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The Road to Nashville

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Randall Franks
The Road to Nashville

International Bluegrass Music Museum Legend and America’s Old Time Country Music Hall of Famer Randall Franks , hosts a documentary “Road to Nashville” taped live in Nashville in 2015. Franks returned to his Grand Ole Opry roots on its radio home of Nashville’s WSM to share an appearance on The Allnighter with Marcia Campbell.   / marciacampbellradio   . Franks brought several Share America Scholars to Nashville to tour TV and music businesses and organizations, meet with executives, music legends and learn more about the industry they wish to share their talents within. Among those seen in this video are Grand Ole Opry star Jesse McReynolds (www.jimandjesse.com) and the late Country Music Hall of Famer Mac Wiseman. This performance including Mountain Cove Bluegrass Band of Chattanooga, Tenn. – Cody Harvey, Chris Brown, Eli Beard and Tyler Martelli features several songs including a 2006 bluegrass hit written by Franks and popularized by David Davis and the Warrior River Boys.  Mountain Cove has fostered four Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholars, named for Franks’s late parents, receiving support from the Share America Foundation, Inc. while pursuing their college degrees.(www.mtncovebluegrass.com)

The show also features Share America Scholar Pianist Ryan Stinson of Ringgold, Ga. is a Share America Scholar and he graduated from Luther Rice University with a degree in Religion/Ministry and he lives in Ringgold. He has played piano since the age of 10 and began singing about three years ago. His talents have allowed him to perform on WSM and theaters around the south including special appearances at the Texas Troubadour Theater in Nashville, the Tribute Theater, Country Tonite Theater, and Smoky Mountain Opry Theater in Pigeon Forge, Graceland in Memphis, festivals, concerts and churches. Road to Nashville was directed by Randall Franks with the talents of camera operators Tommy Barnes and Share America scholar Ryan Stinson.

It originally aired at a ticketed event at the Ringgo Theater at the Ringgold Depot in Ringgold, Ga. November 13, 2015 and was submitted to film festivals.

Share America Foundation, Inc., a 501-C-3 of Georgia, fosters the arts and preserves the history of Appalachia through the presentation of the Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship to youth who continue traditional music styles of the region. It also hosts special events and creates projects that perpetuate the Appalachian experience. It operates with a five-member volunteer board, currently including Chairman Gary Knowles, Vice Chairman Jimmy Terrell, Secretary James Pelt, President Randall Franks, and Vice President Jerry Robinson, and a task force of volunteers. The organization has assisted 30 college scholars thus far and numerous other youth in aspiring towards their musical goals through entertainer mentors, live performances, and creating opportunities for learning and success. Among the partners of the Share America Foundation are AirPlay Direct, Hillbilly Love, Round Up Grant from the North Georgia Electric Membership Corporation Foundation, Kiwanis Club of Ringgold, and the Wes and Shirley Smith Charitable Endowment and numerous individual donors. “Black Eyed Suzy” & “Filling the River with Tears” (Randall Franks/Peach Picked Pub./BMI) Based on a poem by Evelyn Rose Brock.

To Support Programs Like This Please Donate to the

Share America Foundation, Inc. 

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

To donate to Share America, click here:


Copyright 2015 Randall Franks Media in association with Share America Foundation, Inc.

The American’s Creed

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The American’s Creed and

The Making of ‘The American’s Creed’ 

Thank you to all of our great sponsors: Top of Georgia Economic Development Initiative, Smith & Wesley, Mountain View Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, William Marsh Chapter – National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, The Bank of LaFayette, William H.H. Clark, Marshall M. Bandy Jr. Law Office, Rhonda James, Boynton Lions Club of Ringgold, Georgia, Gateway Business Center,  Stateline Electronics, and AirPlay Direct.

Our film was entered in 40 film festivals worldwide and screened at the Tatras International Film Festival in Slovakia and the JEFF (Jinju English Film Festival) in South Korea, Castle Rock Film Festival in Colorado, and the Will Rogers Motion Picture Festival in Oklahoma.

The Making of The American’s Creed is submitted to film festivals around the world, 25 so far. It won the Bronze Award at the Spotlight Short Film Awards in January 2024.

We are planning on a release of these two projects for broadcast in early 2025 in conjunction with the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution.

Radio can find the recordings available at https://airplaydirect.com/RandallFranksTheAmericansCreed

Now also available “The American’s Creed” album which was #7 on the AirPlay Direct Global Americana Albums chart after rising to #3, and #40 on TOP 50 Global Albums chart after rising to #2 in April 2024. All the tunes and songs on the project charted in the top 40 with all related to the films landing in the top 20. All four recordings from the films composed and performed by Randall Franks and finger style guitarist Wesley Crider showed well in the AirPlay Direct Americana Singles chart placing in the top 20, with the “The American’s Creed (Recitation)” reaching #5 and “The American’s Creed Movement 2” rising to #6.

Also included on the album were performances by Randall Franks and the Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree and two 40th Anniversary recordings from Randall with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys   and a 70th Anniversary Tribute to Andy Griffith of “What It Was, Was Football.” Learn more at our webpage:
https://randallfranks.com/what-it-was-was-football/

Special thanks to Greg Jackson who created the art of Randall Franks which Randall melded into the design for the album cover. 

Purchase it in download services including Itunes: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-americans-creed/1743671704

or from Amazon Music : https://amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0D2WGJ1Y5?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_KtU3LhYH1PxFEt4fyYBMuL2zR

 

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.

Support The American’s Creed
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Actors Randall Franks and Butch Culpepper on location in Chickamauga, Ga.

Director Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” of TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” wrote a screenplay reflecting his desire to encourage people upon the inspired patriotic words penned by his kinsmen William Tyler Page in 1917 that were adopted by the United States officially as “The American’s Creed” standing alongside the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance. Cinematographer Eric T. Jackson is joining Franks to help him bring the unique historical drama set during the American Revolution to life.

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

In the storyline, American colonist Robert B. Shields of Virginia, played by Franks, heeds a request from his cousin George Washington to muster men from the western frontier to join him in the revolution in the 1770s. Shields sees the effort as an opportunity to inspire the seeds of liberty and freedom in these men and the generations to follow.

Slated as a short film with an accompanying documentary “The Making of ‘The American’s Creed’,” the project is filming in Chickamauga, Ga. at the historic Gordon Lee Mansion and surrounding city locations. Franks and internationally known finger-style guitarist Wesley Crider, who made a special appearance in the film, composed and performed the soundtrack on fiddle, guitar, and Appalachian dulcimer at Tim Witt Studios near LaFayette, Ga.

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

The American’s Creed features Franks, Tina Brewer, 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 added both his talents and those of his film horses Charlie and Dollar to the film.

Period costumer Tina Brewer also shared her supervising talents for the project while also making costumes for “Capt. Shields” and ‘Sister Sophie.” She was supported by Ronald K. Melton, Jr. and Robert E. Jones who assisted on set with costumes and some props for the re-enactors. Also, thanks to Kathy Graham of It’s Sew Time, formerly in Ringgold, who made and donated the hair ribbon for “Capt. Shields.”

The Peach Picked Productions film is expected for release to film festivals in 2022. Producers wish to express special thanks to the City of Chickamauga mayor, council, staff and the residents for their support during the production of this film.

Film catering was provided by Choo Choo BBQ & Grill of Chickamauga.

Radio may access Randall Franks Music by visiting www.AirPlayDirect.com/RandallFranks/ .

 

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

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

 

Randall released the music video of The American’s Creed – Recitation in October 2024.

Streaming on Rumble, YouTube and Brighteon
https://rumble.com/v5e30dh-what-it-was-was-football
YouTube: https://youtu.be/VxFDUQP_n1M

George Washington

Trivia: Actor/director Randall Franks, who portrays a cousin of George Washington in the film, is actually a close cousin of founding fathers George Washington, James Madison and Thomas Jefferson; and also a kinsmen to John Adams and James Monroe – founders who all served as president of the United States. Fifty-six men signed the document declaring Independence from Great Britain and the rule of King George III. Of those 56 men, 48 were Randall’s family members, so, I guess you could say his family all got together to create its own country on July 4, 1776. Randall is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. 

Sister Sophie (Tina Brewer) keeps young Jamie Shields (Maggie Suits) entertained.

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 the new short film “The American’s Creed” at Tim Witt Studios near LaFayette, Ga.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

William Tyler Page, author of “The American’s Creed” Credit Line: Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, photograph by Harris & Ewing, [reproduction number, e.g., LC-USZ62-123456]

 

 

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)

Your word is your bond

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I have been told there was a time when a person was judged upon the words which emanated from his mouth.
A person’s character could be seen in his deeds and by what he would say and sometimes what he would not say.
I have met many people in my life. Some, I would not trust them as far as I could throw them, while others — if they say it, it will be done.
When two people struck a bargain and shook hands there was nothing else to do.
Today, however, we are in a world filled will reams of contracts, agreements and endless disclaimers and visits to a lawyer.
My grandpa Bill was a man of his word. If he said he would help with something, no matter what hardship it placed upon him, he would do it.
In my association with music legend Bill Monroe, I learned quickly that his honor was paramount in his image.
There was never a bargain struck or a promise made between he and I that he did not make come to pass.
I remember visiting with him before his final illness. He walked up to me and with the strength of a 20-year-old he squeezed my hand. He looked at me dead in the eye and said, “I tell you man, there are not that many good men left any more. Men like us need to stick together and help each other out.”
More than his praise of my musical ability or all the things he had done for me in my life, those few words conveyed to me that he thought of me as a man of my word.
Working in the world of television and film, I quickly learned the lesson that many Hollywood movers and shakers tend to be the opposite. Most of these trendsetters simply tell you what you want to hear rather than the truth. This trend relates more to the stars and executives of the last two to three decades.
There are and were what I call “class acts” such as the late stars Gene Autry, John Wayne and Roy Rogers whose word was their bond. I wish there were more people like them today.
I cannot tell you how many times someone has promised me they would use me in a movie project, and then when the project came along that promise was forgotten.
I am afraid I have found the same to be true in the “real” world as well.
Sometimes it just makes you want to lose faith in the entire human race when a person tells you he will do one thing and he does another.
In my own life, I have never broke a promise or not followed through with an agreement. Being a man of your word also carries through to fulfilling the everyday tasks that we all do. Returning phone calls, fulfilling requests, replying to mail are just a few of the little things that some folks might miss.I know that I have probably misstepped by not doing a few things that I have said I would do in my life. For those touched by such an action, I ask for forgiveness.
But I also know when I have told someone I would do something, usually such an assurance has popped up in my memory over and over again until I finish the task. There have been times I have carried one of those little things around in my head for a couple of years until I could do something about it.
But no matter what, I always did it.
Despite trends to the contrary and those who we discover are not honorable by their deeds and words, I believe it is the responsibility of every individual to make every effort to rise above such people to make our community a place of honor. It is what we owe our forefathers who built this land, and what we owe those who fight and die for our continued freedom.

Randall Franks performs in honor of Fiddlin’ John Carson

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Georgia’s Fiddlin’ John Carson contribution to country music as first recording star continues to be honored.

From left Randy Smith, Dan Daniel, Yvonne Smith, Pete Hatfield and Rick Smith perform in honor of Fiddlin’ John Carson.

Randall Franks joined Georgia artists at Sylvester Cemetery in Atlanta, Ga. recognizing the 149th Birthday of Country Music’s first recording star Fiddlin’ John Carson by playing his first hit “Little Ole Log Cabin in the Lane.”  The performance organized by the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame reunited Franks with musician Randy Smith who joined Franks as he produced a recording featuring TV icon Carroll O’Connor in 1990. Ken Starr was presented the Fiddlin’ John Carson Award at the event.

Randall Franks, Yvonne and Randy Smith pause in front of the Carson family monument in Atlanta’s Sylvester Cemetery.

Randall Franks appears with Stella Parton

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Randall Franks made a special musical appearance with friend, country music star and former film co-star Stella Parton at her appearance for the Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce in Ringgold, Ga. in February 2017.

(Photos by Mike Key)

 

A Mountain Pearl: Appalachian Reminiscing and Recipes

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A Mountain Pearl : Appalachian Reminiscing and Recipes




A Mountain Pearl“A Mountain Pearl” follows the adventures of a young, Appalachian girl as she grows up in the secluded valley below the Gravelly Spur Mountain during the Great Depression. She and her family and friends experience the ups and downs of pioneer life in a beautiful valley almost forgotten by time. The stories were inspired by Pearl Franks — late mother of Hall of Fame music legend and actor Randall Franks, who played “Officer Randy Goode” on the television series “In the Heat of the Night.” Illustrated by award-winning artist Cathy Cooksey, the collection includes 39 authentic mountain recipes and 55 country funnies sure to bring a laugh.

In the valley below the Gravelly Spur Mountain, author Randall Franks spins the tales and adventures inspired for “A Mountain Pearl: Appalachian Reminiscing and Recipes,” by his late mother – Pearl Franks.

“My mother was a wonderful storyteller,” Randall said. “From my earliest bedtime stories, she mesmerized me with mountain legends, struggles for survival, leaving me often hanging waiting for what the next installment would hold.”

Franks, who played “Officer Randy Goode” on the television series “In the Heat of the Night,” shares stories spanning over a century of Appalachian reflections and experience much of it intertwined hopes and dreams in the almost fabled valley where the tales were spun from the people that called it home.

“In this book, I play tribute to my folks who came before and endured the hardships that came from carving a living out hills and hollers of the mountains,” he said. “It reflects on my mother’s life and the lessons she shared with me that she learned in that valley and applied to life when she left it.”

The 202-page softbound book is illustrated by award-winning Catoosa County artist Cathy Cooksey featuring a variety of full color paintings and black and white drawings.

The collection also includes 39 authentic mountain recipes, most from his mother and grandmother’s favorites.

“Whether it’s a snack like Honey Tastes, Pearl’s Fried Chicken or Oatmeal Pie, there is a recipe here that cooks will sure want to try,” he said. “The featured recipes often reflect something interwoven within the stories.”

Randall also features over 50 lighthearted country funnies depicted through some of his best-known comedy characters such as Uncle Elige Doolittle and his twin boys Will Doolittle and Won’t Do-a-Lot, he said.

“These reflect the spirit and whimsy of Appalachian humor that have made generations crack a smile,” he said.

Actor/Entertainer/Author Randall Franks book Encouragers III: A Guiding Hand highlights celebrity stories, photos and recipes

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Encouragers III Front CoverAuthor/actor/entertainer Randall Franks said he hopes the third book from his Encouragers series will inspire people to make a difference in the lives of others.

“Encouragers III: A Guiding Hand,” released this month worldwide from Peach Picked Publishing, shares 58 stories of actors, musicians and everyday folks who played a role in Franks’s life.

The two earlier books in the series are “Encouragers I: Finding the Light” and “Encouragers II: Walking with the Masters.”

“Through this wonderful process of writing this book series and seeking to explore the gifts of encouragement shared with me by others, I have tapped over 150 stories of folks who God sent into my path and they were willing and able to realize their role in nudging me forward,” he said. “This latest volume by far does not finish the list of those who impacted my life or those that God will send my way in future but it does allow me to acknowledge a few who have spent some time with me along the way.

Randall Franks Violet Hensley Encouragers III a

Randall shares his new “Encouragers III: A Guiding Hand” for centenarian Violet Hensley when the American folk legend debuted as a Grand Ole Opry guest star. Hensley is seen in the book’s Moments in Time section and will mark 50 years performing at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo. this fall. (Photo: Randall Franks Media/Sandra Flagg)

“Whether for simply a moment in time, or for an extended period, we are here to make a positive difference in the lives of others,” he said. “I pray by reading these stories, looking at the photos, or even cooking one of the celebrity recipes, your day might be improved. Possibly this time shared will propel a life towards an uplifting goal through the blessings of your and God’s guiding hand.”

The third volume highlights performers such as “Star Trek” luminary James Doohan and Grand Ole Opry star Little Jimmy Dickens; American icon Bill Monroe and “The Dukes of Hazzard” legend Sonny Shroyer; country music masters Harold Bradley and George Jones; bluegrass hall of famer Kenny Baker; “In the Heat of the Night” star Alan Autry; and heralded gospel music performers Karen Peck, the Watkins Family and Tim Lovelace.

Franks said guiding hands who share their knowledge, skill, hopes and dreams can bring forth destinies yet undreamed. His book features narratives about and interviews with those who contributed to the direction of his life and career.

Franks, who is best known as “Officer Randy Goode” from the TV series “In the Heat of the Night,” starred in three TV series and 15 films. He became a country music personality as a youth beginning appearances at major country, folk, bluegrass and gospel events such as Country Music Association Fan Fair, National Folk Festival, National Quartet Convention, National Black Arts Festival and for the Grand Ole Opry. With 24 career albums in four genres, his latest is “Keep ‘Em Smilin'” He has performed to over 145 million fans around the world. Musically, he is recognized as an International Bluegrass Music Museum Legend and Independent Country Music Hall of Fame inductee. He is a syndicated newspaper columnist featured across the Southern and Midwestern U.S.

Randall Franks Glenda Jones Encouragers III

Randall Franks signs his latest book “Encouragers III: A Guiding Hand” for Glenda Jones at Georgia on My Mind Day at the I-75 Visitors Information Center in Ringgold, Ga. (Photo: Randall Franks Media/Bill Jones)

The 448-page book includes over 58 stories and 395 photos including special Moments in Time photos featuring over 125 stars from Dean Cain to Dolly Parton and Jeff Foxworthy to Third Day from Randall’s personal collection and 72 celebrity, family and friend recipes.

The book is available for order at https://randallfranks.com/ for $25 including postage and handling, and through book outlets around the world.

It is also available from Amazon here http://www.amazon.com/Encouragers-III-Guiding-Hand-3/dp/0984910867.

Like the book series on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/EncouragersbyRandallFranks/.

Featured stories in Encouragers III: 

TV and film personalities: Alan Autry, James Best, Dan Biggers,  James Doohan, Jeff Foxworthy, Robert Goulet, David Hart, Geoffrey Thorne, Sonny Shroyer, Tonea Stewart,  and Robert Townsend.

Country and pop music personalities: Harold Bradley, Johnny Carson, Phyllis Cole, Little Jimmy Dickens, George Jones, The Jordanaires, Merle Kilgore, Patty Loveless, Mac Magaha, “Doc” Tommy Scott, Frankie Scott, Buddy Spicher, Buck Trent, and Leona Williams

Bluegrass artists:  Eddie and Martha Adcock, Kenny Baker, Byron Berline, Jerry and Helen Burke, Vassar Clements, Peanut Faircloth, John and Debbie Farley, Otis Head, Bobby Hicks, Barney Miller, Bill Monroe, and Tater Tate

Gospel artists:  Albert E. Brumley, Jason Crabb, Ernie Dawson,  Lou Wills Hildreth, Tim Lovelace, Karen Peck, Dennis Swanberg, Tim Surrett, and the Watkins Family