Biography

Share America Foundation, Inc.
shareamerica@gmail.com
http://www.ShareAmericaFoundation.org
Release: 1991
Crimson/Sonlite/MGM/UA/Autry-Franks

Alan Autry & Randall Franks

Present

CHRISTMAS TIME'S A COMIN'

"In the Heat of the Night" Cast and Friends

"Christmas Time's A Comin'" features the stars of the historic hit TV drama "In the Heat of the Night" with stars of country bluegrass and gospel music. In 1991 and 1992, the project was second only to Mannheim Steamroller's releases in Christmas sales by distributors around the U.S.

Producer Randall Franks (http://www.RandallFranks.com/) spearheaded the project working with TV co-star Alan Autry. The American TV Star and Appalachian entertainer is known for appearing at the Grand Ole Opry, CMA Fan Fair, National Folk Festival, bluegrass festivals, and as part of the National Quartet Convention All-Star Band.
Franks and Autry joined forces under the banner of Autry-Franks Productions in 1990 to produce the charity In the Heat of the Night CD "Christmas Time's A Comin'" including the sounds of bluegrass, jazz, rhythm and blues, Cajun, country and pop.


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“In the Heat of the Night” is an American TV Drama Series set in the South which aired on NBC and CBS from 1988-1994 starring Emmy Winner Carroll O’Connor as “Chief Bill Gillespie,” Academy Award nominee Howard Rollins as “Detective Virgil Tibbs” ("The Night Before Christmas") and an amazing ensemble cast.

The show was syndicated to 150 countries around the world and airs daily to millions of viewers. NBC and CBS network stars, country and bluegrass Hall of Famers joined their voices for drug abuse prevention on this project that created the first major bluegrass collaboration featuring legendary performers with a TV show cast.

“Whether its Carroll O’Connor’s ‘Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella,’ Crystal Fox and her version of ‘The Christmas Song’ or Alan Autry’s ‘Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer’, there are some musical tastes that fit almost every palate,” Franks said.

It is the only recording created by the cast for their fans and also included Alan Autry “Bubba Skinner,” David Hart “Parker Williams,” Hugh O’Connor “Lonnie Jamison," Anne-Marie Johnson “Althea Tibbs” ("Little Drummer Boy"), Geoffrey Thorne “Willson Sweet” ("I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day"), Crystal Fox “Luann Corbin,” Randall Franks “Officer Randy Goode” ("Let’s Live Everyday Like It Was Christmas"), Wilbur Fitzgerald “D.A. Darnelle,” with country, bluegrass, jazz, and gospel music friends. Other cast members Bob Penny and Sharon Pratt joined in on group performances of "Jingle Bells" and "Christmas Time's A Comin'.''

Autry and Franks through the non-profit Share America Foundation, Inc. are releasing “Christmas Time’s A Comin’” CD to worldwide radio in a partnership with AirPlay Direct still focusing on raising funds for its original charity purpose. Fans may support this effort by downloading or donating for the historic TV music project on Itunes, Amazon.com and get the CD online at www.shareamericafoundation.org or via mail for a donation of $20, inside the U.S., and $25, outside the U.S., to the Share America Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 42, Tunnel Hill, Ga. 30755.

Franks was the studio producer on the eight-month long production that included over 60 performers, visited seven studios in four states, included 12 recording engineers and took over 175 studio hours to complete. The CD was originally released in association with Sonlite Records, Crimson Records and MGM Worldwide Television Group and debuted officially from the stage of the Grand Ole Opry with a special appearance by Franks, Autry and show co-star David Hart.

Franks and Autry brought together several music stars that donated their performances. Among them Country Music Hall of Fame member Hargus “Pig” Robbins, and late members Jimmy Dickens, Kitty Wells, Pee Wee King, Mac Wiseman and Grant Turner.

Other stars included Jesse McReynolds, the late Jim McReynolds, Jerry Douglas, the Whites, the Marksmen Quartet, the late Ralph Stanley, the Lewis Family, the late Doug Dillard, the late Chubby Wise, Mose Davis, Bobby Wright, the late Johnnie Wright, the late Josh Graves, the late Jimmy Martin, Buddy Spicher, Jim Hoke, Abe Manuel, Jr., Ken Holloway, John Farley, Bill Everett, the late Gene Daniell and Wayne Lewis.


Fans click here to Like the project on its new Facebook
or they can find original cast interviews about the project at Randall Franks TV on YouTube.

What Others Say

"The title cut is one reason this 'pure' album is such a classic...it turned out to be one of the biggest vocal collaborations in the history of bluegrass music." Vicki H. Moser, Bluegrass Unlimited

"One of the more unusual and star-studded albums of this holiday season 'Christmas Time's A Comin''which brings together the stars of the bluegrass world and the stars of a hit TV series " Don Rhodes, The Augusta Herald

"The most intriguing offering on the album is turned in by Carroll O'Connor - last seen singing as Archie Bunker around the family piano - crooning the French Christmas carol 'Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella' O'Connor stays true to the original version, even offering a verse in French, while Cajun zydeco fills the background for a rather surreal effect." Stephen Masters, The Albany Herald

"'Christmas Time's A Comin' ' and 'Jingle Bells' are the two highlights of this holiday package. Walt Trott, The Nashville Musician

The project was up for the Recording Academy's Best Contemporary Folk Album for 1991, with Jingle Bells and Christmas Time's A Comin' up for Best Country Vocal Collaboration. Randall Franks and the Whites with Let's Live Every Day Like it Was Christmas and Jingle Bells both made the list for Country Vocal Collaboration for the CMA's. Christmas Time's A Comin' also made the IBMA list of Recorded Events of the Year.

The Music

01) Introduction: Grant Turner (:31)
Dean of the Grand Ole Opry Announcers


02) In the Heat of the Night Cast and Bluegrass Friends – Christmas Time's A Comin'
(2:45)


In the Heat of the Night Cast and Bluegrass Friends - Doug Dillard, Josh Graves, Jim & Jesse McReynolds, Lewis Family, Wayne Lewis, Jimmy Martin, Ralph Stanley, Buddy Spicher, Chubby Wise and Mac Wiseman

Songwriter : Tex Logan
Publisher and PRO: Unichappell Music/BMI
Arranged by Randall Franks
Release: 1991
MGM/UA, Sonlite and Crimson

Cast: Alan Autry, Carroll O’Connor, Wilbur Fitzgerald, Randall Franks, David Hart, Bob Penny, Sharon Pratt and Geoffrey Thorne

Choir: Bart DeHaven, Doug Dillard, Debbie Farley, Jim and Jesse, Bridgette Langston, The Lewis Family, Wayne Lewis, Jimmy Martin, Janet Montgomery, Ralph Stanley and Mac Wiseman

In Order of Appearance:
Fiddles: Chubby Wise, Buddy Spicher and Randall Franks
Guitar: Bill Everett
Bass: Gene Daniell
First Verse: Jesse McReynolds and Randall Franks
Bridge: Ralph Stanley and Jimmy Martin
Chorus: Cast
Mandolin: Jesse McReynolds
Fiddle: Chubby Wise
Second Verse: Geoffrey Thorne, Wilbur Fitzgerald, David Hart, Alan Autry
Bridge: The Lewis Family (Polly, Janis and Little Roy), Geoffrey Thorne and Cast
Chorus: The Lewis Family, Doug Dillard, Cast Choir
Banjo: Doug Dillard
Dobro: Josh Graves
Third Verse: Jimmy Martin, Wayne Lewis
Bridge: Jim and Jesse, Mac Wiseman
Chorus: Jim and Jesse, Mac Wiseman, Cast Choir
Chorus: Everyone

Master Sound, Atlanta, Ga. Engineer: Jeff Tomei (Cast Choir Tracks)
Southern Tracks Atlanta, Ga. Engineer: Tag George (Rhythm Tracks)
The Warehouse Recording Studio, Jacksonville, Fla. Engineers: Tom Markham and Bart Stone (Chubby Wise Tracks)
Cinderella Studio, Nashville, Tenn. Engineer: Wayne Moss (The Lewis Family Tracks)
The Home Place Nashville, Tenn. Engineer: Ben Hall (All Other Tracks) and Mix

03) Anne-Marie Johnson and the Marksmen Quartet – The Little Drummer Boy (2:53)


"...smooth and confident..." Beth Slaughter Sexton, The Covington News

"...very stirring performance.." Walt Trott, The Nashville Musician


Songwriters: Katharine Davis, Henry Onorati, Harry Simeone
Publisher and PRO: Mills Music, Inc. and International Korwin Corp./ASCAP
Arranged by Randall Franks
Release: 1991
MGM/UA, Sonlite and Crimson

Vocals: Anne Marie Johnson
Background Vocals: The Marksmen : Earle Wheeler, Mark Wheeler, Keith Chambers and Darrin Chambers
Guitar: Bill Everett
Bass: Gene Daniell
Drums: Monty Hall
Master Sound, Atlanta, Ga. Engineer: Jeff Tomei (Rhythm Tracks and Ms. Johnson’s Vocals)
Real to Reel, Stockbridge, Ga. Engineer: Mike Childers (The Marksmen Tracks)
The Home Place Nashville, Tenn. Engineer: Ben Hall (Drum Track) and Mix

04) David Hart with Hargus "Pig" Robbins – Let It Snow (2:09)

"...warm and lively..." Beth Slaughter Sexton, The Covington News

"...velvet-voiced version..." Rob Collins, The Eagle


Songwriters : Sammy Cahn & Jule Styne
Publisher and PRO: /Cahn Music Corp./ASCAP
Arranged by Randall Franks
Release: 1991
MGM/UA, Sonlite and Crimson

Vocals: David Hart
Fiddle: Randall Franks
Dobro: Jerry Douglas
Piano: Hargus “Pig” Robbins
Electric Guitar: Lester Dragstadt
Guitar: Bill Everett
Drums: Monty Hall
Bass: Mark Nelson

Southern Tracks Atlanta, Ga. Engineer: Tag George (Rhythm and Mr. Hart’s Vocals)
The Home Place Nashville, Tenn. Engineer: Ben Hall (Piano, Drums and Dobro tracks) and Mix
Master Sound, Atlanta, Ga. Engineer: Jeff Tomei (Electric Guitar Tracks)

05) Crystal Fox with Mose Davis and Gene Daniell – The Christmas Song (4:07)


"...highly stylized delivery that would surely please the tune's jazzy co-author Mel Torme." Walt Trott, The Nashville Musician


Songwriters : Mel Torme & Robert Wells
Publisher and PRO: Edwin H. Morris & Co.,Inc./ASCAP
Release: 1991
MGM/UA, Sonlite and Crimson
Arranged by Crystal Fox, Mose Davis and Randall Franks

Vocals: Crystal Fox
Piano and Keyboards: Mose Davis
Bass: Gene Daniell

Southern Tracks Atlanta, Ga. Engineer: Tag George (Keyboards and Ms. Fox’s Vocals); Engineer: Russ Fowler (Bass Tracks)
The Home Place Nashville, Tenn. Engineer: Ben Hall (Mix)

06) Howard Rollins with The Kids and Randall Franks – The Night Before Christmas (3:52)


"Offers an image of Detective Virgil Tibbs gathering the little kids of Sparta around his desk...Rollins holds attention with that familiar voice America hears on Tuesday nights" Beth Slaughter Sexton, The Covington News


"Rollins appears to be enjoying his recitation as much as the children assembled. Walt Trott, The Nashville Musician


Songwriter/Arranger: Randall Franks
Publisher and PRO: SONY/ATV SONGS LLC/BMI
Release: 1991
MGM/UA, Sonlite and Crimson

Vocals: Howard Rollins
Children: Seantee D. Franks, Tess Franks, Amanda Richardson, Lauren N. Richardson, Crystal Robinson, and Jerry “Robbie” Robinson, Jr.
Carolers: Bill Everett, Mark Nelson and Randall Franks
Vibes, Chimes and Bells: Randall Franks
Drums, Slide Whistle and Cymbal: Tom Drenon III
Whistle: Alan Franks

Real to Reel, Stockbridge, Ga. Engineer: Mike Childers (Mr. Rollins Recitation)
Franks Sound, Atlanta, Ga. Engineer: Randall Franks (Some Children’s Tracks)
Master Sound, Atlanta, Ga. Engineer: Jeff Tomei (Music and Effects); Brent Richardson (Some Children’s Tracks)
Southern Tracks Atlanta, Ga. Engineer: Tag George (Carolers)
The Home Place Nashville, Tenn. Engineer: Ben Hall (Bells) and Mix

07) Alan Autry with The Kids, Julian Wilson and Randall Franks – Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer (3:08)


"Hey, Chief, Bubba can sing." Beth Slaughter Sexton, The Covington News

"Alan Autry... surprises with his right-on version of "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer'..." Walt Trott. The Nashville Musician


Songwriter : Johnny Marks
Publisher and PRO: /St. Nicholas Music, Inc./ASCAP
Arranged by Randall Franks
Release: 1991
MGM/UA, Sonlite and Crimson

Vocals: Alan Autry
Children: Lauren Brown, Tammy Eppinger. Aaron Farley, Seantee D. Franks, Tess Franks, Annie Hart, David Hart IV, Mamrie Hart, and Amanda Richardson
Mandolin: Jesse McReynolds
Harmonica: Julian L. Wilson
Dobro: Jerry Douglas
Bells and Fiddle: Randall Franks
Guitar: Bill Everett
Drums: Monty Hall

Southern Tracks Atlanta, Ga. Engineer: Tag George (Rhythm and Mr. Autry’s Vocals)
The Home Place Nashville, Tenn. Engineer: Ben Hall (Lead Instrumentation and Drums) and Mix
Master Sound, Atlanta, Ga. Engineer: Jeff Tomei (Electric Guitar Tracks); Brent Richardson (Children’s Track)
Real to Reel, Stockbridge, Ga. Engineer: Joe Randolph (Children’s Vocal and Play Tracks)

08) Carroll O’Connor with Abe Manuel Jr., Jesse McReynolds, Buddy Spicher and Randall Franks - Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella (2:34)


"Remarkable..O'Connor sings it with a tender flawless touch" Beth Slaughter Sexton, The Covington News

"Carroll O'Connor...brought a dramatic theatrical touch to his interpretation..." Walt Trott, The Nashville Musician

"Carroll O'Connor...sheds his gruff Archie Bunker once more to sing." J. Frank Lynch, The Daily News


Songwriter/Arranger: Randall Franks
Publisher and PRO: SONY/ATV SONGS LLC/BMI
Release: 1991
MGM/UA, Sonlite and Crimson

Vocals: Carroll O’Connor
Fiddles: Buddy Spicher and Randall Franks
Accordian: Abe Manuel, Jr.
Guitar: Bill Everett
Drums: Monty Hall
Bass: Randy Smith

Master Sound, Atlanta, Ga. Engineer: Jeff Tomei (Rhythm and Mr. O’Connor’s Vocals)
The Home Place Nashville, Tenn. Engineer: Ben Hall (Lead and Fill Instrumentation) and Mix

09) Geoffrey Thorne with Jim Hoke – I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day (03:11)


"...strong and pure delivery..." Beth Slaughter Sexton, The Covington News


Songwriter: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow - Johnny Marks
Publisher and PRO: St. Nicholas Music, Inc./ASCAP
Arranged by Randall Franks
Release: 1991
MGM/UA, Sonlite and Crimson


Vocals: Geoffrey Thorne
Recorders: Jim Hoke
Piano: Hargus “Pig” Robbins
Violin: Randall Franks
Guitar: Bill Everett
Drums: Monty Hall
Bass: Gene Daniell

Master Sound, Atlanta, Ga. Engineer: Jeff Tomei (Rhythm and Mr. Thorne’s Vocals)
The Home Place Nashville, Tenn. Engineer: Ben Hall (Lead Instrumentation and Drums) and Mix

10) Randall Franks with the Whites and Jerry Douglas - Let's Live Every Day Like It Was Christmas (03:16)


"...heartwarming, countrified rendition of his self-penned of "Let's Live Every Day Like it Was Christmas" with some fine harmony from The Whites and especially great pickin' by Jerry Douglas." Walt Trott, The Nashville Musician


Randall Franks Entertainment
rfrankscatoosa@gmail.com
www.RandallFranks.com


Songwriter: Randall Franks and Mark Wheeler
Publisher and PRO: Sony ATV Songs/BMI
Release: 1991
MGM/UA, Sonlite and Crimson

Vocals: Randall Franks and Grand Ole Opry stars The Whites
Fiddle: Randall Franks
Dobro: Jerry Douglas
Piano: Buck White
Guitar: Bill Everett
Drums: Monty Hall
Bass: Gene Daniell


Actor and International Bluegrass Music Museum Legend Randall Franks, who portrayed "Officer Randy Goode" on TV's "In the Heat of the Night," performs his Christmas classic "Let's Live Every Day Like It Was Christmas" with Grand Ole Opry stars the Whites (Buck, Cheryl and Sharon), Jesse McReynolds and multiple Grammy winner Jerry Douglas.
He became a recurring guest star for the Grand Ole Opry ® beginning in 1984, seven years prior to this recording which became one of Country Music's Top Country Vocal Collaborations of its release year.
The song was written by Three-time Dove nominee Mark Wheeler, of The Marksmen Quartet, and Franks.

11) In the Heat of the Night Cast and Country Friends – Jingle Bells (3:00)


In the Heat of the Night Cast and Country Friends - Jimmy Dickens, Ken Holloway, Pee Wee King, Travis Lewis, The Marksmen, Lewis Phillips, Kitty Wells, Bobby Wright, and Johnnie Wright

Songwriter/Arranger: Randall Franks
Publisher and PRO: Sony ATV Songs/BMI
Release: 1991
MGM/UA, Sonlite and Crimson

Vocals:
Cast: Alan Autry, Carroll O’Connor, Hugh O’Connor, Wilbur Fitzgerald, Randall Franks, David Hart, Bob Penny, Sharon Pratt and Geoffrey Thorne

Choir: Nancy O’Connor, Bart DeHaven, Jimmy Dickens, Debbie Farley, Sheryl Gripper, Ken Holloway, Bridgette Langston, The Marksmen, Kitty Wells, Bobby Wright and Johnnie Wright

Mandolins: Jesse McReynolds and Eugene Akers (Last Chorus)
Banjo: Lewis Phillips
Bells and Fiddle: Randall Franks
Lead Guitar: John Farley
Rhythm Guitar: Bill Everett
Drums: Monty Hall
Acoustic Bass: Travis Lewis
Accordion: Pee Wee King
First Verse and Chorus: Cast and Choir
Second Verse: Kitty Wells, Jimmy Dickens with Cast and Choir
Second Chorus: Bobby Wright, Ken Holloway with Cast and Choir
Third Verse: Pee Wee King, The Marksmen with Cast and Choir
Third Chorus: Everyone

Master Sound, Atlanta, Ga. Engineer: Jeff Tomei (Choir Tracks with Bass, Guitar and Banjo)
Real to Reel, Stockbridge, Ga. Engineer: Brian Thompson (Lead Guitar and Mandolin Tracks); Engineer: Mike Childers (The Marksmen Vocals)
The Home Place, Nashville, Tenn. Engineer: Ben Hall (Mandolin, Bells, Fiddle and Vocals by Kitty Wells, Bobby Wright, Johnnie Wright, Ken Holloway, and Jimmy Dickens) and Mix
Allen and Martin Productions, Louisville, Ky. Engineer: Nick Stevens (Pee Wee King Vocals and Accordion)

Public Service Announcements

Drug Abuse Prevention

During the 1988-1994 airing of "In the Heat of the Night" on NBC and CBS, show stars Alan Autry, David Hart and Randall Franks through Autry-Franks Productions spearheaded a radio public service announcement campaign that aired around the U.S. encouraging youth to "Keep saying no to drugs." In addition to the "In the Heat of the Night' Christmas Time's A Comin'" that raises monies for various drug abuse prevention charities, the stars made appearances at public fundraising events and Franks served as a spokesperson for the National Drug Abuse Resistance Education Officers (D.A.R.E.) Association speaking to tens of thousands of students across the U.S.

12) Alan Autry, David Hart, Randall Franks – Public Service Announcement - Friends (0:20)

Arranger: Randall Franks
Publisher and PRO: Peach Picked Publishing
Release: 1990
Autry-Franks Productions

Announcer: Ladies and Gentlemen, In the Heat of the Night stars Alan Autry, David Hart and Randall Franks
Alan Autry: True Friends, Real Friends, We all need them
David Hart: But a true friend really cares about you
Randall Franks: And a real friend wouldn’t offer you drugs
David Hart: Keep saying no to drugs

13) Alan Autry, David Hart, Randall Franks – Public Service Announcement – No Heights are Gained (0:30)

Author: Randall Franks
Publisher and PRO: Peach Picked Publishing
Release: 1990
Autry-Franks Productions

Announcer: And now, In the Heat of the Night stars Alan Autry, David Hart and Randall Franks
Alan Autry: You know, drugs are no longer just an inner city problem, city or country, we keep losing kids everyday to drugs
David Hart: Many adults and children are being faced not only with drug use, but also the horror of drug related crimes and illnesses.
Randall Franks: We need everyone, kids, parents, teachers and ministers to spread the message No Heights are Gained by being high.
Children: Keep saying no to drugs

14) Alan Autry, David Hart, Randall Franks – Public Service Announcement – Great Times (0:20)

Author: Randall Franks
Publisher and PRO: Peach Picked Publishing
Release: 1990
Autry-Franks Productions

Announcer: In the Heat of the Night stars Alan Autry, David Hart and Randall Franks
Randall Franks: If someone offers you drugs, they might say
David Hart: It’s the greatest time you will ever have, you can’t possibly imagine the feeling
Randall Franks: But what they aren’t telling you is
Alan Autry: That great time may be the last time you fell anything
Randall Franks: Keep saying no to drugs

Additional CD Information

:

Cover Main Street Covington,Ga. Artist: Shirley Wheeler, Murrayville, Ga.
Photography unless otherwise noted: Ned Burris, Atlanta, Ga.
Producer: Randall Franks and Alan Autry
Production Assistance: John Farley, Buddy Spicher and Bill Everett
CD Mastering: Don Jarvis
Cover Design: McConnell Graphics
Video Footage: Doug Wilmer, Conquest Productions

Producer's Special Thanks: First, to the Lord for allowing me to bring this special project together. Secondly, to my Mom for enduring all aspects of life, good and bad. For being there with a smile and refreshments throughout this project. Thanks to all the performers who donated their time, I pray I spelled each name correctly. Thanks to all the studios and engineers who participated giving of their tie to bring this project together. A very special thanks to Ben Hall who helped me mix this project into a cohesive collection. Thanks to Alan Autry and Carroll O'Connor, without their constant support, this project would not have come together. Thanks to John Farley,Buddy Spicher, Carl Jackson, Joe Taylor, Gerald Roy and all who helped bring this group of performers together. Thanks to all who wanted to participate but were unable. Thanks to Sonlite's Chris White for having faith in me as an artist and in the viability of this recording and jumping all the hurdles to make it a success. God Bless Us Everyone!

Copyright 1991 Autry-Franks Productions. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright 1992 MGM WORLDWIDE TELEVISION GROUP, A DIVISION OF METRO-GOLDWYN MAYER INC.