is the multi-award winning “The Cricket’s Dance.” Franks shares in a Best Ensemble Cast Award for his portrayal of “Dr. J.A. Anderson” in the film. He is currently completing the American Revolution era film “The American’s Creed.”

77 YEARS OF AMERICAN MUSIC – Randall’s Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree

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From left the 2022 cast includes: Caleb Lewis, Dawson Wright, Todd Watkins, Randall Franks, Colton Brown, and Ryan Stinson.

77 YEARS OF AMERICAN MUSIC – Appalachian Actor/Entertainer Randall Franks and his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree recently celebrated its 77th Anniversary Performance at the Colonnade in Ringgold, Ga. for the North Georgia EMC. The show was started as one of the several stage productions operated by Grand Ole Opry and Western Film star Ramblin’ “Doc” Tommy Scott in 1945 as part of his Herb-O-Lac Medicine Show Productions. In the Heat of the Night co-star Franks took the reins of the Jamboree in 1990 adding other TV favorites such as Donna Douglas and Sonny Shroyer and fellow music stars. “It’s been such an amazing time of music with lots of laughs,” he said. “Our largest concert audience during my tenure was 30,000. What fun that was! I am thankful that folks have an interest in supporting what our ensemble brings to the stage – music, comedy and family fun. Continuing the traditions – that is what it’s all about.” The eight-decade legacy includes screen and music legends such as Uncle Dave Macon, Stringbean Akeman, Carolina Cotton, Ray Whitley, Johnny Mack Brown, Sunset Carson, Fuzzy St. John, Lash LaRue, Tim McCoy and many more. From left the 2022 cast includes: Caleb Lewis, Dawson Wright, Todd Watkins, Randall Franks, Colton Brown, and Ryan Stinson.  (Randall Franks Media: Photo by Regina Watkins)

The American’s Creed

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Join us as we create the opportunity of bringing this project to film festivals and ultimately to viewers via the internet. Sponsors who will support our efforts are still welcome. Contact us for more info on how you may help. Send a check to Randall Franks, P.O. Box 42, Tunnel Hill, Ga. 30755.

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Also support the effort by ordering a T-Shirt (Small-2X) $30 and a DVD $25 including The American’s Creed, The Making of The American’s Creed and an hour of music from Randall Franks and the Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree and solo performances too! Or get both for $50.

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The American’s Creed – Randall Franks


The American’s Creed and The Making of ‘The American’s Creed’

Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution with a patriotic short film and documentary.


Awards and Recognitions

Spotlight Short Film Awards Bronze Award
Spotlight Short Film Bronze Award
Film Festival Recognition
Film Festival Recognition
High Tatras Film Festival Finalist
High Tatras Finalist
Castle Rock Film Festival Finalist
Castle Rock Finalist
Hollywood Best Indie Film Awards Official Selection
Hollywood Indie Selection
North Idaho Film Festival Recognition
North Idaho Recognition
Kalakari Film Festival Recognition
Kalakari Recognition
SATV Festival Recognition
SATV Recognition

About the Films

Poster for The Making of The American's Creed
The Making of ‘The American’s Creed’ Poster
Poster for The American's Creed
The American’s Creed Poster

Thank you to our sponsors:

Our films were entered in over 70 film festivals worldwide. The American’s Creed was a finalist and screened at the Tatras International Film Festival in Slovakia, the JEFF (Jinju English Film Festival) in South Korea, Castle Rock Film Festival in Colorado, and the Will Rogers Motion Picture Festival in Oklahoma, among others. It premiered in Ringgold at the Colonnade and debuted publicly online on April 1 on Randall Franks TV.

Watch on:
YouTube |
Brighteon |
X

The Making of The American’s Creed won the Bronze Award at the Spotlight Short Film Awards in January 2024, received an Honorable Mention at the Castle Rock Film Festival in Colorado, and screened at the Kalakari Film Festival in India and the Hollywood Best Indie Film Festival, among others.

Watch on:
YouTube |
Brighteon |
X

These projects are broadcasting on Randall Franks TV on Rumble, YouTube, X, and Brighteon, marking the beginning of the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution.

The American’s Creed (Instrumental)

Watch on:
YouTube |
X |
Brighteon

Production Details

Director Randall Franks, known as “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s In the Heat of the Night, wrote a screenplay inspired by the patriotic words of his kinsman William Tyler Page, penned in 1917 and adopted as The American’s Creed. Cinematographer Eric T. Jackson helped bring this historical drama set during the American Revolution to life.

Actors Randall Franks and Butch Culpepper on location in Chickamauga, Ga.
Randall Franks and Butch Culpepper in Chickamauga

In the storyline, American colonist Robert B. Shields of Virginia, played by Franks, responds to a request from his cousin George Washington to muster men from the western frontier for the revolution in the 1770s. The project was filmed in Chickamauga, Ga. at the historic Gordon Lee Mansion and surrounding locations.

Cinematographer Eric T. Jackson, Actor Evan A. Jackson, and Director Randall Franks
Eric T. Jackson, Evan A. Jackson, and Randall Franks

The cast includes Franks, Tina Brewer, Wesley Crider, Evan A. Jackson, Butch Culpepper, Ronald K. Melton Jr., Robert E. Jones, Maggie Suits, Donald Benkis, Elaine Benkis, Dennis L. Jones, Ashley Robillard, John Francis, Cassandra Group, Gabriel Group, and Colton Buckles. Actor/wrangler Butch Culpepper contributed his talents and his film horses, Charlie and Dollar.

Period costumer Tina Brewer supervised costumes, supported by Ronald K. Melton Jr. and Robert E. Jones. Special thanks to Kathy Graham of It’s Sew Time for donating a hair ribbon for “Capt. Shields.” Catering was provided by Choo Choo BBQ & Grill of Chickamauga.

Director Randall Franks guides actors Ronald Melton, Robert Jones, and Wesley Crider
Randall Franks directing Ronald Melton, Robert Jones, and Wesley Crider

Special thanks to the City of Chickamauga mayor, council, staff, and residents for their support during production.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Community Recognition

Randall Franks presented Bronze Award Posters to the City of Chickamauga Mayor and City Council, Catoosa County Chairman and Board of Commissioners, and the Fort Oglethorpe Mayor and City Council in April and May of 2025.

Chickamauga Council with Randall Franks
From left: Chickamauga Councilmember Mathew Nave, City Manager Micheal Haney, Councilmember David Jones, Actor/Director Randall Franks, Mayor Trey Deck, Mayor Pro Tem Evitte Parrish, Councilmember Rhonda Jacks, and Councilmember Lee Miller.
Fort Oglethorpe Council with Randall Franks
Thanks to Mayor Earl L. Gray, Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda James, Councilmembers Paula G. Stinnett, Craig Crawford, Derek Rogers, Jim Childs, City Manager Molly Huhn, and City Attorney Robert Stultz.
Catoosa County Board of Commissioners with Randall Franks
Thanks to Chairman Steven Henry, Commissioners Charlie Stephens, Richard Tharpe, Chuck Harris, and Jeff Long for supporting this patriotic project.

Trivia

Trivia: Actor/director Randall Franks, who portrays a cousin of George Washington in the film, is a close cousin of founding fathers George Washington, James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson.

Portrait of George Washington
George Washington

He is also a kinsman to John Adams and James Monroe.

Of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence, 48 were Randall’s family members.

Tina Brewer as Sister Sophie with Maggie Suits as Jamie Shields
Sister Sophie (Tina Brewer) and Jamie Shields (Maggie Suits)

Randall is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.

William Tyler Page, author of The American's Creed
William Tyler Page, author of The American’s Creed

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Music and Soundtrack

Randall Franks released the music video “The American’s Creed – Recitation” in October 2024 and the instrumental version to enhance the film’s patriotic theme.

Watch on:
YouTube |
X |
Brighteon

Randall Franks and Wesley Crider recording at Tim Witt Studios
Randall Franks and Wesley Crider at Tim Witt Studios

The album The American’s Creed reached #7 on the AirPlay Direct Global Americana Albums chart and #40 on the TOP 50 Global Albums chart in April 2024. All tunes and songs charted in the top 40, with those related to the films landing in the top 20. The singles “The American’s Creed (Recitation)” reached #5 and “The American’s Creed Movement 2” reached #6 on the AirPlay Direct Americana Singles chart.

Streaming on:
Rumble |
YouTube |
Brighteon

Randall Franks Album Cover
Randall Franks Album Cover

Radio can find recordings at AirPlay Direct.

Included on the album are performances by Randall Franks and the Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree, two 40th Anniversary recordings with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys, and a 70th Anniversary Tribute to Andy Griffith’s What It Was, Was Football. Learn more at our webpage.

Special thanks to Greg Jackson for creating the art for the album cover.

Purchase the album on:
iTunes |
Amazon Music

Support the Project

Join us in bringing this project to film festivals and viewers worldwide. Support our efforts by purchasing merchandise, donating, or becoming a sponsor. Send checks to Randall Franks, P.O. Box 42, Tunnel Hill, Ga. 30755.


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Orders may also be sent via mail to Randall Franks, P.O. Box 42, Tunnel Hill, Ga. 30755.

The American's Creed T-Shirt
The American’s Creed T-Shirt

 

Northwest Georgia actor Randall Franks presents wrestling film memorabilia

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American TV actor Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” commemorates his participation 33 years ago in Hulk Hogan’s film “No Holds Barred,“ which debuted at #2 behind Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Franks (right) presents a special memorabilia donation to Paul Lee at the Turnbuckle Bar & Grill in Ringgold for display including photos from that set with Tiny Lister, Hogan, “In the Heat of the Night,“ as well as publicity stills. “I spent 10 days playing a wealthy wrestling enthusiast in one of my earliest film experiences, it was a great opportunity to meet many key people who would later open other doors for me.” The wrestling-themed restaurant is owned by wrestling celebrity Paul Lee, who is marking 40 years in the sport working with the WCW, USWA, AWF and WWA federations. He holds 35 titles for single and tag team wrestling. He hosts wrestling events regularly at his Circus Tent Arena, also in Ringgold.

Randall Franks and Wesley Crider set tempo for new film

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American Actor/entertainer Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” recently joined internationally known finger-style guitarist Wesley Crider, both of Ringgold, Ga., for a recording session. The duo was creating original music for Randall’s short film “The American’s Creed” in Tim Witt Studios near LaFayette, Ga. “I am looking forward to folks hearing the four unique movements of music we have created to underscore the emotions of the actors,” Frank’s said. “Wesley brought an amazing sense of timing and style to enhance my ideas with the fiddle.” Expected for release later in 2022, the film set during the American Revolutionary War was shot on location at the Gordon Lee Mansion in Chickamauga. From left is engineer Witt, Crider and Franks. (Photo: Randall Franks Media)

Artist/Actor Randall Franks inducted into America’s Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame

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Actor/Artist Randall Franks was inducted recently into America’s Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame in November 2019 alongside Jimmy Bowen, Gail Davies, Jeannie C. Riley, and Grand Ole Opry star Jeannie Seely. Franks is best known for his role as “Officer Randy Goode” in the award-winning series “In the Heat of the Night.”  Franks will join the ensemble cast of “A Cricket’s Dance” adding his talents to the upcoming 2020 feature film.

“I am deeply honored to be included in such company,” Franks said. “I never imagined as a Georgia boy who just loved to play my fiddle and sing, that one day my efforts might be heralded alongside those of so many of my musical heroes.”

Ceremonies were held at the 44th Annual Old Time Country Music Festival in Fremont, Nebraska where the native of Georgia also entertained the audience supported by the Kenastons – Vanessa, Sharon and Roger, who often appear on RFD-TV.

Franks joins honorees who have received the distinction since 1977 from the National Traditional Country Music Association including legendary acts such as Loretta Lynn, the Carter Family, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Grandpa and Ramona Jones, the Morris Brothers, Fiddlin’ John Carson and others. Many of the former honorees are included among those Franks highlighted in his “Encouragers” book series as those who helped him along his way.

“What a pleasure it was to induct a man who has so much at stake in ‘real’ rural music, and who does so much to keep America’s very own ‘rural music’ intact,” said Bob Everhart, President, National Traditional Country Music Association & Smithsonian Institution Recording Artist. “Randall not only plays a magnificent traditional country fiddle, his standing ovation proved that beyond a shadow of a doubt, he’s also one of the most keen and strongest musical voices for traditional country music I’ve personally ever heard in today’s music world, and in 44 years of doing a traditional country music festival, I just might have a ‘sense’ of what that is. Our ‘rural-country’ audience was profoundly impressed with Randall Franks, so was I.”

 

He began his rise in Nashville’s country music scene as a youth when Rock, Country, Bluegrass and Songwriter halls of fame member Bill Monroe recognized his talents and arranged the first of many repeat guest star appearances for the Grand Ole Opry 35 years ago. The Music City News was one of country’s first publications to acknowledge his talents alongside fellow 1980s country stars such as Reba McEntire, Alabama, and Lee Greenwood.

Franks soon expanded to musical appearances in movies and then landed a five-year role as “Officer Randy Goode” in the TV drama “In the Heat of the Night” as one of the police officers supporting the legendary Emmy winning actor Carroll O’Connor, Academy Award nominee Howard Rollins and Alan Autry. After leaving the show in 1993, while starring in movies, he returned to Nashville hosting concerts including at the Ryman, appeared for the Grand Ole Opry, and toured among the 1990s era country music stars.

While acting broadened his worldwide audience, music remained his passion yielding him appearances across the U.S. and Canada at fairs, festivals, concerts, and churches crossing genres from country, bluegrass, folk, Christian and most recently Americana.  He shared his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree at fairs and concerts around the U.S. and also made special appearances with his mentors Grand Ole Opry stars Jim and Jesse McReynolds.  

His musical creativity produced chart topping sellers such as the 1990 “Handshakes and Smiles” and the 1991 “Christmas Time’s A Comin’, ” 1992 “Sacred Sounds of Appalachia,” and critically acclaimed releases such as 1989 “Golden River Fiddlin’” and the 1995 “Tunes and Tales from Tunnel Hill,” and 2000 “God’s Children” with David Davis. With popular recordings within in numerous genres, his music was released by record labels including MGM/UA, Atteiram, Benson/Riversong, Sonlite, Zion, Lamp, Share America and Crimson.

Franks scored a number 1 Americana CD in June 2019 with “Americana Youth of Southern Appalachia” and currently holds the #3 spot on the Top 50 APD Americana / Grassicana Albums for October 2019.

http://airplaydirect.com/music/RandallFranks-AmericanaYouthOfSouthernAppalachia/

His numerous awards and recognitions span from Male Vocalist of the Year to Songwriter of the Year and in 2011 he was honored by the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum as a Legend.

Franks is a mainstay as a celebrity host and entertainer at the Grand Master Fiddler Championship held at Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum each Labor Day weekend. He also presents the Randall Franks Fiddle Trophy at the 1890s Days Jamboree Fiddle Contest on Memorial Day Saturday in his hometown of Ringgold, Ga.

Fans may download his music at www.Nimbit.com/RandallFranks. Radio may find links to music from throughout his career at http://airplaydirect.com/music/RandallFranks/ .

For more information like him on Facebook, follow @RandallFranks on Twitter, Instagram, or subscribe to Randall Franks TV on YouTube.

Share America presents guitar to Soddy Daisy, Tenn. youth Logan Puryear

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The Share America Foundation was able to fulfill the wishes of  long-time supporter Joey Chamberlain​​ at the Ringgold Opry​ by presenting a guitar she donated to a talented youth musician Logan Puryear, 17, of Soddy Daisy, Tenn. in honor of the Apison Lions Club. Joey is now staying in Oklahoma and was unable to attend but Frankie Hood stood in for her, and Ringgold Depot Opry organizer Ronal Graham joined Randall Franks in making the presentation of a Fender Paramount valued at around $900. Logan performed with Randall Franks on the Ringgold Depot stage sharing the guitar classic “Wildwood Flower.”