Biography

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Appalachian Ambassador of the Fiddle

2024 Musician of the Year - Violin/Fiddle

2020 AirPlay Direct Evolution Grant Recipient

Top-20-Selling Christian Album

Best Southern Gospel Album 1990

Top-30 Albums NARAS

Randall Franks became the first solo bluegrass artist to climb the Christian music sales charts

Quotes about the Album

"(Randall) Franks has done a magnificent job on his first solo recording...Classic recording. Crystal clear sharp sound both instrumentals and vocals. The recording features four shining instrumentals 'Meeting in the Air,' 'Pass Me Not,' 'Rock of Ages,' and 'This Little Light of Mine.' Pickin' on these instrumentals is the best there is...Vocal picks: 'You Better Get Ready,''Handshakes and Smiles,' and "He's Never Gonna Fool Me Again.'"

"The recording quality is first rate...'I'll Meet You in Church Sunday Morning' and 'He's Never Gonna Fool Me Again' stand out. Fiddling has some fine edges..."

"'Handshakes and Smiles' is appropriately titled, as it will likely earn Randall Franks plenty of both. His music is refreshing, a 50-50 blends of vocals and instrumentals including some distinctive fiddle playing."

"Suffice it to say every instrument is played by the best musician in his field in gospel music. With traditional bluegrass style, (Randall) handles the vocals well...a pleasant album."

"...uniquely distinctive vocal quality ... it has an old timey quality that one associates with artists like Norman Blake. Handshakes and Smiles really shines instrumentally. Each picker is top notch. Franks is silky smooth on fiddle."

"'I'll Meet You In Church on Sunday Morning', the old Bill Monroe classic is my pick. 'Meeting in the Air' is Fantastic."

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

Randall Franks - Handshakes and Smiles

Available to Listeners at:
https://www.randallfranks.com/randall-franks-handshakes-and-smiles/
Downloads:
http://www.nimbit.com/RandallFranks/

The Production

Original Radio Singles
He's Never Gonna Fool Me Again, Rock of Ages
You Better Get Ready, Pass Me Not

Randall Franks began the process of planning his 1990 Top-20 Selling Christian CD beginning in 1987. He was still working at MBM Records as A&R and Marketing Director. That company sold in July 1988 leaving Randall finding a new direction for his creative energies. He would work on the project for another year and began seeking a partner to help him get his music to radio audiences. He found that partner in Norman Holland and the Benson Company who released four singles to radio from the project helping fuel his rise to become the first solo bluegrass artist in history to reach the top positions of the Christian music charts.
The album was selected among the leading 31 Best Southern Gospel Albums of the Year standing beside ones by The Speers, The Greenes, Walt Mills, The Cathedrals, Gold City, The McKameys, The Kingsmen, The Nelons, The Marksmen and Hovie Lister and the Palmetto State Quartet.
He decided to put together a project combining his love of Southern Gospel and his love of Bluegrass bringing together the talents of some of his friends in both fields first reaching out to Steve "Rabbit" Easter, and Jeff & Sheri Easter, who within the same period he was helping them as they launched their careers; members of the Marksmen Quartet - Mark Wheeler and Darrin Chambers, with whom he had been appearing on the road since 1984; and Lewis Phillips and Travis Lewis of the Lewis Family who Randall had known and appeared on shows with for much of his career. He would also welcome his mentors Grand Ole Opry star Jesse McReynolds and members of the Opry's Carol Lee Singers and mandolinist Eugene Akers.
He recorded tracks in Georgia at Treetop Studios in Bremen, Ga. and at the Home Place in Nashville, Tenn.
The variety of the selections featured on the recording included recordings popularized by many of his boyhood influencers - Bill Monroe, The Happy Goodman Family, The Sullivan Family, The Lewis Family, James and Martha Carson and others.
The success of this album placed Randall side-by-side with gospel music top sellers of 1990 - The McKameys, Spencers, Cathedrals, John Starnes, Greenes, Hoppers, Nelons, Speers, Acapella, Gold City, Hemphills. Perry Sisters, Primitive Quartet, Mid South Boys, Paul Overstreet and the Singing Cookes.

Featured Original Track

03) Until Jesus - Randall Franks (2:26)


Songwriter/Arranger: Randall Franks
Publisher and PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI
Release: 1990 Handshakes and Smiles
Crimson


Musicians:
Randall Franks: Vocals and Fiddle
Carol Lee Cooper and Dennis McCall: Harmony Vocals
Mark Wheeler: Acoustic Guitar
Jeff Easter: Harmonica and Piano
Lewis Phillips: Banjo
Travis Lewis: Acoustic Bass
Jesse McReynolds: Mandolin
Steve Easter: Dobro


From his Top 20 selling release "Handshakes and Smiles" Christian artist Randall Franks sings his original song "Until Jesus" with multiple Grammy nominees and multi-million-selling gospel artist Jeff Easter on harmonica and piano, three-time Dove Award nominees Dove nominee Mark Wheeler on guitar, and Grand Ole Opry star Jesse McReynolds on mandolin.


"I was inspired to write 'Until Jesus' early in my songwriting efforts. For me it shared my commitment to the what we all seek as Christians - we are watching and waiting for the return of Jesus as we live a life reflecting His teachings." Randall Franks

Featured Instrumental Track

02) Meeting In the Air - Randall Franks (2:31)


Songwriter/Arranger: Randall Franks
Publisher and PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI
Release: 1990 Handshakes and Smiles
Crimson

Musicians:
Randall Franks: Fiddle
Mark Wheeler: Acoustic Guitar
Jeff Easter: Harmonica and Piano
Lewis Phillips: Banjo
Travis Lewis: Acoustic Bass
Jesse McReynolds: Mandolin
Steve Easter: Dobro

From his Top 20 selling release "Handshakes and Smiles" Christian artist Randall Franks fiddles "Meeting in the Air" with multiple Grammy nominees and multi-million selling gospel artist Jeff Easter on harmonica and piano, three-time Dove Award nominees Dove nominee Mark Wheeler on guitar and Darrin Chambers, Grand Ole Opry star Jesse McReynolds on mandolin.


01) I'll Meet You in Church Sunday Morning - Randall Franks (03:09)


Songwriter: Bill Monroe
Publisher & PRO: Unichappell Music/BMI
Release: 1990 Handshakes and Smiles
Crimson

Musicians:
Randall Franks: Vocal and Fiddle
Jeff & Sheri Easter: Harmony Vocals
Darrin Chambers: Harmony Vocals
Jesse McReynolds: Mandolin
Mark Wheeler: Guitar
Jeff Easter: Harmonica

From his Top 20 selling release "Handshakes and Smiles" Christian artist Randall Franks performs Bill Monroe's "I'll Meet You in Church Sunday Morning" with multiple Grammy nominees and multi-million selling gospel artists Jeff & Sheri Easter singing harmony joined by three-time Dove Award nominee Darrin Chambers singing bass. Grand Ole Opry star Jesse McReynolds performs on mandolin, Dove nominee Mark Wheeler on guitar, Jeff Easter on harmonica and piano, and Randall Franks plays fiddle.

"Bill Monroe was an amazing mentor to me, there are many songs that I enjoyed performing with him, this song is one I always enjoyed hearing him sing. Bringing Christian stars Jeff & Sheri Easter and Darrin Chambers to harmonize with me made recording it a special memory."
Randall Franks


04) Rock of Ages - Randall Franks (2:03)


Songwriter/Arranger: Randall Franks
Publisher and PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI
Release: 1990 Handshakes and Smiles
Crimson

Musicians:
Randall Franks: Fiddle
Mark Wheeler: Acoustic Guitar
Jeff Easter: Harmonica and Piano
Lewis Phillips: Banjo
Travis Lewis: Acoustic Bass
Jesse McReynolds: Mandolin
Steve Easter: Dobro


05) Handshakes and Smiles - Randall Franks (2:21)


Songwriter/Arranger: Rusty Goodman
Publisher and PRO: First Monday Music/ASCAP
Release: 1990 Handshakes and Smiles
Crimson

Musicians:
Randall Franks: Vocals and Fiddle
Carol Lee Cooper and Dennis McCall: Harmony Vocals
Mark Wheeler: Acoustic Guitar
Jeff Easter: Harmonica and Piano
Lewis Phillips: Banjo
Travis Lewis: Acoustic Bass
Jesse McReynolds: Mandolin
Steve Easter: Dobro and Bass


"Handshakes and Smiles" was a Telly Award nominated music video from 1991, Franks performs the title song from his Top-20 Selling Release "Handshakes and Smiles."
The video of the song was filmed on the outdoor sets used by "In the Heat of the Night" in Covington, Ga. and at the Dahlonega Bluegrass Festival in Dahlonega, Ga. Among the notable actors and musicians appearing in the video are Alan Autry, David Hart, Jesse McReynolds, Travis Lewis, Pop Lewis, Lewis Phillips and Grady Spradley. Franks directed the video which was featured on Country and Gospel cable networks and countless news programs produced for NBC and CBS.

"The Happy Goodmans were a mainstay of my childhood soundtrack. This Rusty Goodman song attached itself to me when I heard Tennessee Ernie Ford sing it and I had to record it. I was greatly honored when Rusty called me to thank me for recording the song and letting me know he liked my version." Randall Franks


06) You Better Get Ready - Randall Franks (2:09)


Songwriter/Arranger: Mark Wheeler and Randall Franks
Publisher and PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI
Release: 1990 Handshakes and Smiles
Crimson

Musicians:
Randall Franks: Vocals and Fiddle
Carol Lee Cooper and Dennis McCall: Harmony Vocals
Mark Wheeler: Acoustic Guitar
Jeff Easter: Harmonica and Piano
Lewis Phillips: Banjo
Travis Lewis: Acoustic Bass
Jesse McReynolds: Mandolin
Steve Easter: Dobro


07) Pass Me Not - Randall Franks (2:55)
Instrumental with featured vocal by Sheri Easter on last chorus

Songwriter/Arranger: Randall Franks
Publisher and PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI
Release: 1990 Handshakes and Smiles
Crimson

Musicians:
Randall Franks: Fiddle
Sheri Easter: Vocals
Mark Wheeler: Acoustic Guitar
Jeff Easter: Harmonica and Piano
Lewis Phillips: Banjo
Travis Lewis: Acoustic Bass
Eugene Akers: Mandolin
Steve Easter: Dobro


08) Everlasting Joy - Randall Franks (2:28)


Songwriter/Arranger: James Carson
Publisher and PRO: APRS Pub./BMI
Release: 1990 Handshakes and Smiles
Crimson

Musicians:
Randall Franks: Vocals and Fiddle
Jeff & Sheri Easter: Harmony Vocals
Mark Wheeler: Acoustic Guitar
Jeff Easter: Harmonica and Piano
Lewis Phillips: Banjo
Travis Lewis: Acoustic Bass
Jesse McReynolds: Mandolin
Steve Easter: Dobro

"The music of James and Martha Carson made a powerful impact on me as a youth. This song was one of my favorites they performed composed by James. To help me give the old-time feel they attained, I called upon Jeff & Sheri Easter to help me." Randall Franks


09) This Little Light of Mine - Randall Franks (1:33)


Songwriter/Arranger: Randall Franks
Publisher and PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI
Release: 1990 Handshakes and Smiles
Crimson

Musicians:
Randall Franks: Vocals and Fiddle
Darrin Chambers: Harmony Vocals
Mark Wheeler: Harmony Vocals and Acoustic Guitar
Jeff Easter: Harmonica and Piano
Lewis Phillips: Banjo
Travis Lewis: Acoustic Bass
Jesse McReynolds: Mandolin
Steve Easter: Dobro


10) He's Never Gonna Fool Me Again - Randall Franks (3:02)


Songwriter/Arranger: John Farley and Randall Franks
Publisher and PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI
Release: 1990 Handshakes and Smiles
Crimson

Musicians:
Randall Franks: Vocals and Fiddle
Mark Wheeler: Harmony Vocals
Darrin Chambers: Harmony Vocals
Mark Wheeler: Acoustic Guitar
Jeff Easter: Harmonica and Piano
Lewis Phillips: Banjo
Darrin Chambers: Bass
Jesse McReynolds: Mandolin
Steve Easter: Dobro

"Songwriter John Farley entrusted me with this song and I did my best to give it a feel that would appeal to a wide audience supported by Mark Wheeler and Darrin Chambers vocally. It was well received by radio listeners." Randall Franks


Producer: Randall Franks
Rroduction Assistance: Steve "Rabbit" Easter
Recorded at: The Treetop Studios, Bremen, Ga and The Home Place, Nashville, Tenn.
Engineered by: Rodney Brown, Steve Easter and Ben Hall
Mixed at the Home Place by: Ben Hall and Randall Franks
Photography: Ned D. Burris, Atlanta, Ga.
Make Up and Hair: Linda Wilson
Wardrobe: Donna O'Neal
Cover Design: Randall Franks
Jeff & Sheri Easter appeared courtesy of Riversong Records
Crimson CR2679

Bonus Instrumental 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 Gloryland March - Randall Franks (02:57)


Songwriter: Johnnie Masters
Publisher and PRO: APRS/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

"As a youth I became a huge James and Martha Carson fan and James performed this song with the Masters Family, so I learned it and made it part of my regular performances." Randall Franks


12 Rose of Sharon (02:59)

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
Eugene Akers: Mandolin
Keith Morris: Guitar
Mark Nelson: Bass


13 What a Friend We Have in Jesus (03:03)


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
Eugene Akers: Mandolin
Mark Wheeler: Guitar
Greg Earnest: Banjo
Keith Morris: Guitar
Mark Nelson: Bass


14) Jerusalem Ridge (02:13)


Songwriter: Bill Monroe
Publisher and PRO: Bill Monroe Music/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

"This is a tune I often performed with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys. While I was blessed to learn from Kenny Baker’s recording and have Bill Monroe’s coaching, my version includes differences that were my own from their inspiration.” Randall Franks


15) Stone Mountain March (03:17)


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

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

"This tune is one written by my mentor and instructor Eugene Akers. He is featured on the mandolin. It is named after the Georgia landmark." Randall Franks