Biography

[/size]
[size=1]

Appalachian Ambassador of the Fiddle

2024 Musician of the Year - Violin/Fiddle

2020 AirPlay Direct Evolution Grant Recipient

and

A Monroe-Style Mandolin Master

Appalachian Brother Duets

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

David Davis

ddavis369@gmail.com
https://www.daviddavisandwrb.com
https://www.facebook.com/DavidDavisAndTheWarriorRiverBoys//
Rounder Records
Management: Kari Estrin (615) 262-0883
kari@kariestrin.com
Booking: Green Room Music Source
David Priebe (651) 233-6794
david@greenroommusicsource.com


David Davis carries on an Alabama family tradition directly linked to the origins of Bluegrass Music, David Davis' love of traditional roots music grew organically.

Back in the 1930's, his father and two uncles played and sung in the brother style traditions of early Country music. Uncle Cleo joined Bill Monroe as the very first Bluegrass Boy in 1938. David's father, Leddell, went off to WWII and lost his right hand in a mortar accident.

While his dad's dream of making music may have been shattered, he never lost his love and devotion to the music. In fact, David carried his father's love shared in the family farmhouse near Cullman, Ala. innocently down the road, never suspecting the impact on his life.

Davis recently returned to Rounder with his "Didn't He Ramble: Songs of Charlie Poole," a tribute to the legendary acoustic music artist.


Click here to go to David Davis and the WRB - Didn't He Ramble


David Davis and the Warrior River Boys also offer audiences a rare glimpse at the role of front man in American music as did Muddy Waters and the legendary Howlin' Wolf in Chicago blues and Bill Monroe in bluegrass music. Rather than operating under trendy "hit" oriented marketing schemes, front man / mandolinist David Davis simply nurtures his roots with integrity, tonal depth and prose.

Marty Hays

Joining the duo on this musical adventure is long-time Warrior River Boy Marty Hays. Hays from Salem Illinois has been on the road playing bass and singing with the band since 1995. Since a child he has been influenced by classic country music, he is named after his mother’s favorite singer, Marty Robbins. Marty’s uncle Don Hays performed in gospel quartets and his Grandmother Bertha Prosise was the song leader at Pleasant Grove Primitive Baptist church. Marty has made TV and radio appearances with David Davis, recorded along side on three Rebel Records albums and been a part of compilations on Wango Records and Time Life Records.

Randall Franks and David Davis – God’s Children

Guests: Cotton & Jane Carrier, Sonny Shroyer, “Doc” Tommy Scott and Marty Hays

Listeners may purchase downloads at:
http://www.nimbit.com/RandallFranks/

The Production

Randall Franks enlisted long acclaimed Rounder/Rebel recording artist David Davis to add the tenor and mandolin parts to the duets as he carried the guitar and most of the lead vocals.

"David was a perfect choice," he said. "He established himself and his act as one of the most popular traditionalists in a time when many in the field were going more progressive with their sound. He has that heartfelt, high lonesome sound which epitomizes what the project was about."

Franks wrote or co-wrote many of the selections while pulling out some of his favorite standards which added to the duet collection.

"My style of writing has always tended to be more traditional," Franks said. "I wanted to do something that reflected the sounds which folks in the South listened to in the thirties and forties."

He invited three of his mentors who reached their stardom during the era when brother duets were soaring to join him on the recording.

"The late Cotton and Jane Carrier of the WSB Barndance and singing cowboy Ramblin' "Doc" Tommy Scott all lived through this period and were among the artists folks were listening to back then," Franks said. "It is a privilege to have them play a part. They brought an added air of authenticity that I was seeking to capture."

While working on this recording Randall appeared in Dolly Parton's "Blue Valley Songbird" and co-starred in the Hallmark Hall of Fame's "The Flamingo Rising" with William Hurt for CBS.

"This project would not have been possible without David, Marty, Sonny, Tommy, Cotton and Jane are who really make it something to enjoy," he said. "Without them, it would just be me and my old guitar. It remains one of my favorite collections of my career."

Featured Classic Duet Track

10) I’ll Shout and Shine - Randall Franks and David Davis (2:06)


Songwriter/Arranger: James Coats and Eugene Wright
Publisher & PRO: Stamps-Baxter Music (a division of Brentwood-Benson Music Pub. Inc.)/BMI)
Release: 2000
Crimson Records 1527

Musicians:
Guitar, Fiddle and Vocals: Randall Franks
Mandolin and Vocals: David Davis
Bass: Marty Hays

A less common duet comes from Franks' admiration of early WSB Barndance stars James and Martha Carson.

"Since I was in high school, I've wanted to record 'I'll Shout and Shine,'" he said. "The music of James and Martha was a mainstay of my mentoring from Eugene Akers. I later came to know them both and they blessed me with their encouragement and friendship." Randall Franks

A Live Performance of I'll Shout and Shine

Featured Original Song Track

03) Where Do I Go From Here? - Randall Franks and David Davis (3:27)


Songwriter/Arranger: Randall Franks
Publisher & PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI
Release: 2000
Crimson Records 1527

Musicians:
Guitar, Fiddle and Vocals: Randall Franks
Mandolin and Vocals: David Davis
Bass: Marty Hays

"Many years ago, I was traveling through the mountains following a performance in the wee hours of the morning. Comfortable on the roads, I was going too fast when I heard an audible yell within the cab of my S-10 saying 'Slow down.' I was alone and no one was around for miles, so I hit the brakes and as I rounded the curve in the road stood a herd of deer. I would have surely been killed except for the angel which yelled out to me. It is that experience and the promise that we may entertain angels unaware that inspired this song." Randall Franks


01) Swing Low, Sweet Chariot - Randall Franks and David Davis (2:34)


Songwriter/Arranger: Randall Franks and David Davis
Publisher & PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI
Release: 2000
Crimson Records 1527

Musicians:
Guitar, Fiddle and Vocals: Randall Franks
Mandolin and Vocals: David Davis
Bass: Marty Hays


"Since childhood, I had always wanted to record Swing Low, Sweet Chariot but I wanted to do my favorite spiritual in a unique way. Bringing David and I together, we found just what I was seeking." Randall Franks

Live Performance of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot:

02) Must Be A Reason - Randall Franks and David Davis (2:06)


Songwriter/Arranger: Randall Franks and James W. Roberts (Carson)
Publisher & PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI
Release: 2000
Crimson Records 1527

Musicians:
Guitar, Fiddle and Vocals: Randall Franks
Mandolin and Vocals: David Davis
Bass: Marty Hays

Former Capitol recording artist James Carson a.k.a. James W. Roberts began recording in the 1930s. He was a mandolin player, and son of the legendary fiddler, Doc Roberts. He and his wife Martha performed on WHIS in Bluefield, WV, Renfro Valley Barn Dance, and then at WSB in Atlanta, where they began performing as "James and Martha Carson, the Barn Dance Sweethearts", landing a decade of star status. They moved on to Knoxville's WNOX and were part of the noontime "Mid Day Merry-Go-Round" show. James also appeared with the Masters Family and many other acts after he and Martha split in 1951.

In the 1930s, James wrote a country song, "Must Be a Reason" and he allowed Randall to rewrite it in a new direction for the project.

"The song had a different message back then," Franks said. "I was honored that James would have faith in me to bring it new life for this project."


04) This Little Light of Mine - Randall Franks and David Davis (1:55)


Songwriter/Arranger: Randall Franks
Publisher & PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI
Release: 2000
Crimson Records 1527

Musicians:
Guitar, Fiddle and Vocals: Randall Franks
Mandolin and Vocals: David Davis
Bass: Marty Hays


05) The Old Black Fiddle - Randall Franks and David Davis (3:49)


Songwriter/Arranger: Randall Franks
Publisher & PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI
Release: 2000
Crimson Records 1527

Musicians:
Guitar, Fiddle and Vocals: Randall Franks
Mandolin and Vocals: David Davis
Bass: Marty Hays


Randall Franks's Appalachian folk tale "The Old Black Fiddle" is a testament to his fiddlin' roots. This is the original recording of a song that he would go on to record twice more and in 2009 receive the A.S.E. Song of the Year Award. It was also performed live on P.B.S. in a special broadcast with Third Day, Chuck Leavell and Collective Soul.

"My great grandpa A.J. "Harve" Franks played an old black fiddle which I have heard about all my life," he said. "This story intertwines the legend of the fiddle with the legendary contest when Johnny was tempted by the old devil down in Georgia. The tale was truly heaven sent." Randall Franks


06) Children In Need - Randall Franks and David Davis with Sonny Shroyer (3:03)


Songwriter/Arranger: Randall Franks and Tommy Lee Scott
Publisher & PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI and Katona Pub. Co./ASCAP
Release: 2000
Crimson Records 1527

Musicians:
Recitation: Sonny Shroyer
Guitar, Fiddle and Vocals: Randall Franks
Mandolin and Vocals: David Davis
Bass: Marty Hays

Randall Franks also did not hesitate to call on a TV buddy to bring a unique performance to a recitation that he and Ramblin' "Doc" Tommy Scott penned.

"I grew up watching Sonny Shroyer as "Enos" from the Dukes of Hazzard," he said. "I wanted someone who would make the piece memorable like Walter Brennan did for 'Old Rivers: I knew Sonny had what it would take to bring 'Children In Need.'" Randall Franks


07) I’m One of God’s Children - Randall Franks and David Davis (2:00)


Songwriter/Arranger: Randall Franks and Cotton Carrier
Publisher & PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI
Release: 2000
Crimson Records 1527

Musicians:
Guitar, Fiddle and Vocals: Randall Franks
Mandolin and Vocals: David Davis
Bass: Marty Hays

The title cut for the CD was a creative effort combining the writing talents of Georgia Music Hall of Famer Cotton Carrier. Carrier wrote the 1950s hit "I Have But One Goal" that launched Atlanta's biggest publishing company of the 20th Century - Lowery Music Publishing along with numerous country, gospel and pop songs through the years.

"Over the years this has become one of my favorite songs to perform. The message is one that resonates with folks when they hear it." Randall Franks


08) Leaning On the Everlasting Arms - Randall Franks and David Davis (2:24)


Songwriter/Arranger: Randall Franks
Publisher & PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI
Release: 2000
Crimson Records 1527

Musicians:
Guitar, Fiddle and Vocals: Randall Franks
Mandolin and Vocals: David Davis
Bass: Marty Hays

"Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" was written in Randall's home of Ringgold, Ga. A.J. Showalter had been sent the words and while visiting the Old Stone Church between services, he penned the music at the Magill Family home, and then performed it with the congregation in that evening service.

"This song is so much a part of our heritage. I have incorporated it in my performing in various forms. Giving it this classic feel touched so many of my friends and family back home." Randall Franks


09) Life’s Railway to Heaven - Randall Franks and David Davis with Cotton and Jane Carrier (3:35)


Songwriter/Arranger: Randall Franks and Cotton Carrier
Publisher & PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI
Release: 2000
Crimson Records 1527

Musicians:
Guitar: Cotton Carrier
Accordion: Jane Carrier
Guitar, Fiddle and Vocals: Randall Franks
Mandolin and Vocals: David Davis
Bass: Marty Hays

Country music pioneers Cotton (Georgia Music Hall of Fame) and Jane Carrier (Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame) were mainstays of the WSB Barndance and later Cotton on Atlanta television. They both had previous runs on radio from WLS to Kentucky.
They became childhood mentors of Randall Franks and his young group of musicians that made up his Peachtree Pickers. They often joined the at Friday night jam sessions. Cotton, the manager of Atlanta's Lowery Music Publishing, also guided Randall in the business side of the music.

"This is actually a song that we often sang at our Friday night jam sessions when I was a boy. Sadly, the only recordings that the duo had done in their heyday didn't survive the years. I was so happy to find a recording of them that could be melded in with a performance of David and me. It helped to bring an homage of the music they shared with me full circle." Randall Franks


11) Is There More Than Life Than This - Randall Franks and David Davis (3:52)


Songwriter: Randall Franks
Publisher and PRO:Peach Picked Publishing/BMI
Release: 2000
Crimson

Musicians:
Randall Franks: Guitar and Fiddle
David Davis: Mandolin
Marty Hays: Bass

This song is from Randall's Appalachian brother duet collection "God's Children" with Bluegrass star David Davis of Rounder Records and bass player Marty Hays, both of the Warrior River Boys.

"This song takes incidents I've seen while serving and from the daily news and place them within the context of the redeeming truth that there is more to life than what fills our vision and our screens to fill our souls with sadness, worry and pain. Life has so much more for us and God puts them in front of us every day to uplift and encourage." Randall Franks


12) Say A Little Prayer - Randall Franks and David Davis with “Doc” Tommy Scott (2:32)


Songwriter/Arranger: Tommy Lee Scott
Publisher & PRO: Katona Publishing Co./ASCAP
Release: 2000
Crimson Records 1527

Musicians:
Vocals: “Doc” Tommy Scott
Guitar, Fiddle and Vocals: Randall Franks
Mandolin and Vocals: David Davis
Bass: Marty Hays

Randall Franks and David Davis welcome Ramblin' "Doc" Tommy Scott's Last Real Old Time Medicine Show traveled from coast to coast throughout the United States and Canada. Scott began starring on the Grand Ole Opry in the 1940s, then on to Hollywood for western movies, soundies and his own TV series. Franks became his final show co-star.

Scott joins the duo on his popular gospel song that became a favorite on his live shows - Say A Little Prayer.


God’s Children Album Credits:
Producer: Randall Franks
Associate Producer: David Davis
Engineers:
Brian Campbell - Fast Trax Studio Cleveland, Tenn.
Sonny Shroyer Tracks: Allen Grossman - Allen Digital Studios, Valdosta, Ga.
Mixed and Mastered: Ben Hall – Home Place Studio, Nashville, Tenn.
Engineering Consultant: Bill Everett
Photos: Marty Hays and Randall Franks
Graphic Design: High Moon
Crimson Records, Copyright 2000