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

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.

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.”