Randall Franks

40th Anniversary 

Grand Ole Opry Artist Debut

1984-2024

Continuing Performances For

WSM Radio

Ernest Tubb Record Shop Midnight Jamboree

CMA Country Music Fan Fair

1982-2001

(Sponsored by the CMA and Grand Ole Opry)

Grand Master Fiddler Championship

(Started by the Grand Ole Opry)

 

 

1982

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

1983

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

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

 

 

1984

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

1985

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

 

 

1986

 

 

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

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1987

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

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

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

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

 

1988

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

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

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

1989

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

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

 

1990

• 

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

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

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

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

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

  

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

   

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  Randall Franks appears on Nashville Now with Ralph Emery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

  

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

 

1991

• • 

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

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

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

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

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

  

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1992

 

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1993

 

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

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

1994

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

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

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

1995

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

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

Randall Franks appeared for the Ernest Tubb Record Shop.

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

 

1996

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

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

He performed for the Ernest Tubb Record Shop.

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

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

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

 

 

1997

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

1998

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

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

Randall starred in the film “Firebase 9.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

1999

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2000

 

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

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

 

 

 

2001

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

2002-2006

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

 

2007

 

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

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

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

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

2008

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

Randall Franks performed with Jesse McReynolds as a Virginia Boy.

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

                        2009

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

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

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

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

 

                                                                                  2010

 

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

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

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

                                                   2011

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

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

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

He starred in several films beginning in 2011.

2012

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

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

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

2013

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

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

Randall guest starred in the film The Solomon Bunch.

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

 

 

                                                                               2014

 

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

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

Randall starred with Soren Fulton in the film Broken.

2015

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

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

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

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

2016-2022

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 2023

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

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

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

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

 

 

2024

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

Randall marks the 40th Anniversary of

his first appearance as a

Guest Star for the Grand Ole Opry

October 11, 2024.

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