Joe Barger

Award-winning author Randall Franks joins long-time Ringgold Georgia Mayor Joe Barger in writing his autobiography

Testing the Metal of Life (The Joe Barger Story) by Joe Barger with Randall Franks is expected for release in October 2023.

Randall Franks and Joe Barger

“Former Mayor Joe Barger called me several months ago and asked me to come over to his home,” Franks said. “He asked me to help him write his autobiography. This began months of Joe and his wife Barbara spending hours with me completing interviews, going over notes and photographs spanning his 93 years. From his early years in North Carolina to American military service in the Philippines; then from Ringgold to China and around the world, as he also led a small Appalachian town through 48 years of amazing growth.

“Writing this book with Joe is an amazing experience. It is a fascinating American story that I think anyone might enjoy and I  am so honored that Joe and Barbara place such trust in me.”

Advance copies may be ordered either via mail (see address below) or by PayPal button below. In addition to cost and shipping, the button includes additional cost to cover PayPal fees.



Autograph Request? Please Provide Name Desired To


Order by mail by sending $25 check or

money order to

Joe Barger, Peach Picked Publishing,

P.O. Box 42, Tunnel Hill, Ga. 30736

 

Randall Franks appears at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Randall Franks (center) pauses back stage at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum with western artists The Farmer & Adele prior to entertaining the audience. (Randall Franks Media)

American actor and entertainer Randall Franks of Ringgold appeared at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Labor Day weekend at the Grand Master Fiddler Championship.

“It is always an honor to be part of this great event which has played a role in my life since I first competed as a youth at the Ryman Auditorium,” he said. “It is amazing to hear and see that fiddling flourishes among all ages from around the country.”

Franks who marked his 14th year as celebrity host of the event taking over from the late Grand Ole Opry star Porter Wagoner. Also hosting were the western artists The Farmer & Adele, who Franks joined on stage to entertain the lively audience.

He joined special appearances made by Grand Ole Opry stars The Riders in the Sky, the GMFC Judges and country artist Kathy Mattea who helped make an award presentation.

Grand Master Fiddler Open Champion Trustin Baker (second from left) receives his award, from left, GMFC Directors Ed Carnes and Howard Harris and fiddler Randall Franks. (GMFC Photo)

“I was also honored to also take on the role of fiddler wrangler formerly performed by the late fiddler Charlie Bush serving our competitors as their dean of contest fiddling,” he said.

Fiddler Franks was on hand to crown the 2022 Grand Master Open Champion Trustin Baker of Missouri with GMFC Board members Howard Harris and Ed Carnes.

Randall Franks inducted in Tri-State Gospel Music Hall of Fame

Appalachian fiddler, humorist and actor Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” of “In the Heat of the Night,” was inducted into the Tri-State Gospel Music Hall of Fame Aug. 6, 2022, at Parkway Baptist Church in Fort Oglethorpe, Ga.

Randall Franks Induction: Randall Franks (center) is inducted into the Tri-State Gospel Music Hall of Fame by (left) TSGMA President/Founder Herb Oliver and TSGMA Chairman Will Dickerson. (Photo by Robert York)

Franks was included in a class of inductees including Kelly Nelon, the late Rex Nelon, Peg McKamey Bean, Ruben Bean, Woody Wright, Adam Borden, Darren Haskett, Jeff Kelley, and Willie Kitchens. The Tri-State Gospel Music Hall of Fame, based in the Chattanooga area, includes Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama.

“It was such a wonderful honor to be inducted into the Tri-State Gospel Music Hall of Fame,” Franks said. “Thank you to Ken Hicks, Will Dickerson and all the Tri-State Gospel Music Hall of Fame board for this honor.”

At the event, Franks also appeared with The Nelons and the TSGHOF house band led by pianist Curtis Broadway to perform with the Hall of Fame Choir and the Scrap Iron Quartets.

My journey here would not have been possible without God’s ever present hand opening doors for me to share for Him,” he said. “I thank my late parents, Pearl and Floyd Franks, all those who encouraged me along the way, those who played or sang with my acts, or those who allowed me to perform or record with them.” 

Franks latest release is “What About All These American Flags?” from his 2019 #1 Global Americana Album “Americana Youth of Southern Appalachia.” In addition to numerous gospel songs included on bluegrass, folk, country and Americana albums, his gospel releases are the Top-20 “Handshakes and Smiles” album, “Sacred Sounds of Appalachia,” “Christmas Time’s A Comin’,” “God’s Children,” “Keep Em’ Smilin’, “Precious Memories,” and “Faith Will See Us Through.”

Among his most popular songs are “In the Garden,” “Must Be a Reason,” “God’s Children,” “He’s Never Gonna Fool Me Again,” “Let’s Live Every Day Like It Was Christmas,” “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem,” and “You Better Get Ready.”

Some among the performers Franks has appeared with through his career are The Marksmen Quartet, Jeff & Sheri Easter, The National Quartet Convention All Star Band, The Morris Brothers, The Lewis Family, The Primitive Quartet, The Watkins Family, Tim Lovelace, Dottie Rambo, Bill Monroe, Jim and Jesse McReynolds and many more.

“So many lessons were taught, and doors were opened for me by Marksmen leader Earle Wheeler,” Franks said. “Without his ever-present involvement in my gospel music career, it’s safe to say I would not be receiving such an honor.”

Franks said this accolade is owed to those behind the scenes who made it possible.

I appreciate the support of the promoters, the disc jockeys, the print journalists, the record execs – Chris White and Norman Holland, engineers, and all the groups who shared the concert stages,” he said. “It is an amazing journey. Most of all, I appreciate those folks who showed up rain or shine, to listen, applaud, buy records, tapes and CDs, and those who maybe bought a Coke or provided a meal along the way.

I am eternally grateful that folks allowed this Georgia fiddler who sings on key from time to time and shares some corny Appalachian humor to come into their lives,” he said.

Franks most recent film is the multi-award winning “The Cricket’s Dance.” Franks shares in a Best Ensemble Cast Award for his portrayal of “Dr. J.A. Anderson” in the film. He is currently completing the American Revolution era film “The American’s Creed.”

77 YEARS OF AMERICAN MUSIC – Randall’s Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree

From left the 2022 cast includes: Caleb Lewis, Dawson Wright, Todd Watkins, Randall Franks, Colton Brown, and Ryan Stinson.

77 YEARS OF AMERICAN MUSIC – Appalachian Actor/Entertainer Randall Franks and his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree recently celebrated its 77th Anniversary Performance at the Colonnade in Ringgold, Ga. for the North Georgia EMC. The show was started as one of the several stage productions operated by Grand Ole Opry and Western Film star Ramblin’ “Doc” Tommy Scott in 1945 as part of his Herb-O-Lac Medicine Show Productions. In the Heat of the Night co-star Franks took the reins of the Jamboree in 1990 adding other TV favorites such as Donna Douglas and Sonny Shroyer and fellow music stars. “It’s been such an amazing time of music with lots of laughs,” he said. “Our largest concert audience during my tenure was 30,000. What fun that was! I am thankful that folks have an interest in supporting what our ensemble brings to the stage – music, comedy and family fun. Continuing the traditions – that is what it’s all about.” The eight-decade legacy includes screen and music legends such as Uncle Dave Macon, Stringbean Akeman, Carolina Cotton, Ray Whitley, Johnny Mack Brown, Sunset Carson, Fuzzy St. John, Lash LaRue, Tim McCoy and many more. From left the 2022 cast includes: Caleb Lewis, Dawson Wright, Todd Watkins, Randall Franks, Colton Brown, and Ryan Stinson.  (Randall Franks Media: Photo by Regina Watkins)

Northwest Georgia actor Randall Franks presents wrestling film memorabilia

American TV actor Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” commemorates his participation 33 years ago in Hulk Hogan’s film “No Holds Barred,“ which debuted at #2 behind Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Franks (right) presents a special memorabilia donation to Paul Lee at the Turnbuckle Bar & Grill in Ringgold for display including photos from that set with Tiny Lister, Hogan, “In the Heat of the Night,“ as well as publicity stills. “I spent 10 days playing a wealthy wrestling enthusiast in one of my earliest film experiences, it was a great opportunity to meet many key people who would later open other doors for me.” The wrestling-themed restaurant is owned by wrestling celebrity Paul Lee, who is marking 40 years in the sport working with the WCW, USWA, AWF and WWA federations. He holds 35 titles for single and tag team wrestling. He hosts wrestling events regularly at his Circus Tent Arena, also in Ringgold.

Randall Franks and Wesley Crider set tempo for new film

American Actor/entertainer Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” recently joined internationally known finger-style guitarist Wesley Crider, both of Ringgold, Ga., for a recording session. The duo was creating original music for Randall’s short film “The American’s Creed” in Tim Witt Studios near LaFayette, Ga. “I am looking forward to folks hearing the four unique movements of music we have created to underscore the emotions of the actors,” Frank’s said. “Wesley brought an amazing sense of timing and style to enhance my ideas with the fiddle.” Expected for release later in 2022, the film set during the American Revolutionary War was shot on location at the Gordon Lee Mansion in Chickamauga. From left is engineer Witt, Crider and Franks. (Photo: Randall Franks Media)

Artist/Actor Randall Franks inducted into America’s Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame

Actor/Artist Randall Franks was inducted recently into America’s Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame in November 2019 alongside Jimmy Bowen, Gail Davies, Jeannie C. Riley, and Grand Ole Opry star Jeannie Seely. Franks is best known for his role as “Officer Randy Goode” in the award-winning series “In the Heat of the Night.”  Franks will join the ensemble cast of “A Cricket’s Dance” adding his talents to the upcoming 2020 feature film.

“I am deeply honored to be included in such company,” Franks said. “I never imagined as a Georgia boy who just loved to play my fiddle and sing, that one day my efforts might be heralded alongside those of so many of my musical heroes.”

Ceremonies were held at the 44th Annual Old Time Country Music Festival in Fremont, Nebraska where the native of Georgia also entertained the audience supported by the Kenastons – Vanessa, Sharon and Roger, who often appear on RFD-TV.

Franks joins honorees who have received the distinction since 1977 from the National Traditional Country Music Association including legendary acts such as Loretta Lynn, the Carter Family, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Grandpa and Ramona Jones, the Morris Brothers, Fiddlin’ John Carson and others. Many of the former honorees are included among those Franks highlighted in his “Encouragers” book series as those who helped him along his way.

“What a pleasure it was to induct a man who has so much at stake in ‘real’ rural music, and who does so much to keep America’s very own ‘rural music’ intact,” said Bob Everhart, President, National Traditional Country Music Association & Smithsonian Institution Recording Artist. “Randall not only plays a magnificent traditional country fiddle, his standing ovation proved that beyond a shadow of a doubt, he’s also one of the most keen and strongest musical voices for traditional country music I’ve personally ever heard in today’s music world, and in 44 years of doing a traditional country music festival, I just might have a ‘sense’ of what that is. Our ‘rural-country’ audience was profoundly impressed with Randall Franks, so was I.”

 

He began his rise in Nashville’s country music scene as a youth when Rock, Country, Bluegrass and Songwriter halls of fame member Bill Monroe recognized his talents and arranged the first of many repeat guest star appearances for the Grand Ole Opry 35 years ago. The Music City News was one of country’s first publications to acknowledge his talents alongside fellow 1980s country stars such as Reba McEntire, Alabama, and Lee Greenwood.

Franks soon expanded to musical appearances in movies and then landed a five-year role as “Officer Randy Goode” in the TV drama “In the Heat of the Night” as one of the police officers supporting the legendary Emmy winning actor Carroll O’Connor, Academy Award nominee Howard Rollins and Alan Autry. After leaving the show in 1993, while starring in movies, he returned to Nashville hosting concerts including at the Ryman, appeared for the Grand Ole Opry, and toured among the 1990s era country music stars.

While acting broadened his worldwide audience, music remained his passion yielding him appearances across the U.S. and Canada at fairs, festivals, concerts, and churches crossing genres from country, bluegrass, folk, Christian and most recently Americana.  He shared his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree at fairs and concerts around the U.S. and also made special appearances with his mentors Grand Ole Opry stars Jim and Jesse McReynolds.  

His musical creativity produced chart topping sellers such as the 1990 “Handshakes and Smiles” and the 1991 “Christmas Time’s A Comin’, ” 1992 “Sacred Sounds of Appalachia,” and critically acclaimed releases such as 1989 “Golden River Fiddlin’” and the 1995 “Tunes and Tales from Tunnel Hill,” and 2000 “God’s Children” with David Davis. With popular recordings within in numerous genres, his music was released by record labels including MGM/UA, Atteiram, Benson/Riversong, Sonlite, Zion, Lamp, Share America and Crimson.

Franks scored a number 1 Americana CD in June 2019 with “Americana Youth of Southern Appalachia” and currently holds the #3 spot on the Top 50 APD Americana / Grassicana Albums for October 2019.

http://airplaydirect.com/music/RandallFranks-AmericanaYouthOfSouthernAppalachia/

His numerous awards and recognitions span from Male Vocalist of the Year to Songwriter of the Year and in 2011 he was honored by the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum as a Legend.

Franks is a mainstay as a celebrity host and entertainer at the Grand Master Fiddler Championship held at Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum each Labor Day weekend. He also presents the Randall Franks Fiddle Trophy at the 1890s Days Jamboree Fiddle Contest on Memorial Day Saturday in his hometown of Ringgold, Ga.

Fans may download his music at www.Nimbit.com/RandallFranks. Radio may find links to music from throughout his career at http://airplaydirect.com/music/RandallFranks/ .

For more information like him on Facebook, follow @RandallFranks on Twitter, Instagram, or subscribe to Randall Franks TV on YouTube.

Share America presents guitar to Soddy Daisy, Tenn. youth Logan Puryear

 

The Share America Foundation was able to fulfill the wishes of  long-time supporter Joey Chamberlain​​ at the Ringgold Opry​ by presenting a guitar she donated to a talented youth musician Logan Puryear, 17, of Soddy Daisy, Tenn. in honor of the Apison Lions Club. Joey is now staying in Oklahoma and was unable to attend but Frankie Hood stood in for her, and Ringgold Depot Opry organizer Ronal Graham joined Randall Franks in making the presentation of a Fender Paramount valued at around $900. Logan performed with Randall Franks on the Ringgold Depot stage sharing the guitar classic “Wildwood Flower.”

Randall Franks performs in honor of Fiddlin’ John Carson

 

Georgia’s Fiddlin’ John Carson contribution to country music as first recording star continues to be honored.

From left Randy Smith, Dan Daniel, Yvonne Smith, Pete Hatfield and Rick Smith perform in honor of Fiddlin’ John Carson.

Randall Franks joined Georgia artists at Sylvester Cemetery in Atlanta, Ga. recognizing the 149th Birthday of Country Music’s first recording star Fiddlin’ John Carson by playing his first hit “Little Ole Log Cabin in the Lane.”  The performance organized by the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame reunited Franks with musician Randy Smith who joined Franks as he produced a recording featuring TV icon Carroll O’Connor in 1990. Ken Starr was presented the Fiddlin’ John Carson Award at the event.

Randall Franks, Yvonne and Randy Smith pause in front of the Carson family monument in Atlanta’s Sylvester Cemetery.

Randall Franks appears with Stella Parton

Randall Franks made a special musical appearance with friend, country music star and former film co-star Stella Parton at her appearance for the Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce in Ringgold, Ga. in February 2017.

(Photos by Mike Key)