Randall Franks
Randall Franks is an American entertainer recognized for his multifaceted career in the arts. He is known for his roles as a film and television actor, author, and as a bluegrass singer and musician.
Franks is proficient in playing several instruments, including the fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and mountain dulcimer. His multiple musical achievements and awards include nominations for Inspirational Vocalist and Musician of the Year at the Josie Music Awards at the Grand Ole Opry House in 2023 and 2024, where he also won the Musician of the Year - Fiddle award in 2024.
His contributions to music have been honored with inductions into numerous halls of fame: the Tri-State Gospel Music Hall of Fame, America's Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame, Independent Country Music Hall of Fame, and the International Bluegrass Music Museum & Hall of Fame, which recognized him as a Bluegrass Legend in 2010.
Additionally, he has received regional accolades such as an induction into the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame, the Carolinas Country, Bluegrass and Gospel Hall of Fame Legend Award, and was named the "Appalachian Ambassador of the Fiddle" by Catoosa County, Georgia in 2004.
Franks was also inducted into the Chamber Business Person Hall of Fame in 2020 and was the inaugural recipient of the AirPlay Direct Evolution Grant.
Ancestry
The Appalachian has a notable lineage that connects him to several key figures in both American and European history. He is a cousin to American founding fathers George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, and shares kinship with other U.S. Presidents including John Adams, James Madison, and James Monroe. Remarkably, of the 56 signatories of the United States Declaration of Independence 48 were his family members. His ancestry also traces back to significant European royal houses: the English House of Tudor and House of Plantagenet, the French Capetian Dynasty, the Russian Rurik Dynasty, and the Scottish House of Bruce and House of Stuart. Among his grandfathers, he counts King Edward III and King Henry VIII of England, the latter being an uncle, King James IV and Robert the Bruce of Scotland, and King Philip IV of France. This extensive lineage underscores his deep historical and royal connections.TV and Movies
The American actor, filmmaker, and musician has a significant career spanning film, television, and music. Born into a family with deep roots in the entertainment industry, his relatives include notable figures such as Cecil B. DeMille, Buster Keaton, John Wayne, Lucille Ball, Jimmy Stewart, Andy Griffith, James Dean, Katharine Hepburn and Bing Crosby. Franks began his professional career as a youth, initially gaining recognition as a musician and singer on variety shows. His first film role was a singing part in the 1988 movie "Desperate for Love," followed by minor roles in "Blind Side" and "No Holds Barred".His breakthrough came with the role of Officer Randy Goode in the television series "In the Heat of the Night", which received critical acclaim, including NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Drama Series in 1992 and 1993, and Golden Globe nominations for Best Television Drama in 1990 and 1991. * After taking a break from film and dramatic television from 2001 to 2009, he returned to acting in 2009, portraying attorney Alvin Potter in "Musical Theater of Hope" for Robert Townsend.
Some of Franks's film roles include Dr. J.A. Anderson in "The Crickets Dance", winning eleven film festival awards including the Best Ensemble Cast and Best Feature Film which won multiple film festival awards, including Best Ensemble Cast and Best Feature Film; Marv Headly in "Broken" ; Edgar Albert in "The Solomon Bunch" ; Pastor John Keebley in "Lukewarm" ; and Principal Nate Foster in "Decision". He starred as Todd in the sci-fi thriller "Phoenix Falling" and as Captain Morgan Fairhope in "Firebase 9." On television, he appeared in productions like Hallmark Hall of Fame's "The Flamingo Rising" and Dolly Parton's "Blue Valley Songbird." Franks also contributed to the film "Lawless" as an Appalachian music consultant while appearing with his Cornhuskers String Band.
In addition to his acting, Franks has worked behind the camera, contributing to shows like "Grace Under Fire" and "Foxworthy". He directed and hosted the PBS documentary "Still Ramblin'" about Ramblin' "Doc" Tommy Scott, and he directed and starred in "The Road to Nashville" with appearances by Mountain Cove Bluegrass, Ryan Stinson, Marcia Campbell, Jesse McReynolds and Mac Wiseman.
His musical career has seen him appear on various shows, including "Country Kids TV Series," "Tonight at Ferlinghetti's," "Nashville Now," "Crook and Chase," "Miller & Company," and "HGTV's Extreme Homes." He maintains an active presence on his YouTube channel, "Randall Franks TV," sharing insights from his career.
His recent works include directing and starring in the short film "The American's Creed" and its accompanying documentary, portraying Capt. Robert B. Shields. He is set to play Dr. Caring in the upcoming psychological thriller "The Ageless," based on a novel by Deborah Robillard.
Author
Randall Franks is an author known for his work across multiple genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and devotional literature. His first novel, "A Badge or an Old Guitar: A Music City Murder Mystery," introduces readers to James Randall, a small-town police officer caught up in a murder mystery while pursuing his musical dreams.In 2024, Franks published "Seeing Faith: A Devotional," which includes 31 Bible studies based on the King James Version, drawing from his experiences in music, acting, and his Southern Appalachian heritage. This devotional features contributions from seven pastors: Carroll Allen, Jeff Brown, Chris Bryant, Jamie Ellis, Justin Gazaway, David Sampson, and Mike Smith.
Franks co-authored "Testing the Metal of Life: The Joe Barger Story" in 2023, detailing the life of Joe Barger, who served as mayor and alderman in Ringgold, Georgia, and worked as a metallurgical engineer.
Franks has written a three-volume series titled "Encouragers":
- "Encouragers III: A Guiding Hand"
- "Encouragers II: Walking with the Masters"
- "Encouragers I: Finding the Light"
Other notable works by Franks include:
- "Whittlin' and Fiddlin' My Own Way: The Violet Hensley Story", an autobiography of Violet Hensley, a well-known personality at Silver Dollar City personality.
- "A Mountain Pearl: Appalachian Reminiscing and Recipes," inspired by stories from his mother, Pearl Franks.
- "Stirring Up Additional Success with a Southern Flavor" and "Stirring Up Success with a Southern Flavor," both co-authored with Shirley Smith focusing on culinary success with a Southern twist. and "Stirring Up Success with a Southern Flavor",
- "Snake Oil, Superstars, and Me", co-authored with Ramblin' "Doc" Tommy Scott and Shirley Noe Swiesz, which recounts Scott's extensive career in entertainment.
Journalist
He is an American journalist who began writing in high school, with early publications in "Bluegrass Unlimited," "SEBA Breakdown," and "Precious Memories" magazine.Career Highlights:
- Journalism : Associated with News Publishing Co.,where he won 21 awards from the Georgia and National Press Associations, including a First Place for Feature Photo.
- Columnist: Writes "Southern Style," a column reflecting Southern life, humor and inspiration, similar to his cousin Mark Twain. It's syndicated across publications from North Carolina to Louisiana which continues to present day, maintaining his reputation in Southern journalism.
Music Artist
Early years
Randall Franks's musical journey was shaped by Southern Gospel piano and Appalachian fiddle, introduced to him at family gatherings. His passion for the violin was ignited by listening to Ervin Rouse's "Orange Blossom Special" during a school lesson from Dr. Donald Grisier. He honed his skills under the guidance of notable fiddlers like Dallas Burrell, WSB Barndance Host Cotton Carrier, Gordon Tanner of The Skillet Lickers, and Anita Sorrells Mathis.The Peachtree Pickers:
Franks founded The Peachtree Pickers, a band that gained fame, including a regular television spot on "The Country Kids TV Series" and performances for the Grand Ole Opry. The group released five albums through Perfection Sound and Attieram Records. To expand their reach, Franks established a fan club managed by Pearl Bruce, which by 1986 had around 8,000 members. He published "The Pickin' Post" to engage fans with news about his career, bluegrass festivals, and other bands, while "The Singing Post" catered specifically to gospel music enthusiasts.
Solo and Acting Career:
After The Peachtree Pickers disbanded due to members pursuing higher education, Franks embarked on a solo musical career while also exploring acting. He made his debut guest appearance at the Grand Ole Opry in 1983 and continued to make appearances there until 2015, balancing music with acting roles and guest performances.
Randall Franks and the Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree
Randall Franks established his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree following the release of his 1990 solo album "Handshakes and Smiles." The Jamboree is a historic musical show that blends Appalachian bluegrass, gospel, and traditional country music.- History and Concept:
- Performances:
- Musical Acts: