Step onto a sunlit Southern porch and settle into a rocking chair overlooking misty Georgia mountains at golden sunrise.
In Frankly Speaking: Thoughts on This and That, Randall Franks — one of America’s favorite TV cops (“Officer Randy Goode” from In the Heat of the Night) and beloved country entertainer — shares warm, encouraging columns on life’s simple joys, fading traditions, family bonds, civility, faith, and modern wonders.
With Southern charm, gentle humor, and timeless wisdom drawn from his Appalachian roots and star-studded career, these reflective essays remind us to slow down, lift burdens, cherish memories, and find hope in the everyday. Beautifully illustrated and paired with inspiring scriptures, this collection is perfect for anyone seeking wholesome inspiration, nostalgia, and heartfelt encouragement.
The 204-page soft-cover includes 53 columns, 31 personal photos (many never seen before), 21 original Americana illustrations, and 31 Bible scriptures (KJV).
https://randallfranks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Website-Banner.jpg295693Randall Frankshttps://randallfranks.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/r-franks-logo-1.pngRandall Franks2026-04-05 21:33:262026-04-05 21:37:13Frankly Speaking : Thoughts on This and That
Doodle and the Golden River Grass Georgia Music Hall of Fame Exhibit in 2003. (Photo: Peach Picked Publishing)
A Zippedy Doodle Day: An Appalachian Musical Legacy
Welcome to A Zippedy Doodle Day: An Appalachian Musical Legacy, a historic string band album and documentary, led by Randall Franks, who honors Doodle Thrower and the Golden River Grass. Additionally, funds support scholarships via the Share America Foundation and Appalachian historical preservation. Therefore, join us in this effort!
Quick Link for all information about our debut Single:
Bluegrass and Americana artist/producer Randall Franks is spearheading A Zippedy Doodle Day, a historic string band album and documentary to support Appalachian music scholarships through the Share America Foundation, Inc. and the West Georgia Museum in Tallapoosa, Georgia, the hometown of John “Doodle” Thrower.
Legacy Preservation
The project builds on unreleased tracks from the late 1980s by Doodle and the Golden River Grass, featuring traditional folk recordings. This album, paired with a re-release of the band’s entire catalog, aims to preserve and share their legacy while raising funds for aspiring musicians.
“When we lost Doodle Thrower, we lost one of the cornerstones of original country music. He and his band were truly what country music is all about.” — Marty Stuart, Country Music Hall of Famer
Doodle and the Golden River Grass in the 1970s
Doodle and the Golden River Grass
Formed in 1963 as a square dance band in Tallapoosa, Georgia, Doodle and the Golden River Grass became a beloved folk act, known for their comedy, Appalachian folk songs, and upbeat tunes. Recognized as the last of the old-time Georgia fiddle bands, they were a unique part of country music history.
The band featured John “Doodle” Thrower (1929-1994) on harmonica, alongside fiddlers Seals Hicks, Bill Kee, Paul Wallace, Randall Franks, and Jerry Wesley. From the 1970s, James Watson (1935-2017) added clawhammer banjo, with long-running members including C.J. Clackum (guitar), Wesley Clackum (guitar and mandolin), the late Lynn Elliott (guitar), the late Gene Daniell (bass/sound engineer), and Steve Hesterlee (three-finger banjo).
Doodle and the Golden River Grass perform in 1990.
Cultural historian Alan Lomax described Thrower as “a little bit different from anyone we’ve met. He’s of Cornish descent, and he’s not uptight at all,” and the band as “a sort of five-piece Dixieland string band certainly as virtuosic as any gypsy orchestra. And they are playing what I’ve called ‘mountain music in overdrive’.”
Appalachian scholar Loyal Jones acknowledged Thrower in his work Country Music Humorists and Comedians. American folklorist, educator and artist Art Rosenbaum featured him in his visual art and documented the group in several recorded mediums.
A Collaborative Effort
Randall Franks (right) joins The Skillet Lickers (Phil & Russ Tanner), center, and Paul Puckett in the studio.
Randall Franks is inviting specific artists from country, bluegrass, and Americana to donate their time to record on these historic tracks, collaborating with studios near the artists for convenience.
Contributors
Bruce Boxleitner adds his voice bringing a western flair to the project.
Western icon Bruce Boxleitner, a National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s Hall of Great Western Performers inductee and two-time Wrangler Award winner, is saddling up for A Zippedy Doodle Day! Bruce captivated audiences as Luke Macahan in How the West Was Won alongside James Arness to his iconic turn as Alan Bradley/Tron in Disney’s groundbreaking Tron and Tron: Legacy, Bruce has been a household name for decades. He’s battled spies as Lee Stetson in Scarecrow and Mrs. King, commanded the stars as Captain John Sheridan in Babylon 5, and brought comic charm as Billy Montana in The Gambler with Kenny Rogers. Recently, he starred as Ben Watkins in the western Far Haven (2023), proving he’s still a trailblazer.
Banjo star Gena Britt adds her talents at Buck’s Place Recording in Hendersonville.
8-time IBMA Award winner Gena Britt – powerhouse banjo player, vocalist, and founding member of GRAMMY-nominated Sister Sadie (Mountain Home Music Company) – has joined the star-studded lineup.
Fresh off the release of her acclaimed new solo album Streets, Rivers, Dreams & Heartaches (Mountain Home Music Company), her latest accolade includes sharing the 2025 IBMA Instrumental Recording of the Year for “Ralph’s Banjo Special” with Kristin Scott Benson & Alison Brown.
This 16-year-old bluegrass sensation Wyatt Ellis is bringing his
Wyatt Ellis and producer Randall Franks add vocals at Buck’s Place Recording in Hendersonville.
incredible talents: delivering special lead vocals and hot mandolin pickin’ on select recordings, plus laying down his signature mandolin rhythm across most of the tracks.
He’s also earning major recognition in the bluegrass world: nominated for International Bluegrass Music Association New Artist of the Year (2025), his Wyatt Ellis Band was nominated for IBMA Momentum Band of the Year (2025), and he previously took home the IBMA Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year award. What a rising star!
Banjo stylist extraordinaire Daniel Grindstaff has joined the lineup for the album “A
Daniel Grindstaff add his licks at Buck’s Place Recording in Hendersonville.
Zippedy Doodle Day: American Folk Songs”! His masterful banjo skills are sure to bring that authentic Appalachian flair to this celebration of American folk traditions.
Fresh off his chart-topping hits like “Angel Dream” and “The Death of John Henry” featuring Marty Stuart, Daniel’s latest project: the self-titled album “Daniel Grindstaff & The Uptown Troubadours,” from Bonfire Music Group. Check out more about Daniel Grindstaff Music at his website: www.danielgrindstaff.com
Marty Hays, a veteran vocalist and bassist who shined on Rounder and Rebel Records over three decades with David Davis and the Warrior River Boys brings his soulful sound to the project enriching this folk endeavor.
Marty Hays adds vocals at Buck’s Place Recording in Hendersonville near Nashville.
Anthony Howell goes full speed with a bit of banjo at Noxubee Hills Music Group Recording Studio in Mississippi.
As the 2023 National Banjo Champion Anthony Howell and a four-time IBMA Momentum Award nominee for Instrumentalist of the Year, Anthony brings his unique stylings on banjo and come vocals to this Appalachian musical legacy project. He has performed with notable bands including Williamson Branch, the Edgar Loudermilk Band, and most recently joined Seth Mulder & Midnight Run. Follow Anthony for more updates on his music journey at www.facebook.com/p/Anthony-Howell-Music-100048065487181/.
Dale Houston add his vocal stylings at Buck’s Place Recording in Hendersonville
Trevor Holder adds his rolls at Witt Studio in Lafayette.
Banjo virtuoso Trevor Holder joins the stellar lineup. With Trevor’s Reno-style flair and bluegrass chops from The Price Sisters, Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass, and Five Mile Mountain Road, this album and documentary are set to preserve timeless folk tunes like never before. Bluegrass Unlimited heralded him in 2025 as a “Modern Banjo Master” underscoring his rising prominence in the genre.
Country singer Dale Houston heartfelt vocals and traditional country style add a touch of timeless Americana to this collection of folk classics. Fresh off his 2024 album “That’s The Way I Am,” featuring standout tracks and recent nominations for awards like the Josie Music Awards, Dale continues to honor the roots of country music. He has collaborated with country artists such as Lee Newton on “Burning Boats” and David Frizzell on “Lefty, Merle, and Me,” and grew up immersed in the music of legends like Merle Haggard, Vern Gosdin, George Jones, and Conway Twitty. Discover more about Dale at his website: www.dalehouston.com
Jim Lauderdale and Randall Franks work in the studio adding his unique vocals to the project.
Adding his amazing vocal talents, two-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Jim Lauderdale, host of the Americana Music Awards, has penned hits for icons like George Strait, Patty Loveless, and Vince Gill and was recently inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. His illustrious career spans over 30 studio albums since 1986, blending country, bluegrass, Americana, soul, and R&B including his latest “Country Super Hits Vol. 2.” Visit his official website: https://www.jimlauderdalemusic.com/
Alex Miller records at Buck’s Place Recording near Nashville.
Traditional country singer Alex Miller, Billy Jam Records artist, who skyrocketed to fame on American Idol in 2021 at just 17, brings his soulful voice and masterful guitar pickin’ to the album. With hits like “I’m Over You, So Get Over Me,” “She Makes Dirt Look Good,” and his recent songs “Oh Odessa,” “Secondhand Smoke,” and “My Appalachian Home.” Alex has proven he’s a force in traditional country.
At Buck’s Place Recording, Robert Montgomery frails his way in A Zippedy Doodle Day.
The 2004 Old-Time Banjo National Champion Robert Montgomery is renowned for his excellent singing and banjo playing, performing with groups like David Davis & the Warrior River Boys and Alan Sibley & The Magnolia Ramblers. His latest release is Ol’ Times Not Forgotten. He joins other top artists to support Appalachian music scholarships and historical preservation. Follow Robert on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertmontgomerymusic .
Kody Norris makes his vocal and musical additions at Buck’s Place Recording in Hendersonville.
Fresh off dominating the awards circuit — including 2024 SPBGMA Entertainer of the Year, 7 total SPBGMA wins, 2025 IBMA Music Video of the Year for “The Auctioneer,” Kody’s personal Guitar Performer of the Year honors, and guest starring appearances on the iconic Grand Ole Opry stage — Rebel Records artist Kody Norris of The Kody Norris Show brings his powerhouse vocals and blistering guitar picking to this collaboration is pure mountain magic in the making! His 2025 album Highfalutin Hillbilly and current single ‘Waitress, Waitress’ — continue to shine in traditional bluegrass!
Ronnie & Justin Reno record at Buck’s Place Recording in Hendersonville.
Bluegrass legend Ronnie Reno, 2016 SPBGMA Preservation Hall of Greats, and his talented son Justin Reno add their authentic Appalachian vibes to our whimsical journey. The son of Don Reno, from Ronnie’s early days performing on The Old Dominion Barndance at age seven to collaborating with giants like Merle Haggard, The Osborne Brothers, and his hit TV show Reno’s Old Time Music (now streaming on Country Road TV), the 2013 IBMA Broadcaster of the Year’s legacy is woven into the heart of American roots music. Joining him is Justin Reno, a gifted guitarist who’s been stepping into the spotlight alongside his dad and with other Nashville bands.
Mike Scott adds his licks at Buck’s Place Recording in Hendersonville near Nashville.
Legendary banjo stylist Mike Scott brings his unmistakable hard-driving three-finger style and vocals to the project, bringing a 50+ year career of entertaining in every state in the US except Hawaii and 54 countries, 450 Grand Ole Opry performances, and playing with Jim & Jesse McReynolds, Carl Story, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Rhonda Vincent and more.
Opry Star Ketch Secor records for A Zippedy Doodle Day with Morgan Jahnig at Hartland Studios, Nashville, TN.
Grammy-winning Grand Ole Opry star Ketch Secor from the Old Crow Medicine Show brought his flair to a special performance alongside the Skillet Lickers with Paul Puckett! Secor penned the iconic hit “Wagon Wheel” and in 2025, he released his solo album ‘Story the Crow Told Me.’ He is currently hosting the PBS series “Tennessee Crossroads.”
The project includes contributions from the Skillet Lickers (Phil and Russ Tanner) and Paul Puckett, blending the legacies of Georgia’s first and last fiddle bands. Learn more at https://SkilletLickers.org/
Ralph Stanley II adds his artistry for engineer Jim Price at Hat Creek Recording – Jonesborough, TN.
Grammy-winning Ralph Stanley II, an acclaimed Appalachian performer from Virginia also enriches the project with his artistry. Learn more at https://ralph2.com/
Larry Stephenson, a five-time SPBGMA Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year, Virginia Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, and acclaimed mandolin virtuoso adds his voice to the songbook. Learn more at https://larrystephensonband.com/LSB/
Bluegrass stalwart Larry Stephenson tunes up before adding his special touch at Buck’s Place Recording in Hendersonville.
Derek Stone brings an enthusiastic traditional style at Witt Studio in Lafayette.
Youth banjo stylist Derek Stone, 15, adds his approach to the album bringing a Reno style approach to one of the tunes. Derek has racked up impressive wins, including First Place Beginning Banjo, Third Place Adult Banjo (twice), and Third Place in the Bluegrass Band Competition at the Smithville Fiddler’s Jamboree, plus First Place in the Kids’ Band Competition at the Mountain City Fiddler’s Convention. Currently in 10th grade at McCallie School, he’s the banjo player for Carl Towns & Upward Road.
Leroy Troy brings banjo flair at Buck’s Place Recording in Hendersonville.
Leroy Troy is a master of clawhammer banjo, blending old-time music with humor and comedy songs, influenced by legends like Uncle Dave Macon. He brings his unique talents to this charity project encouraging youth with Appalachian Music Scholarships.
Debuting on the Grand Ole Opry in 1988, he won the National Old-Time Banjo Championship in 1996, and shares regular performances with The Tennessee Mafia Jug Band and on The Marty Stuart Show. He made a special appearance on the Grand Ole Opry‘s 100th Anniversary Show.
With Conner Vlietstra‘s fiddle, guitar, and banjo expertise from The Price Sisters, Five Mile Mountain Road, and The Tennessee Hillbuddies,helps preserve timeless folk tunes like never before. The ETSU graduate is a 2021 Grand Master Fiddle Traditional Champion whohas built a reputation for his technical skill and deep roots in Appalachian traditions. Follow Conner on Instagram @connerbullwheatstraw
Conner Vlietstra creates hot licks for A Zippedy Doodle Day at Tim Witt’s Studio in LaFayette.
Other artists working on their additions include Mary Rachel Nalley-Norris, celebrated as Entertainer of the Year and Instrumental Group of the Year wins with The Kody Norris Show, Dale Ann Bradley, a six-time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year and two-time Grammy nominee.
A diverse array of talented artists is lined up, each bringing additional richness and depth to the A Zippedy Doodle Day project. Some among those planning to join the effort are Tim Atwood, Dom Flemons, Noah Goebel, Trevor Holder, Lee Newton, Marty Raybon, Alan Sibley, Margie Singleton, Smith & Wesley, and Mark Wheeler.
The Songs
The FIRST SINGLE RELEASE IS COMING APRIL 10
on AirPlay Direct for Radio
and for consumers on Amazon and Itunes and April 13 on YouTube and Rumble
We will share details of these classic folk songs as each is completed. Stay tuned for updates on this growing American Songbook contribution!
Support the Project
Your support can bring A Zippedy Doodle Day to life, preserving Appalachian music and empowering musicians through scholarships. Donate to the Share America Foundation, Inc.
Use this QR Code to Donate!
We are working on a CD, DVD, and digital releases. Stay tuned for updates on t-shirts and other merchandise!
You may also send tax-deductible donations via mail to Share America Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 42, Tunnel Hill, Ga. 30755.
The Documentary
A Zippedy Doodle Day : An Appalachian Musical Legacy
Randall Franks, C.J. Clackum and Wesley Clackum film interviews.
Director Randall Franks began collecting interviews for “A Zippedy Doodle Day” documentary in 2017 when he recorded audio from banjo stylist James Watson. It was at this point the surviving band members developed the idea of an anthology of their music for charity. Shortly thereafter, he began video interviews to accompany this release. Among those collected so far are band members Wesley Clackum, C.J. Clackum, Steve Hesterlee and promoter Chuck Langley.
Others who worked with or saw the band are being sought. Some album participants are also contributing significant memories. The University of Georgia Special Collections Library is working with him to include Doodle and the Golden River Grass materials from the Georgia Folklore Collection archive collected by Art Rosenbaum and other historians. The National Council of Traditional Arts and The American Folklife Center of the Library of Congress assists with materials from their archives.
James Watson and Randall Franks in 2017 in Roanoke, Ala.
Randall Franks and 1970s GRG Member Steve Hesterlee
Armuchee Bluegrass Festival Founder Chuck Langley and Randall Franks
Supporting the Future of Music
Proceeds from A Zippedy Doodle Day will benefit the Share America Foundation, Inc., founded by Randall Franks in 2006, and the West Georgia Museum. These organizations preserve Appalachian legacy and support young musicians through scholarships.
Join us in celebrating this rich musical heritage and introducing a new generation to Doodle and the Golden River Grass!
Tim Witt Studio, LaFayette, Georgia; Buck Jarrell, Buck’s Place Recording – Hendersonville, Tenn.; Engineer Jim Price, Hat Creek Recording – Jonesborough, TN; Morgan Jahnig at Hartland Studios, Nashville, TN; Engineer Erik Maluchnik at Michigan’s The Tempermill;
When available to radio in 2026 you will find us on
More Doodling
Tallapoosa dedicates its Amphitheater honoring Doodle with his widow Ezell and members of the Golden River Grass present in 1999.
“Award-Winning Author and Actor Randall Franks Unveils New Southern Crime Novella: ‘Southern Crossing: Ithaca’s Legacy'”
Southern Crossing : Ithaca’s Legacy is Randall’s latest book. Award-winning author, journalist, and actor Randall Franks, known for his role as “Officer Randy Goode” on “In the Heat of the Night,” introduces his 12th book, “Southern Crossing: Ithaca’s Legacy.” This 172-page novella marks his second work of fiction, following the 2016 release “A Badge or an Old Guitar: A Music City Murder Mystery.”
Experience the life of Miss Allie Mae Wilson, the indomitable matriarch of Ithaca, where time seems to have paused amidst the rolling fields of Henton, Mississippi. Born into a legacy of Southern aristocracy, Allie’s days are woven with the threads of tradition, love, and loss, set against the backdrop of a changing world.
From her childhood, rich with the innocence of pastoral life, to the harsh realities of war that claimed her loved ones, Allie’s journey is one of resilience and grace. As the last Wilson to steward Ithaca, she navigates the complexities of modern times with the poise of a bygone era, her life a delicate balance between maintaining the past and facing an uncertain future.
But when the shadow of financial ruin looms over her ancestral home, Allie’s resolve is tested. A ruthless developer, James Harris, plots to seize the land and threatens to bulldoze her history into oblivion, unaware of the secrets buried beneath. Yet, it’s not just ta Southern legend that defines her story; it’s Allie’s unyielding spirit, her bond with the faithful Craven, and her connection to her nephew Henton police officer Jesse Wilson, that breathes life into Ithaca’s walls.
“Southern Crossing: Ithaca’s Legacy” is a poignant tale of one woman’s dedication to her family’s heritage, her fight to preserve a way of life, and the quiet moments of joy and sorrow that shape her existence. As secrets from the past rise to the surface, Allie must decide what to hold onto and what to let go. Join her in this heartfelt journey that celebrates the enduring power of home, legacy, and the human spirit.
“I’m thrilled to bring readers into the world of ‘Southern Crossing: Ithaca’s Legacy,’ where they’ll meet Miss Allie Mae Wilson, the indomitable matriarch of Ithaca,” Franks said. “In the rolling fields of Henton, Mississippi, time seems to stand still, and Allie’s story unfolds with depth and drama.”
Peach Picked Publishing will release “Southern Crossing: Ithaca’s Legacy” in late March 2025. The book will be available here and on Amazon alongside Franks’ other works.
Join the journey of the Wilson family—pre-order your copy today for $10 plus shipping.
Pre-order your copy Today and it will be mailed upon it’s release in March 2025.
Seeing Faith is Randall’s Summer 2024 book release
“In “Seeing Faith,” actor/Entertainer Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” shares experiences and stories that reflect how he has seen God working in his life and in the lives of others. Franks has shared the gospel in song along with his testimony from stages and pulpits across the United States and Canada. Many of the messages reflect his walk through the world of entertainment in acting and music, while some of the stories reach back to his Appalachian roots. Through these stories and reflections, Franks and his pastoral partners provide an opportunity for readers to study the Bible and reflect upon their life experience with 31 lessons that inspire self improvement and ultimately a closer walk with Jesus Christ.”
Seeing Faith is a 30-day devotional study in which Randall shares 31 of his messages.
To these have been added pastoral studies with scriptures and questions. Seven pastors join Randall on this project.
The book will be a great study for any Sunday School class, prayer group or Bible study
The price will be $16 plus $5 shipping.
Group orders will be available at a discount, so please e-mail
rfrankscatoosa@gmail.com for cost orders of 3 or more with special shipping rates.
A portion of funds raised from the book will benefit the Share America Foundation, Inc. and its Appalachian musical scholarships.
Doodle and the Golden River Grass Georgia Music Hall of Fame Exhibit in 2003. (Photo: Peach Picked Publishing)
Southern Crossing : Ithaca’s Legacy is Randall’s latest book. Award-winning author, journalist, and actor Randall Franks, known for his role as “Officer Randy Goode” on “In the Heat of the Night,” introduces his 12th book, “Southern Crossing: Ithaca’s Legacy.” This 172-page novella marks his second work of fiction, following the 2016 release “A Badge or an Old Guitar: A Music City Murder Mystery.”
Seeing Faith is Randall’s Summer 2024 book release
