Early years Randall Franks's musical journey was shaped by Southern Gospel piano and Appalachian fiddle, introduced to him at family gatherings. His passion for the violin was ignited by listening to
Ervin Rouse's "
Orange Blossom Special" during a school lesson from Dr. Donald Grisier. He honed his skills under the guidance of notable fiddlers like Dallas Burrell,
WSB (AM) Barndance Host Cotton Carrier, Gordon Tanner of
The Skillet Lickers, and Anita Sorrells Mathis. The Peachtree Pickers: Franks founded The Peachtree Pickers, a band that gained fame, including a regular television spot on "The Country Kids TV Series" and performances for the
Grand Ole Opry. The group released five albums through Perfection Sound and Attieram Records. To expand their reach, Franks established a fan club managed by Pearl Bruce, which by 1986 had around 8,000 members. He published "The Pickin' Post" to engage fans with news about his career, bluegrass festivals, and other bands, while "The Singing Post" catered specifically to gospel music enthusiasts.
Randall Franks and the Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree Randall Franks established his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree following the release of his 1990 solo album "Handshakes and Smiles." The Jamboree is a historic musical show that blends Appalachian bluegrass, gospel, and traditional country music. • History and Concept: The Jamboree was created by Ramblin' "Doc" Tommy Scott in 1945, which historically featured stars like
Uncle Dave Macon, Stringbean Akeman,
Carolina Cotton,
Johnny Mack Brown, Ray Whitley,
Sunset Carson,
Fuzzy St. John, to
Tim McCoy and others. • Performances: The show featured guest appearances from celebrities such as
Donna Douglas ("The Beverly Hillbillies"),
Sonny Shroyer ("
The Dukes of Hazzard") and
Dan Biggers ("In the Heat of the Night"). It has expanded to include performances at fairs and major country music events, reaching its largest audience of over 30,000 in South Carolina in 1999. • Musical Acts: Over the years, the Jamboree has showcased diverse acts including The Sand Mountain Boys, Ryan Robertson, Barney Miller, Roger Hammett, James Watson, Bill Everett, Gilbert Hancock, Sue and Kim Koskela, Danny Bell, David Davis and the Warrior River Boys, Gary Waldrep, The Dowden Sisters, Ryan Stinson, the Watkins Family, Wesley Crider, Jaden Maxwell, Smith & Wesley, The Marksmen Quartet, Testimony Quartet, Getting Off Track, Colton Brown, Caleb Lewis, Dawson Wright and others.
Randall Franks' Musical Career • Fiddle Music: During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Franks, alongside
Alison Krauss, was a notable figure in the fiddle music genre. • Albums and Collaborations: Franks released music throughout the 1990s, including collaborations with
The Whites and albums like "Sacred Sounds of Appalachia" (1992) and "Tunes and Tales from Tunnel Hill" (1995), both of which reached the Top 30 in bluegrass charts. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Franks, along with became prominent figures in the fiddle music scene. Franks continued to release music throughout the 1990s, including a collaboration with Grand Ole Opry stars titled "Let's Live Every Day Like It Was Christmas." He also released two bluegrass albums that reached the Top 30: "Sacred Sounds of Appalachia" (1992) and "Tunes and Tales from Tunnel Hill" (1995). • Awards and Events: His influence in bluegrass led to hosting roles at the 1995 SPBGMA Bluegrass Music Awards and presenting at the IBMA Awards. Franks has performed at significant events including the
Country Music Association Fan Fair,
National Folk Festival (United States),
National Black Arts Festival, the
Grand Ole Opry among others.
Fiddling Style and Influence: Randall Franks's fiddling style is deeply rooted in the traditions of Georgia Fiddle Bands, notably influenced by
Fiddlin' John Carson, and The
Skillet Lickers. His technique was refined through participation in Georgia fiddle contests, organized by mandolinist Bill Lowery, and prestigious events like the Grand Ole Opry's Grand Master Fiddler Championship, where he became a regular performer. His bluegrass album Tunes and Tales from Tunnel Hill includes a track called "Big Tige, Mr. Roy and Me," which recounts an experience with Opry fiddling stars
Benny Martin and
Roy Acuff following a Grand Master Fiddler Championship. • Fiddle Albums: Franks has released four notable fiddle recordings: "Peach Picked Fiddle Favorites," "Pick of the Peaches Fiddlin'," "Golden River Fiddlin'," and "Sacred Sounds of Appalachia." • Collaborations: His career includes performances or recordings with an extensive list of luminaries in country, gospel, and bluegrass music, such as
Carl Perkins;
Charlie Daniels;
Peabo Bryson;
The Whites;
Ricky Skaggs;
Kitty Wells;
Pee Wee King;
Jimmy Dickens;
Jeff and Sheri Easter;
The Lewis Family;
The Isaacs; the Primitive Quartet;
Bill Monroe;
Jim and Jesse;
Ralph Stanley;
Raymond Fairchild;
Jimmy Martin;
Mac Wiseman;
Chubby Wise;
Josh Graves;
Doug Dillard;
Jerry Douglas;
Sam Bush;
Byron Berline;
John Schneider (screen actor), Smith and Wesley, the Warrior River Boys; the Sand Mountain Boys; the Gary Waldrep Band; the Cox Family;
the Watkins Family; the Sidemen; Elaine and Shorty; and "Doc" Tommy Scott's Last Real Old Time Medicine Show showcasing his versatility and integration into the music community. • Event Hosting: Franks has hosted numerous contests, shows and co-hosts America's Grand Master Fiddler Championship in Nashville, further cementing his status in the fiddler community.
Randall Franks and the Georgia Mafia Bluegrass Band Georgia Music Hall of Fame member Johnny Carson formed The Georgia Mafia Bluegrass Band in 2009 to support Randall Franks in a PBS television special performance. The band's lineup included Randall Franks (fiddle), Jerry Burke (fiddle), Helen Burke (guitar), J. Max McKee (banjo), Rick Smith (guitar), and Dean Marsh (bass). The group has performed at various events, including a live
Georgia Public Broadcasting presentation of the
Georgia Music Hall of Fame, where they appeared alongside
Collective Soul and
Third Day. The Georgia Mafia Bluegrass Band has received recognition within the Georgia music scene winning Bluegrass Band of the Year seven times. They continued to perform at special events and award shows in Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee, with occasional changes in the lineup through 2020. One of their performances, "The Old Black Fiddle," is featured on the compilation album "Randall Franks: 30 Years on TV and Radio - Vol. II."
Randall Franks and the Cornhuskers String Band Formation and Performance: • Established: 2011 by Randall Franks for the film "
Lawless (film)" (originally titled "
The Wettest County in the World"). • Members: Randall Franks: Fiddle; Jerry Burke: Mandolin; Barney Miller: Resonator guitar; Hollis Landrum: Banjo; Rusty Tate: Banjo Role in "Lawless": • Function: The group served as live performers for cast members
Tom Hardy,
Shia LaBeouf,
Jason Clarke, and
Dane DeHaan, contributing to the film's atmosphere by providing an authentic musical backdrop for a community dance scene. • Special Appearance: Actress
Mia Wasikowska also joined this ensemble on camera, playing mandolin and singing, enhancing the film's portrayal of the early 20th-century Virginia setting. Music Contribution: • Notable Performance: Their rendition of "Little Liza Jane" was featured on the compilation album "Randall Franks: 30 Years on TV and Radio - Vol. II." • The collaboration between Franks, as an Appalachian music consultant, and director
John Hillcoat, aimed to bring a genuine experience to the film, enriching its narrative with the sounds of the era.
Other Musical Acts Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys Bill Monroe, an influential figure in country and bluegrass music, played a pivotal role in the early career of Randall Franks. Known for his inductions into multiple music Halls of Fame, Monroe not only mentored Franks but also facilitated his debut at the Grand Ole Opry by arranging for Franks's youth band, The Peachtree Pickers, to perform there. In 1984, following the departure of fiddler Kenny Baker from the Blue Grass Boys, Monroe invited Franks to join the ensemble. Despite being a student, Franks toured with Monroe alongside band members Wayne Lewis, Blake Williams, and Tater Tate before resuming his education. During this stint, live recordings were captured, two of which, "Back Up and Push," "The Road to Columbus" and "Cotton-Eyed Joe" were later featured on the album "The American's Creed," released in 2016 and 2024, respectively. Sales from these tracks support the Share America Foundation's Pearl and Floyd Franks Appalachian Music Scholarship. Franks's tenure with Monroe has been recognized by various institutions and publications, including the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the State of Kentucky, Bluegrass Unlimited, and the Grand Ole Opry. Monroe continued to invite Franks to perform on his shows throughout his career, and since 2007, Franks has been actively involved in Blue Grass Boys reunions, maintaining the legacy of this legendary collaboration. Franks marked his 40th Anniversary as a Blue Grass Boy with a special appearance in Monroe's hometown of Rosine, Ky on Nov. 22, 2024. He then released two documentaries reflecting his time with Monroe: "Bill Monroe's Rosine with Blue Grass Boy Randall Franks" and "Bluegrass Legends :Kenny Baker & Randall Franks."
Doodle and the Golden River Grass Doodle and the Golden River Grass was an Appalachian folk music group active from 1963 to 1995. The band included members John "Doodle" Thrower, James Watson, Gene Daniell, Wesley Clackum, and C.J. Clackum, among others. In 1985, Randall Franks joined the ensemble as their fiddler, enhancing the group's connection to the Georgia Fiddle Band tradition. Known for their appearances on PBS, at significant events like America's National Folk Festival, and the World's Fair, the band also performed at various other festivals and concerts. Over the course of their career, Doodle and the Golden River Grass released 17 albums, one of which, "Art of Field Recording Vol. 1," featured their performances and subsequently won a Grammy Award.
The Marksmen Quartet The Marksmen Quartet was a gospel music group based in Murrayville, Georgia, known for their vocal performances. In 1984, Randall Franks joined the quartet, which was led by the late Dr. Earle Wheeler. The group had garnered several industry awards for their work. During Franks's involvement, which lasted intermittently until the early 1990s, the quartet also included members Mark Wheeler, Keith Chambers, Darrin Chambers, and Rob Gillentine. The Marksmen Quartet received nominations for Dove Awards and recorded multiple albums, with Franks contributing to songs that performed well on charts. Although Franks's active participation ended in the early 1990s, his connection with the group persisted; members of the quartet have continued to collaborate with him in various projects, including his 2012 DVD "Concert of Celebration."
Jeff & Sheri Easter Randall Franks was the inaugural fiddler for the gospel music duo
Jeff & Sheri Easter, contributing to their career launch with their debut album, "New Tradition." Franks performed with them both live and on television during this initial phase. Jeff & Sheri Easter later joined ed live and on television with the group during this period. Jeff & Sheri Easter later became part of
Bill Gaither (gospel singer)'s Homecoming Friends, subsequently receiving Grammy nominations. They acknowledged Franks's early support by contributing to his 1990 album "Handshakes and Smiles," appearing on both the album and its singles. Their collaboration extended to Franks's 2012 DVD release, "Concert of Celebration."
David Davis and the Warrior River Boys Randall Franks occasionally collaborated with the late mandolinist
David Davis (bluegrass) and his bluegrass band, the Warrior River Boys, serving as a sideman where he played fiddle, guitar, and bass. He also made guest appearances at their concerts. During the 1990s, Davis and his band participated in performances with Randall Franks and the Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree. In 2000, Franks and Davis released an Appalachian brother duet album titled "God's Children," which featured contributions from Warrior River Boy Marty Hays and guest appearances by Sonny Shroyer, "Doc" Tommy Scott, and Cotton and Jane Carrier. This album was first performed at the Signal Mountain Opry in Walden, Tennessee. Both musicians contributed to the 2009 compilation album "Heaven Knows Where We Will Go from Here," which included various bluegrass artists. David Davis also appeared in Franks's 2012 DVD "Concert of Celebration."
Jim and Jesse and the Virginia Boys Randall Franks had a significant association with the Grand Ole Opry stars
Jim & Jesse, beginning with his membership in their fan club during his youth. The duo played a mentorship role in Franks's early career in country music. Jesse McReynolds contributed to Franks's debut solo album, "Handshakes and Smiles," which marked Franks's first charting album. Jesse McReynolds also featured in several other projects, including Franks's 2012 DVD "Concert of Celebration." Franks performed as a fiddler with Jim & Jesse and their backing band, the Virginia Boys, and continued to collaborate with Jesse after Jim's death. During the 1990s, Franks made regular guest appearances on "The Jim & Jesse Show." They backed Franks for special appearances on the Grand Ole Opry and various television shows, as well as for his "Share with DARE" Concerts at the Grand Ole Opry. Jim & Jesse worked with Franks on the "In the Heat of the Night" Christmas album, "Christmas Time's A Comin'," and together they recorded the ballad "Mean Joe Blake," co-written by Franks and actor Alan Autry.
The Lewis Family The Lewis Family, members of both the Gospel and Bluegrass Music Halls of Fame, had a notable influence on Randall Franks from his early years. Their first collaboration happened in the 1980s when Little Roy Lewis performed with Franks's Peachtree Pickers in Cedartown, Georgia. From approximately 1990, Franks began making guest appearances with The Lewis Family at various concerts and festivals, continuing this practice throughout the 1990s. His last performance with them was at the Conasauga Bluegrass Festival in Dalton, Georgia, in 2008, where he played throughout their show. Franks also played a role in promoting their farewell concert in Lincolnton, Georgia, in 2009. Members of The Lewis Family contributed to several of Franks's projects; Travis Lewis and Lewis Phillips were featured on Franks's albums "Handshakes and Smiles" and "Sacred Sounds of Appalachia." Roy "Pop" Lewis Sr., an inductee of the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame, appeared in the music video for "Handshakes and Smiles." Additionally, The Lewis Family collaborated with Franks on the "In the Heat of the Night" Christmas album, "Christmas Time's A Comin'."
Chubby Wise Between 1989 and 1996, Randall Franks frequently collaborated with
Chubby Wise, an International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame member, at bluegrass festivals in Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina. Their performances often highlighted twin fiddle duets. Chubby Wise contributed to the "In the Heat of the Night" Christmas album, "Christmas Time's A Comin'," where Franks was also featured. Their joint recording of "Golden Slippers" was included on Franks's compilation album "30 Years on Radio and TV Volume II." In April 2009, Franks and Scott staged the play "An Appalachian Gathering" to raise funds for the Share America Foundation, Inc., which portrayed Southern life in the 1940s and contemporary times, with Franks playing Scott in the historical scenes. Scott also featured in Franks's 2012 DVD "Concert of Celebration." After Scott's passing on September 30, 2013, Franks and
the Watkins Family performed "Say A Little Prayer" at Scott's private memorial service.
The Watkins Family After taking a hiatus to care for his ailing mother, Randall Franks resumed touring in 2007. For his return to both stage and television performances, he enlisted
the Watkins Family as his backing band. In return, Franks made special guest appearances at the Watkins Family's concerts, including notable events like the National Quartet Convention and appearances on the Inspiration Network (INSP). Their collaboration extended to package shows and mutual support in stage performances. The Watkins Family also joined Franks in his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree. This partnership was captured on Franks's compilation album "30 Years on Radio and TV Volume I," where they jointly performed the tracks "Must Be a Reason" and "God's Children."
Alan Autry Randall Franks and
Alan Autry collaborated under Autry-Franks Productions and Crimson Records to release the Americana album "Alan Autry and Randall Franks Mississippi Moon: Country Traditions" in 2013. This album features both artists performing a mix of classic and original songs spanning country, bluegrass, and Southern gospel music styles. It includes guest appearances by Bluegrass Hall of Fame members Jim and Jesse McReynolds, and three-time Dove Award nominee Mark Wheeler. Franks and Autry had earlier worked together as producers for the "In the Heat of the Night Christmas Time's A Comin'" CD. In 1991, the pair, along with actor David Hart, made an appearance on the Grand Ole Opry and performed twice on TNN (The Nashville Network).
Elaine and Shorty - The GrassKats During his college years, Randall Franks played fiddle with the Georgia-based bluegrass band Elaine and Shorty - The GrassKats. The band's lineup at the time included Shorty Eager on banjo, Elaine Eager on guitar, and initially Mike Newberry on bass, who was later replaced by Bruce Sims. Shorty Eager had previously been part of
Jimmy Martin's Sunny Mountain Boys. The GrassKats were active performers, appearing regularly at festivals, concerts, clubs, and on television. In recognition of their contributions to the local music scene, Elaine and Shorty Eager were inducted into the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Honor in 2007.
Josh Graves Randall Franks collaborated with Josh Graves, an International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame member renowned for his work on the resonator guitar. Graves had previously been associated with Flatt & Scruggs, The Masters of Bluegrass, and Kenny Baker. Franks described his work with Graves as his first professional music job. They later collaborated on the "In the Heat of the Night" Christmas album, where Graves contributed to the title track "Christmas Time's A Comin'." ==Discography==