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“The American’s Creed – Recitation” is new music video and single from Actor/Entertainer Randall Franks

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Appalachian actor/entertainer Randall Franks, Crimson Records and Peach Picked Productions announce the release of a new patriotic recitation single and music video “The American’s Creed – Recitation“ from the award-winning performer. Written by William Tyler Page with music by Randall Franks and Wesley Crider, the creed was adopted by the United States Congress in 1918 as a statement of belief in America that would in time stand beside the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Randall Franks and Wesley Crider from the documentary film “The Making of ‘The American’s Creed’.”

 

Franks’s performance is taken from his new film and documentary “The American’s Creed” and “The Making of ‘The American’s Creed’” and the brand new official music video includes scenes taken from the films directed by Franks.

Randall’s recitation is now available to radio programmers via AirPlay Direct and on streaming services such as Itunes and Amazon and upon its availability rose to #5 in the AirPlay Direct Global Americana Singles Chart.
Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” found a viral success in 2019 with his recitation “What About All These American Flags?” from his #1 APD Global Americana Album from the Share America Foundation charity album “Americana Youth of Southern Appalachia.”
Crider is a world-renowned finger-style guitarist, known widely in gospel music, who combines the styles of Merle Travis, Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed and others on his Wallace guitar to create an innovative, yet original style, Franks said.
“I was excited that he agreed to join me in adding to the feel of the films and this single,” he said. “He also made a cameo in the films which are set to be released in early 2025 in time for the American Revolution 250th.”
“I hope folks will also connect with these uplifting and encouraging words and also the music Wesley and I play behind it,” Franks said. “Perhaps from hearing it, they may be inspired to serve our country, state or community.”
Franks, who reduced his music and acting appearances to allow him to serve his local community for12years, said he sees serving the American experiment in elected or appointed office is a vital part of the vision our founders had for our success.
“They envisioned our best people taking time away from their vocations to serve their neighbors, acting in the best interest of all for some years and then returning back to their lives,” he said. “I was greatly honored to be there for my neighbors and to make a difference for generations to come in my hometown.”
Franks said his late parents instilled that service within him. It may also be passed down in his genes. According to Franks, his family tree includes 17 known grandfathers who fought on the side of the American patriots. Among his extended family are 48 of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence including its author Thomas Jefferson.
“I sometimes jokingly say my family all got together in 1776 and formed their own country,” he said.
In “The American’s Creed” he portrays a fictitious version of his own patriot ancestor “Robert Shields” who fought in the revolution and in this case, Franks also directs it and its companion documentary that are making the rounds in film festivals around the globe becoming a finalist or award winner in several.
His latest album also includes other music from “The American’s Creed;” live appearances from his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree; 40th Anniversary recordings of Randall appearing with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys – Wayne Lewis, Blake Williams and the late Tater Tate; and his comedy tribute to Andy Griffith – “What It Was, Was Football.” Funds raised from the Monroe recordings benefit the Share America Foundation, Inc. and its Pearl and Floyd Franks Appalachian music scholarships. Later in October. Franks will launched a new web page highlighting the 40thAnniversary of his first appearance for the Grand Ole Opry this month.

The Single – “The American’s Creed – Recitation”

“The American’s Creed – Recitation” is the latest single release from Randall Franks and focusing on the patriotic writings of his kinsman William Tyler Page.
Franks wrote a short film and a documentary to share initially around the world in film festivals and then for public release. He enlisted world-renowned finger-style guitarist Wesley Crider to enhance his fiddling.
“This is the first element of the American trilogy with ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ and ‘The Pledge of Allegiance’,” Franks said. “These words reflect why we believe in being an American. When William Tyler Page wrote these and Congress adopted them in 1918, I think those involved knew that we would need to be reminded of these thoughts again and again in future years.”
Franks said he hopes his radio friends will share the recitation as a regular reminder of the importance of what we believe as Americans. The recitation inspired the release of his #7 AirPlay Direct Global Americana Album “The American’s Creed.”
“The American’s Creed – Recitation” is now available from Crimson Records for radio programmers via AirPlay Director by requesting a direct download here. It is also available on popular digital streaming platforms such as Amazon here or Itunes here, or the Peach Picked Productions video can be seen on Randall Franks TV on Rumble (https://rumble.com/v5hqelo-the-americans-creed-recitation-randall-franks.html), YouTube (https://youtu.be/h8XPP00Fdiw), and Brighteon. For information, visit RandallFranks.com .

The American’s Creed – Recitation – Randall Franks  Single: (1:26) Video: (2:15)

Songwriter: Randall Franks, Wesley Crider and William Tyler Page

Publisher and PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI & ASCAP

Radio may also email e.m.c.2publicity@gmail.com for a mp3. 

Trivia:

In “The American’s Creed” Randall Franks portrays a patriot who musters militia to fight for his cousin General George

Washington. Does the actor have a real-life relationship to Washington?

Yes, Randall and President George Washingtonare fourth cousins through Randall’s maternal line.

They share grandparents – Lawrence and Margaret Washington.

Sources: Franks and Related Lines Genealogies – Family Search and Ancestry 


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.” More information may be found at www.RandallFranks.com.

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.“
Support Our Efforts – Download Recording Please:
Itunes: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-americans-creed/1743671704
Amazon Music: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2WGJ1Y5/
Radio programmers via AirPlay Direct https://airplaydirect.com/music/RandallFranksTheAmericansCreed/
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). 

 

                                                                                                                              __________________________________

 
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 

                                                                                                                              __________________________________


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.” 

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
Please Provide Name to Feature


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.

T-Shirt Orders:

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DVD Orders:

Autograph Request? Please Provide Name Desired To

DVD and T-Shirt Orders:



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)