06) Howard Rollins - The Night Before Christmas (3:52)

06) Howard Rollins – The Night Before Christmas (3:52)

Howard Rollins with The Kids and Randall Franks


"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


Howard E. Rollins Jr. (1950-1996) was an actor who earned an Oscar nomination for his role as Coalhouse Walker Jr. in Ragtime (1981) and an Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actor on the NBC daytime drama Another World (1964). He is also known for his brilliant portrayal of "Virgil Tibbs" on the hit TV series In the Heat of the Night (1988-1994).

Vocals: Howard Rollins

The Kids: 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

Howard Rollins Photo: Copyright 1990 Autry-Franks Productions/Ned D. Burris. Used by Permission.