Biography

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Appalachian Ambassador of the Fiddle

2024 Musician of the Year - Violin/Fiddle

and an

American Television Icon

Randall Franks

2020 AirPlay Direct Evolution Grant Recipient

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

Alan Autry

Actor Alan Autry is best known for his role as "Bubba Skinner" in the hit TV's series "In the Heat of the Night" (1988-1995).

Autry co-produced the hit recording "Christmas Time's A Comin'" with Randall Franks in 1991 featuring the "In the Heat of the Night" cast for MGM/UA/Sonlite/Crimson Records.

Since 1995 he played regular roles on "Hart of Dixie," "Sons of Thunder," "Style and Substance," and "Grace Under Fire" and produced and directed his own films "The Legend of Jake Kincaid," "Forgiven," and "Victory by Submission."

He got his start in entertainment as a football player with successes at the University of the Pacific. He then joined the Green Bay Packers where he started as a quarterback but eventually left the game moving into film in "North Dallas Forty" (1979) and "Popeye" (1980) and "Southern Comfort" (1981) and numerous other TV shows and films.

Alan Autry and Randall Franks - Mississippi Moon: Country Traditions

https://www.facebook.com/AlanAutryRandallFranksMississippiMoonCD/
Available to Listeners at:
http://www.RandallFranks.com/store/
Downloads:
http://www.nimbit.com/RandallFranks/

The Production

The 2013 CD "Alan Autry & Randall Franks - Mississippi Moon: Country Traditions," features 11 songs encompassing songs initially recorded between 1988-1996. Beginning in 1988 while the duo were filming "In the Heat of the Night," Randall Franks produced music featuring Autry and himself. This collection incorporates those country classics and the original songs featuring both of them supported by a talented group of musicians and singers. I Almost Had a Hit on Time, I'm Straightening Up My Life, and If I Could Paint a Picture lend themselves to a Classic Country feel. Long Black Veil and I Walk the Line are Classic Country classics with a solid Acoustic Country approach. Georgia Rain, and Mississippi Moon and Mean Joe Blake are bluegrass-infused Roots Country, You Got to Know the Lows to Appreciate the Highs and He's the Only Way are countrified Southern Gospel. Gotta a Lot of Rhythm in my Soul is country Rockabilly. Grand Ole Opry stars Jim and Jesse McReynolds and three-time Dove nominee are special guests.

Featured Randall Franks Song

02) Georgia Rain - Randall Franks


Vocals and Fiddle: Randall Franks
Harmony Vocals: Carol Lee Cooper, Dennis McCall and Herman Harper
Mandolin: Jesse McReynolds
Guitar: Bobby All
Dobro: Scott Sanders
Bass: David Smith
Percussion: Monty Hall

An original story song which blends a bit of blues, country and touch of haunting bluegrass feel that Randall Franks was the first to record.

"Veteran Nashville engineer Ben Hall pitched me this song. I was fascinated by the story that is heard within it the potential of creating a mix of the blues-style story and the country sound while pushing my vocals in a direction I had not yet been. I was pleased with the outcome of all our efforts, and since I am Georgian, it also has that unique connection." Randall Franks

Producer: Randall Franks
Engineer: Ben Hall
Studio: The Home Place, Nashville, Tenn.

Featured Classic Country Comedy Duet

11) I Almost Had a Hit - Alan Autry & Randall Franks


Songwriter: Randall Franks and Mark Wheeler
Publisher & PRO: Peach Picked Publishing and Wahoo Music/BMI
Release: 2013
Crimson

Vocals: Alan Autry and Randall Franks
Fiddle: Randall Franks
Steel, Dobro and Banjo: Steve Easter
Guitar: John Farley
Piano: Martin Gurease
Bass: Gene Daniell


"Despite being on a television drama, Alan and I loved doing comedy. We were looking for a country style song which had just the right bit of comedy within that radio listeners and our TV fans would love. I got together with songwriter Mark Wheeler and we came up with this scenario of a couple of good ole boys who make more out of things than they were and thus as history shows we almost had a hit." Randall Franks

Two American TV stars from TV's In the Heat of the Night Alan Autry, "Bubba Skinner," and Randall Franks, "Officer Randy Goode," have fun in this whimsical original traditional country Americana song reflecting two performers making the most out of things that almost happened. The song was originally recorded in 1989 and it mentions some of the icons of American pop and music culture of that year while creating a smile - I Almost Had a Hit. Franks also fiddles on the recording.

Featured Alan Autry Song

07) I Walk the Line - Alan Autry


Songwriter: John R. Cash
Publisher & PRO: House of Cash, Inc./BMI
Release: 2013
Crimson

Lead Vocals: Alan Autry
Fiddle: Randall Franks
Dobro: Steve Easter
Guitar: John Farley
Bass: Gene Daniell

Alan Autry is a huge fan of Johnny Cash. And as fate would have it Johnny and June Carter Cash were huge fans of "In the Heat of the Night" and specifically Alan Autry. It seems like a perfect match that Bubba would pay tribute to the American music legend by singing one of his songs.

"When I was growing up, one of the Johnny Cash LPs that I wore out on the turntable featured "I Walked the Line." I cannot remember when I started playing guitar, how many times I picked up the needle and played sections again attempting to learn various parts. When Alan asked me to create a new musical approach to the classic, it was a musical endeavor that intrigued me. I think we found a sound which both pays homage to Johnny but gives Alan's a style that sets it a part." Randall Franks - Producer/Musician

Producer: Randall Franks
Engineers: Joe Randolph and Mike Childers
Studio: Real to Reel Studio, Stockbridge, Ga.

Other Songs

01) Gotta Lot of Rhythm in My Soul - Randall Franks


Songwriter: Barbara Vaughn and W.S. Stevenson
Publisher & PRO: Acuff-Rose Music/BMI
Release: 2013
Crimson

Vocals and Fiddle: Randall Franks
Harmony Vocals: Carol Lee Cooper, Dennis McCall and Herman Harper
Mandolin: Jesse McReynolds
Guitar: Bobby All
Dobro: Scott Sanders
Bass: David Smith
Percussion: Monty Hall

Randall Franks performs an upbeat Rockabilly song that he first heard Patsy Cline perform giving it an underlying bluegrass-country feel.

"I was looking for a song that allowed me to blend my my variety in musical tastes in a unique way that allow me to connect with the early masters of the genres. I think this song finds the right balance allowing me to share the rhythm in my soul." Randall Franks

Producer: Randall Franks
Engineer: Ben Hall
Studio: The Home Place, Nashville, Tenn.


03) He's the Only Way - Alan Autry


Songwriter: Alan Autry and Randall Franks
Publisher & PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI
Release: 2013
Crimson

Lead Vocals: Alan Autry
Background Vocals: Randall Franks and Debbie Farley
Fiddle: Randall Franks
Dobro: Steve Easter
Guitar: John Farley
Piano: Martin Gurease
Bass: Gene Daniell

"Alan Autry has an amazing knack at developing the story lines for films and television. One day he brought me the sketch of these lyrics for a new song, I assisted him in polishing it and we created a story which should move anyone who has ever realized that the influence of child's love reaches beyond all understanding."
Randall Franks - Songwriter/Producer

Producer: Randall Franks
Engineers: Joe Randolph and Mike Childers
Studio: Real to Reel Studio, Stockbridge, Ga.


04) Long Black Veil - Alan Autry


Songwriter: Danny Dill and Marijohn Wilkin
Publisher & PRO: Universal Cedarwood Pub./BMI
Release: 2013
Crimson

Lead Vocals: Alan Autry
Background Vocals: Randall Franks and Debbie Farley
Fiddle: Randall Franks
Dobro: Steve Easter
Guitar: John Farley
Piano: Martin Gurease
Bass: Gene Daniell

Lefty Frizzell left behind a hit that has haunted listeners for decades. Alan Autry is a huge Frizzell fan and chose this classic country song to honor his amazing legacy.

"We tried to give this song the haunting feel it deserves. It begins lonely and solitarily just voice and guitar building to a full band in support of the goal of reaching the sad story's end. Randall Franks - Producer/Musician

Producer: Randall Franks
Engineers: Joe Randolph and Mike Childers
Studio: Real to Reel Studio, Stockbridge, Ga.


05) Mississippi Moon - Randall Franks


Songwriter: Jesse McReynolds
Publisher & PRO: Carfax Music Publishing/BMI
Release: 2013
Crimson

Vocals and Fiddle: Randall Franks
Harmony Vocals: Keith Little
Mandolin: Jesse McReynolds
Guitar: Bobby All
Dobro: Scott Sanders
Bass: David Smith

International Bluegrass Music Museum Legend Randall Franks with guest appearance by Grand Ole Opry star and Bluegrass Hall of Famer Jesse McReynolds. The song was written for Franks by McReynolds with his role on the TV drama "In the Heat of the Night" set in Mississippi in mind.

Grammy-winning harmony vocalist Keith Little, a Dolly Parton and Ricky Skaggs alumnus, joins Randall on the chorus. The song includes musical support by bass, guitar, fiddle, Dobro®, and mandolin. The original recording is from 1996.

Producer: Randall Franks
Engineer: Ben Hall
Studio: Home Place Studio, Nashville, Tenn.


06) You Gotta Know the Lows to Appreciate the Highs - Randall Franks


Songwriters: Sandra Rogers,Michael Garmon & Janice Landers
Publisher & PRO: Shylane Music/BMI
Release: 2013
Crimson Records

Vocals and Fiddle: Randall Franks
Harmony Vocals: Carol Lee Cooper, Dennis McCall, Herman Harper
Mandolin: Jesse McReynolds
Guitar: Bobby All
Dobro: Scott Sanders
Bass: David Smith

Top 20-selling Christian music artist Randall Franks, "Officer Randy Goode" from TV's "In the Heat of the Night," shares an uplifting performance of a song featuring a Southern gospel vocal with mixed group harmony including musical support by guitar, fiddle, dobro, and mandolin performed by Grand Ole Opry star Jesse McReynolds, and the Opry's Carol Lee Singers. The original recording is from 1996.

At a guess, I have probably recorded close to 400 songs in my career, this one however achieved a goal of allowing me to create a classic Southern Gospel feel with some of my favorite musicians and singers. I am singing along on a country session alongside the folks that inspired me to want to sing and play. It can't get any better." Randall Franks

Producer: Randall Franks
Engineer: Ben Hall
Studio: Home Place Studio, Nashville, Tenn.


08) If I Could Paint a Picture - Alan Autry


Songwriter: Randall Franks and Mark Wheeler
Publisher & PRO: Peach Picked Pub. and Wahoo Music /BMI
Release: 2013
Crimson

Lead Vocals: Alan Autry
Fiddle and Mandolin: Randall Franks
Guitar: Randall Franks
Bass: Randall Franks
Drums: Rodney Brown

Producer: Randall Franks
Engineers: Rodney Brown and R. Pike
Studio: Tree Top Studios, Bremen, Ga.


Alan Autry sings an original country song penned by Randall Franks and three-time Dove nominee Mark Wheeler of The Marksmen Quartet.

"As best I recall, Alan needed a song to share with some TV producers for a project, so Mark and I brought this song to him, Alan liked it and I took him into the studio to do this demo." Randall Franks


09) I'm Straightening Up My Life - Randall Franks with Mark Wheeler


Songwriter: Randall Franks and Mark Wheeler
Publisher & PRO: Peach Picked Pub. and Wahoo Music /BMI
Release: 2013
Crimson

Vocals: Mark Wheeler and Randall Franks
Fiddle and Mandolin: Randall Franks
Piano: Ed Hogan
Guitar: Mark Wheeler
Bass: Steve Easter
Drums: Rodney Brown
Three-time Dove nominee Mark Wheeler of The Marksmen Quartet and Randall Franks had been writing songs together when Franks began playing fiddle with the Marksmen in 1984. This song is a product of that collaboration, Randall felt "I'm Straightening Up My Life," a country song with a redemptive message, needed to be recorded and the two of them should sing it together giving Mark the lead and Randall singing the harmonies. The sound reflects country classics by Vern Gosdin.

"I was in the midst of recording my first solo Bluegrass gospel project to market to the Southern Gospel market, which went to the top charts in 1990. Mark was a integral part of that project. I knew this song would likely not fit that genre at the time, but I didn't want to lose the special feel it had, so I brought Mark and the musicians in and we recorded it. I loved singing with Mark, so we did a duet and I think it marks a special time in our creative life." Randall Franks


Producer: Randall Franks
Engineers: Rodney Brown and Steve Easter
Studio: Tree Top Studios, Bremen, Ga.


10) Mean Joe Blake - Randall Franks with Jim and Jesse


Songwriters: Randall Franks and Alan Autry
Publisher & PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI
Release: 2013
Crimson

Vocals and Mountain Dulcimer: Randall Franks
Mandolin and Vocals: Jesse McReynolds
Guitar and Vocals: Jim McReynolds
Bass and Percussion: Monty Hall

This recording by Jim and Jesse Show alumnus - Randall Franks is highlighted by restored archival tracks featuring the unique harmonies and musical talents of legendary Bluegrass Hall of Fame brother duet Jim and Jesse McReynolds of the Grand Ole Opry. While Jesse continues to perform, Jim passed away in 2002.

"It was a movie script created for a TV pilot that inspired me to take Alan Autry’s idea and pen this mandolin-infused 'Mean Joe Blake.' It is reminiscent of the story songs of the 1960s such as Jimmy Dean’s 'Big Bad John' and Walter Brennan’s 'Old Rivers.'"
Randall Franks

Franks sings lead on his original song with Jim and Jesse singing echoes and harmonies, as they did for the original TV theme recording.

The musical performance is driven by Jesse on mandolin and also includes Jim on guitar, Franks on mountain dulcimer, and the sounds of bass and percussion.

“This is probably one of my favorites on the CD Mississippi Moon because thanks to the wonderful advances in technology, I was able to restore the archival tracks of two of my Grand Ole Opry heroes - Jim and Jesse McReynolds,” Franks said. “I am thankful to Jesse and Jim for all the encouragement they shared with me.”


Franks association with the Jim and Jesse Show began in the late 1970s as a youth. He appeared both as a Virginia Boy and guest star on their shows into the late 1990s. After Franks achieved American network TV stardom as an actor, Jim & Jesse and the Virginia Boys often appeared on television and for the Grand Ole Opry supporting Franks.

Producer: Randall Franks
Engineer: Ben Hall
Studio: Home Place Studio, Nashville, Tenn.