Biography

[/size]
[size=1]

Appalachian Ambassador of the Fiddle

2024 Musician of the Year - Violin/Fiddle

2020 AirPlay Direct Evolution Grant Recipient

Grand Master Fiddler Championship

Celebrity Host

Randall Franks

Golden River Fiddlin'

American Folk Artists from the 2008 Grammy Winner

Art of Field Recording Volume I

Top 40

Best Traditional Folk Recording of 1990

NARAS

Top 150

Best Instrumental Composition of 1990

NARAS

Quotes About the Album

"(Randall) is recognized as a unique Southern fiddler, who has represented the traditional styles began by fiddlers like John Carson, Clayton McMichen and Gid Tanner..." Central Texas Bluegrass Bulletin Feb./March 1990

"Golden River Fiddlin' is a nice, uncomplicated recording that will give you lots of enjoyment. The musicianship exhibited by (Randall) Franks belies his age. He has a special touch on the fiddle - his intonation and bow work is quite good." Larry Robinson, SPBGMA Bluegrass Music News Fall 1990

(Randall) Franks fiddle style is a derivative of Tommy Jackson and Paul Warren. It is hard-driving and straightahead. Robert C. Buckingham, Bluegrass Unlimited December 1990

Throughout its release year, Randall shared about his latest release in concert, on TV, radio and in print media, some among those include: The Singing News, The Morning Show WTVY Dothan, Ala., WALB-TV Ruthie Garner, The Bluegrass Music News, TNN - Nashville Now, The Eagleletter, WFMV-TV The Good Morning Show, Country Heritage, International Bluegrass, Bluegrass Unlimited, Precious Memories, Christian Music News, The Gospel Voice, CBA Reporter, GSU Emphasis, The Okaloosa News Journal-Bayou Times, Country Close Up, and The Music City News.

His performances for 1989 included appearances for the Grand Ole Opry, Ernest Tubb Record Shop Midnight Jamboree, Hamby Mountain Bluegrass Festival, CMA Country Music Fan Fair, Snuffy Jenkins Old Time and Bluegrass Music Festival, Dahlonega Bluegrass Festival, Victoria Bryant State Park Bluegrass Festival, Frontierland Music Park Bluegrass Festival,Georgia's Bluegrass Peach State Classic, The Perry's Gospel Gold Festival, Vogel State Park Old Timer's Day, Alpharetta Bluegrass Festival, Holiday Hills Bluegrass Festival, The Pines Bluegrass with Class, Withlacoochee River Bluegrass Jamboree,South Carolina State Bluegrass Festival, New Year's Bluegrass Festival Jekyll Island, Lewis Family Homecoming and Bluegrass Festival, The Georgia Bluegrass Festival, Stanley Homeplace, and Sunset Park.


Randall Franks
rfrankscatoosa@gmail.com
(706) 963-0116
http://www.randallfranks.com/
https://www.facebook.com/RandallFranksActorDirectorEntertainer/
Crimson Records


International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame Legend and Independent Country Music Hall of Famer Randall Franks, former NBC and CBS star - “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” was introduced musically to an international audience on the “Country Kids TV Series” in 1983 and began guest starring for Grand Ole Opry ® in 1984, in addition to appearing with two of its greatest acts - Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys and Jim & Jesse and the Virginia Boys.

The Independent and Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fames member shared a top country vocal collaboration with Grand Ole Opry stars The Whites. His work connects him to the legacies of 33 International Bluegrass Hall of Fame, 10 Country Music Hall of Fame, 9 Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and 3 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees such as Jimmy Martin, Josh Graves, Chubby Wise, Mac Wiseman, Doug Dillard, Ralph Stanley, The Lewis Family, and numerous others. Popular in Southern gospel, bluegrass, country and Americana, his audience is 145 million worldwide.


Links to other Randall Franks Albums:
Click here to go to Randall Franks Music Page


Click here to go to Faith Will See Us Through - Randall Franks 2020 Hope Collection


Available to Listeners at:
https://www.randallfranks.com/randall-franks-golden-river-fiddlin/
Downloads:
http://www.nimbit.com/RandallFranks/

The Production

The Golden River Grass began in 1963 as a square dance band led by C.J. Clackum and John "Doodle" Thrower from Tallapoosa, Haralson County, Ga.

By the bicentennial, the group had solidified itself as America's premier Georgia Fiddle Band carrying the traditional styles to the world. They represented the special segment in America's folk genre at national and state celebrations, world fairs, local fairs, folk festivals, bluegrass festivals and concerts.

Following the death of long-time fiddler Bill Kee, he was replaced briefly by Alabama fiddle Paul Wallace and then Georgia fiddle Randall Franks.

He joined John "Doodle" Thrower, C.J. Clackum, Wesley Clackum, Gene Daniell and James Watson.

Franks appeared with the band regularly for many years and after joining the cast of TV's "In the Heat of the Night" semi-regularly into the 1990s.

During his tenure, Franks convinced the band that its legacy deserved to be documented with more recordings. The majority of those were recorded in the studio of sound engineer and bassist Gene Daniell.
Doodle and The Golden River Grass released independently between 1985 and 1994 “Clawhammer Banjo Way Down in the Country,” “Doodle and his Harp,” “What’s the Matter with the Mill,” “Old Time Religion,” “Doodle’s Last Show” and releases by the National Folk Festival and Alan Lomax.
Another from their string of recordings in the 1980s is Randall's "Golden River Fiddlin'."

On the recording, he featured many of the most requested fiddle tunes fans requested from their stage shows. Randall also welcomed Sue Koskela of the Wildwood Girls, an all female bluegrass band, that toured the world and appeared regularly at Dollywood.

"I have only known the experience of standing on stage with three bands in my life whose music electrified an audience. The Golden River Grass did just that, and the unique combination of James's clawhammer, Gene's bass and Wesley's guitar allowed me to do so much with my fiddle. Doodle's enthusiastic single-note harmonica style was amazing and added so much." Randall Franks


01) Ragtime Annie - Randall Franks (2:12)


Songwriter/Arranger: Randall Franks
Publisher and PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI
Release: 1989 Golden River Fiddlin'
Crimson

Musicians - The Golden River Grass and guest:
Randall "Randy" Franks: Fiddle
Wesley Clackum: Acoustic Guitar
James Watson: Clawhammer Banjo
Gene Daniell: Acoustic Bass
John "Doodle" Thrower: Harmonica
Sue Koskela: Mandolin & Rhythm Guitar

“'Ragtime Annie' is one of the earliest fiddle tunes that I learned when trying to add to my skills by competing in fiddle contests. It isn't a conventional contest tune, but I love the melody and it became one of the favorites of our listeners.” Randall Franks

“The opening cut on this fiddling effort 'Ragtime Annie' exemplifies this recording.” Bluegrass Unlimited


02) Maiden's Prayer - Randall Franks (2:22)


Songwriter/Arranger: Bob Wills
Publisher and PRO: Bourne Co./ASCAP
Release: 1989 Golden River Fiddlin'
Crimson

Musicians - The Golden River Grass and guest:
Randall "Randy" Franks: Fiddle
Wesley Clackum: Acoustic Guitar
James Watson: Clawhammer Banjo
Gene Daniell: Acoustic Bass
John "Doodle" Thrower: Harmonica
Sue Koskela: Mandolin & Rhythm Guitar

“I often played this tune with bluegrass hall of famer Chubby Wise. It was one that I adapted many of his approaches to within my own playing.” Randall Franks


03) Back Up and Push - Randall Franks (2:00)


Songwriter/Arranger: Randall Franks
Publisher and PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI
Release: 1989 Golden River Fiddlin'
Crimson

Musicians - The Golden River Grass and guest:
Randall "Randy" Franks: Fiddle
Wesley Clackum: Acoustic Guitar
James Watson: Clawhammer Banjo
Gene Daniell: Acoustic Bass
John "Doodle" Thrower: Harmonica
Sue Koskela: Mandolin & Rhythm Guitar

“Clayton McMichen recorded this tune with Bill Monroe. It has become a signature tune for me throughout my career whether playing with Monroe, Jim and Jesse and on my own shows. I loved playing it with the Golden River Grass.” Randall Franks


04) Precious Memories - Randall Franks (3:21)


Songwriter/Arranger: Randall Franks
Publisher and PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI
Release: 1989 Golden River Fiddlin'
Crimson

Musicians - The Golden River Grass and guest:
Randall "Randy" Franks: Fiddle
Wesley Clackum: Acoustic Guitar
James Watson: Clawhammer Banjo
Gene Daniell: Acoustic Bass
John "Doodle" Thrower: Harmonica
Sue Koskela: Mandolin & Rhythm Guitar

“'Precious Memories' is a hymn that folks seem to be drawn to on the fiddle. It evokes a deep sense of thought about those we love, the things that pull at our heartstrings and most of all the faith that connects those memories.” Randall Franks


05) The Pilgrimage (to Bethlehem) - Randall Franks (1:43)


Songwriter/Arranger: Randall Franks
Publisher and PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI
Release: 1989 Golden River Fiddlin'
Crimson

Musicians - The Golden River Grass and guest:
Randall "Randy" Franks: Fiddle
Wesley Clackum: Acoustic Guitar
James Watson: Clawhammer Banjo
Gene Daniell: Acoustic Bass
John "Doodle" Thrower: Harmonica
Sue Koskela: Mandolin & Rhythm Guitar

Top 150 Best Instrumental Composition of 1990

NARAS

“I wrote this melody with the long travels in mind. I was always fascinated by Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem as a boy. Also the long journeys taken by my ancestors as the migrated from one place to another to begin again. I tried to share my thoughts musically of the different phases of emotion within such a trip.” Randall Franks

"I like the European flavor of the song." Larry Robinson, Bluegrass Music News


06) Durham's Bull - Randall Franks (1:02)


Songwriter/Arranger: Buddy Durham
Publisher and PRO: APRS/BMI
Release: 1989 Golden River Fiddlin'
Crimson

Musicians - The Golden River Grass and guest:
Randall "Randy" Franks: Fiddle
Wesley Clackum: Acoustic Guitar
James Watson: Clawhammer Banjo
Gene Daniell: Acoustic Bass
John "Doodle" Thrower: Harmonica
Sue Koskela: Mandolin & Rhythm Guitar

“Buddy Durham was an amazing fiddler and I was honored to try to share his tune as best I could. It has always been a favorite of mine.” Randall Franks


07) Old Rosin the Bow - Randall Franks (1:54)


Songwriter/Arranger: Randall Franks
Publisher and PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI
Release: 1989 Golden River Fiddlin'
Crimson

Musicians - The Golden River Grass and guest:
Randall "Randy" Franks: Fiddle
Wesley Clackum: Acoustic Guitar
James Watson: Clawhammer Banjo
Gene Daniell: Acoustic Bass
John "Doodle" Thrower: Harmonica
Sue Koskela: Mandolin & Rhythm Guitar

“I love the melody of Old Rosin the Bow, it connects me with past fiddlers in my family.” Randall Franks


08) Faded Love - Randall Franks (3:14)


Songwriter/Arranger: Bob Wills
Publisher and PRO: Chappell & Co./ASCAP
Release: 1989 Golden River Fiddlin'
Crimson

Musicians - The Golden River Grass and guest:
Randall "Randy" Franks: Fiddle
Wesley Clackum: Acoustic Guitar
James Watson: Clawhammer Banjo
Gene Daniell: Acoustic Bass
John "Doodle" Thrower: Harmonica
Sue Koskela: Mandolin & Rhythm Guitar

“Doodle loved to hear me play this number and he showed it when we shared it with audiences. It is truly one of the most beautiful tunes created by fiddler/band leader Bob Wills.” Randall Franks


09) Mississippi Sawyer - Randall Franks (1:50)


Songwriter/Arranger: Randall Franks
Publisher and PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI
Release: 1989 Golden River Fiddlin'
Crimson

Musicians - The Golden River Grass and guest:
Randall "Randy" Franks: Fiddle
Wesley Clackum: Acoustic Guitar
James Watson: Clawhammer Banjo
Gene Daniell: Acoustic Bass
John "Doodle" Thrower: Harmonica
Sue Koskela: Mandolin & Rhythm Guitar

"James Watson on the banjo and Randall Franks on the fiddle compliment each other quite nicely on 'Mississippi Sawyer'" Larry Robinson, Bluegrass Music News


10) Orange Blossom Special - Randall Franks (3:33)


Songwriter/Arranger: Ervin Rouse
Publisher and PRO: MCA Inc./ASCAP
Release: 1989 Golden River Fiddlin'
Crimson

Musicians - The Golden River Grass and guest:
Randall "Randy" Franks: Fiddle
Wesley Clackum: Acoustic Guitar
James Watson: Clawhammer Banjo
Gene Daniell: Acoustic Bass
John "Doodle" Thrower: Harmonica
Sue Koskela: Mandolin & Rhythm Guitar

“This tune started it all for me. Without hearing it I would have had a much different life. While I have recorded later in life, this is my personal favorite of the tune and I imagine will always be.” Randall Franks

“His touch and bowing is solid and sure as demonstrated by his work on 'Orange Blossom Special'.” Bluegrass Unlimited


Album Credits:
Recorded and Mastered by Gene Daniell, Gene Daniell Sound, Marietta, Ga.
Original Art Direction and Design: Randall Franks
Photography: Ned D. Burris, Atlanta, Ga.
Make-up: PeNelope Make Up Elite, Atlanta, Ga.
Wardrobe: Sue Koskela

Bonus Tracks from

Pick of the Peaches Fiddlin'

"Pick of the Peaches Fiddlin'" was Randall's fifth album and his second fiddle release featuring him with his childhood bluegrass band - the Peachtree Pickers.

Music Photo: Ned D. Burris; Makeup: Rhonda Barrymore; Hair Stylist: Sue Koskela



11) Katy Hill (02:26)

Arranger: Randall Franks
Publisher and PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI
Release: 1986 Pick of the Peaches Fiddlin’
Crimson Records (originally Atteiram Records)

Musicians:
Randall Franks: Fiddle
Greg Earnest: Banjo
Eugene Akers: Mandolin
Keith Morris: Guitar
Mark Nelson: Bass

" ‘Katy Hill’ was taught to me by Bill Monroe at our first one-on-one teaching experience in 1983. This recording reflects what the master instilled in me as the appropriate form of the fiddle classic.” Randall Franks


12) Bully of the Town (02:33)


Songwriter/Arranger: Randall Franks
Publisher and PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI
Release: 1986 Pick of the Peaches Fiddlin’
Crimson Records (originally Atteiram Records)

Musicians:
Randall Franks: Fiddle
James Watson: Clawhammer Banjo
Greg Earnest: Banjo
Eugene Akers: Mandolin
Keith Morris: Guitar
Mark Nelson: Bass

"One of my greatest honors in my life was receiving the Fiddlin' John Carson Award for my work of carrying on the tradition sounds of Georgia fiddlin'. This is my version of the 1925 recording by Fiddlin' John." Randall Franks


13) Florida Blues (02:28)


Songwriter/Arranger: Arthur Smith/ Randall Franks
Publisher and PRO: BERWICK MUSIC CORP/BMI
Release: 1986 Pick of the Peaches Fiddlin’
Crimson Records (originally Atteiram Records)

Musicians:
Randall Franks: Fiddle
Eugene Akers: Mandolin
Greg Earnest: Banjo
Keith Morris: Guitar
Mark Nelson: Bass

"Atlanta fiddler Dallas Burrell taught me many tunes as I was growing up, one of these was Arthur Smith's 'Florida Blues.' This was and is one of my favorites. Randall Franks


14) Shortenin’ Bread (01:06)


Songwriter/Arranger: Randall Franks
Publisher and PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI
Release: 1986 Pick of the Peaches Fiddlin’
Crimson Records (originally Atteiram Records)

Musicians:
Randall Franks: Fiddle
James Watson: Clawhammer Banjo

"One of my greatest experiences in life was sharing the stage with James Watson. Here the two of us share together with just clawhammer banjo and fiddle." Randall Franks


15) Angie's Waltz - Randall Franks (2:25)


Songwriter: Randall Franks
Publisher and PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI
Release: 1986 “Pick of the Peaches Fiddlin’’”
Crimson Records (originally Atteiram Records)

Musicians:
Randall Franks: Fiddle
Greg Earnest: Banjo
Eugene Akers: Mandolin
Keith Morris: Guitar
Mark Nelson: Bass

"Waltzes were always a part of fiddle contests when I was growing up and competing. This is one that I poured a tremendous amount of emotion in creating." Randall Franks