News Updates - Part 2

Actor/Entertainer/Author Randall Franks finds the fiction within for his forthcoming book “A Badge or an Old Guitar”

October 5, 2016/in News Updates /by Randall Franks

Award-winning author Randall Franks, best known as “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” moves his focus into the realm of fiction with his upcoming November release “A Badge or an Old Guitar.”

“After sharing snippets of fiction in my syndicated columns, I am excited to bring an entire story to life between the covers of a book,” Franks said. “Sharing entertaining stories for television through scripts became one of the areas that mentors such as Carroll O’Connor and Alan Autry inspired me to create.”

Order the Kindle or other downloadable version on Amazon.com

Franks won the W.G. Sutlive Award for his very first book “Stirring Up Success with a Southern Flavor” and after authoring eight non-fiction books since 2003, he has been polishing his latest effort with his long time editor/contributor Rachel Brown Kirkland for weeks.

“My first foray in fiction for some of my readers who watched me on television will feel as comfortable as slipping on a well-worn glove,” he said. “Set in the small Southern town of McKinney, Ga., we meet a cast of unique characters that circle around the life of main character McKinney police officer James Randall.

“While he attempts to hold on to his normal routine, his friends and all he has known in his life as an officer is shaken by circumstance, especially after Nashville comes calling to make him a star,” he said.

Thrown into a world he does not know and really does not think he desires to know, Franks said his main character lands in the midst of a classic murder mystery on the streets of Music City.

Franks starred in three TV series and 15 films with his latest film “Broken” starring with Soren Fulton and Joe Stevens. He became a country music personality as a youth beginning appearances at major country, folk, bluegrass and gospel events such as Country Music Association Fan Fair, National Folk Festival, National Quartet Convention, National Black Arts Festival and for the Grand Ole Opry.

Randall Franks (right) receives final editing notes from his editor/contributor Rachel Brown Kirkland for his new work of fiction – “A Badge or an Old Guitar.” (Photo: Randall Franks Media/Marty Kirkland)

“Music City is such a wonderful part of my life, it was fun to create a bit of intrigue winding the musical strings of this murder mystery between the fictional characters that drive our adventure,” he said.

With 24 career albums in four genres, he has performed to over 145 million fans around the world. Musically, he is recognized as an International Bluegrass Music Museum Legend and Independent Country Music Hall of Fame member. His latest CD is “Keep ‘Em Smilin’” featuring Christian music and comedy. He is a syndicated columnist featured in newspapers across the Southeast and Midwestern U.S.

His earlier books include “Encouragers III: A Guiding Hand,”“Encouragers II: Walking with the Masters,”“Encouragers I: Finding the Light,” “Whittlin’ and Fiddlin’ My Own Way” with Violet Hensley, “A Mountain Pearl: Appalachian Reminiscing and Recipes,” “Stirring Up Success with a Southern Flavor” and “Stirring Up Additional Success with a Southern Flavor” with Shirley Smith, and “Snake Oil, Superstars and Me” with “Doc” Tommy Scott and Shirley Swiesz.

“I hope folks will enjoy putting on ‘A Badge or an Old Guitar’ and riding along in an old pickup truck for the adventure to see if James Randall’s life spins beyond his control or if the song in his heart reaches out to touch us all,” Franks said.

Like “A Badge or an Old Guitar” on Facebook.

Order and autographed print copy at https://randallfranks.com/store

Actor/Entertainer Randall Franks’s musical milestone benefits next generation

September 22, 2016/in News Updates /by Randall Franks

Entertainer/actor Randall Franks reflects on his musical successes by defining a special purpose for his recordings with a special CD series.

“Randall Franks: 30 Years on Radio and TV Volume I,” released this month worldwide from the Share America Foundation in cooperation with Crimson Records, shares 23 Christian music and comedy recordings that helped Franks make a mark on radio or TV.

“God allowed me to sing and play some of the most inspiring and uplifting songs thus far during my career,” he said. “Radio and TV listeners responded time and time again helping create sellers that helped me climb the charts. I am honored to look back at the hours of recordings and select some of the best for these collections donating the use of the masters for these CDs to help us encourage a new generation of Appalachian singers and musicians through college scholarships.”

Monies received from the CD will help to fund the Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarships awarded annually by the Share America Foundation, Inc., a Georgia 501-C-3 based in Catoosa County, Ga.

Franks became the first solo bluegrass artist to reach the top rankings of the Christian music sales charts with his “Handshakes and Smiles” in 1990 forging new ground and opening new sales outlets for tradition artists to share their music. He created a partnership at Benson with the late producer Norman Holland, garnering turntable hits including the Telly Award nominee “Handshakes and Smiles,” “He’s Never Gonna Fool Me Again,” “You Better Get Ready,” “Pass Me Not” and “Rock of Ages.” He then solidified a presence in traditional gospel music through a long-lasting association with producer Chris White and Sonlite Records producing numerous radio and sales successes.

“When I started out, I was so blessed to have the support and encouragement of so many of the Christian music industry’s leaders,” Franks said, “Their help made the journey so much easier and definitely more fun.”

God’s Children with Randall Franks and the Watkins Family (Randall Franks and Cotton Carrier/Peach Picked Publishing/BMI)

The first volume of 30 Years highlights some key songs which charted, were broadcast around the world or received award nods in various genres of Christian music. Many recordings feature collaborations between Franks and current or past genre stars, many of whom are now members of their respective music halls of fame.

“I performed with so many stars in my career and I am so honored that many of them came into my life helping me create the sound and the songs that folks listened to through the years,” Franks said. “Nothing I have done would have been possible without their contributions.”

Sonny Shroyer, “Enos” from “The Dukes of Hazzard,” joined Randall Franks to record “Children in Need” in 1999 for the CD “God’s Children” bringing the classic recitation performance to radio around the world.

Nine of the songs included were authored or co-written by Franks such as his “Now I Know,” popularized by the Marksmen Quartet, “God’s Children” written by Franks with Georgia Music Hall of Famer Cotton Carrier, or “Children in Need” recorded with “The Dukes of Hazzard” star Sonny “Enos” Shroyer and bluegrass star David Davis. Nine of the recordings are church standards such as “Amazing Grace” performed with bluegrass banjo legend Raymond Fairchild, “In the Garden” with Southern gospel stars Voices Won, or his international hit of “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem.” The remainder are popular hits in their respective gospel sub-genres.

Among the other notable award winners included performing with Franks are the Carol Lee Singers, Darrin Chambers, David Davis and the Warrior River Boys, Doodle and the Golden River Grass, Jerry Douglas, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Steve Easter, Travis Lewis, Lewis Phillips, “Doc” Tommy Scott, Gary Waldrep, The Watkins Family, Mark Wheeler, and Grand Ole Opry stars – the Whites.

Other recordings featured include: “You Gotta Know the Lows,” “I’ll Meet You in Church Sunday Morning,””Must Be A Reason,” “Meeting in the Air,” “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms,” “This World Is Not My Home,” “Building On Sand,” “He’s Never Gonna Fool Me Again,” “Rock of Ages,” “Letter from Down Home,” “This Little Light of Mine,” “Gloryland March,” “Who Do You Think,” “Precious Memories,” “The Pilgrimage to Bethlehem,” and “Let’s Live Every Day Like It Was Christmas.”

Fiddler Randall Franks (second from left) appears with the National Quartet Convention All-Star Band in 2009 for an INSP TV special with from left, Tim Lovelace, Lorie Watkins, Jeff Tolbert, Mike Riddle, Randy “Scoot” Shelnut, Jr. (Photo by Regina Watkins)

Franks, who is best known as “Officer Randy Goode” from the TV series “In the Heat of the Night,” starred in three TV series and 15 films. He became a country music personality as a youth beginning appearances at major country, folk, bluegrass and gospel events such as Country Music Association Fan Fair, National Folk Festival, National Quartet Convention, National Black Arts Festival and for the Grand Ole Opry. With 24 career albums in four genres, he has performed to over 145 million fans around the world. Musically, he is recognized as an International Bluegrass Music Museum Legend and Independent Country Music Hall of Fame member. Among his many awards are multiple ASE Bluegrass Band of the Year awards and numerous contributory nominations for SPBGMA Traditional and Contemporary Bluegrass Gospel Band of the Year. He appeared repeatedly as part of NQC All Star Band. He is a syndicated columnist featured in newspapers across the Southeast and Midwestern U.S.

This Little Light of Mine Randall Franks with David Davis and the Warrior River Boys (Randall Franks/Peach Picked Publishing/BMI)

“Randall Franks: 30 Years on Radio and TV Volume II,” featuring an Americana, country, folk and bluegrass hits collection, is expected for release in late November also benefiting the scholarship.

The CD is available for a donation of $14 at http://shareamericafoundation.org.

Actor/Entertainer/Author Randall Franks gains momentum with Randall Franks TV on YouTube

September 20, 2016/in News Updates /by Randall Franks

Bluegrass Music: Filling the River with Tears Randall Franks and Mountain Cove Bluegrass (Randall Franks/Peach Picked Publishing/BMI)

Actor/Entertainer/Author Randall Franks launched his YouTube channel www.youtube.com/user/randallfranks beginning with his early folk music footage; and the channel now nears a half million viewers from around the world.

“When we began, I never imagined how folks interested in what I do from around the world would find us there,” Franks said. “From the fiddling folk music of Doodle and the Golden River Grass, my bluegrass and country songs, to my most recent gospel music videos with legends such as the Florida Boys, there is something to appeal to everyone.”

Franks, who is best known as “Officer Randy Goode” from the TV series “In the Heat of the Night,” starred in three TV series and 15 films. Musically, he is recognized as an International Bluegrass Music Museum Legend and Independent Country Music Hall of Fame inductee.

“It is amazing the legendary entertainers who have joined us on my stage show through the years and many are seen performing with me,” he said.

Christian Music: Peace in the Valley: Randall Franks with the Florida Boys

Randall Franks TV www.youtube.com/user/randallfranks highlights dozens of Franks’s music performances from folk, bluegrass, country and Southern gospel as well as interviews from numerous television appearances.

Many of Randall Franks’s recordings may be downloaded at http://www.nimbitmusic.com/randallfranks.

Appalachian Fiddlin’: Down Yonder: Randall Franks with Raymond Fairchild (Randall Franks/Peach Picked Publishing/BMI)

The channel is most popular in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Japan, Ireland, Sweden, Netherlands, Mexico, Czech Republic and Brazil.

“Folks from around the world stop by and check out our vintage interviews and performances featuring some of America’s greatest music and TV legends and stars who have been part of my life and career. These rare videos cannot be found anywhere else,” he said. “I have also created impromptu interview and music features that I have shot on set from many of my movies.”

Franks became a country music personality as a youth beginning appearances at major country, folk, bluegrass and gospel events such as Country Music Association Fan Fair, National Folk Festival, National Quartet Convention, National Black Arts Festival and for the Grand Ole Opry. With 24 career albums in four genres, his latest is “Keep ‘Em Smilin’” He has performed to over 145 million fans around the world. He is a syndicated newspaper columnist featured across the Southern and Midwestern U.S. and an author with eight books including his “Encouragers III: A Guiding Hand” released in Sept. 1.

“It is amazing to see that the music I created is popular among all ages,” Franks said. “I am honored by all the folks who spend a little time with me on the channel each day. I hope you will join them and drop by, sit a spell, and subscribe today. With your help we will make Randall Franks TV a great success allowing us to keep adding more and more entertaining content.”

Vintage Interview with Country Song: I Know Cause I’ve Been There Randall Franks (Randall Franks/Peach Picked Publishing; and Dottie Moore/LogRhythm Music/BMI)

Director/Actor Randall Franks to direct IBMA Awards segment

September 16, 2016/in News Updates /by Randall Franks

Randall Franks will direct a segment of the annual International Bluegrass Music Association Awards Show featuring the Distinguished Achievement Awards.

“Bluegrass music is one of my greatest loves,” he said. “Playing a part in honoring the greats of our industry for their lifetime of commitment, as well as those we recognize for their special industry awards is an outstanding honor.”

Recognized as an International Bluegrass Music Museum Legend for his work with over 30 hall of famers including the legendary Father of Bluegrass Bill Monroe, Franks is also known as an actor/director around the world. Franks, who appeared as “Officer Randy Goode” on TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” has directed documentaries, music productions for television, stage plays, and dozens of hours of new media content. Franks starred in three TV series and 15 films with his latest film “Broken” starring with Soren Fulton and Joe Stevens.

Franks returns for his fourth year of directing working alongside segment producer Tom Kopp. The IBMA Awards Show are Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016 at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh, N.C. This special segment of the IBMA Awards Show including the Distinguished Achievement Awards, the organization’s second highest career honor, and its industry awards are presented at the Raleigh Convention Center earlier in the day.

“It is a pleasure to work with Tom Kopp and the IBMA staff who bring together a wonderful and always moving presentation for this segment,” Franks said “I often find myself being pulled into the moment along with the recipient during their acceptance speech sometimes choking up right along with them.”

Franks became a bluegrass and country music personality as a youth beginning appearances at major country, folk, bluegrass and gospel events such as Country Music Association Fan Fair, National Folk Festival, National Quartet Convention, World of Bluegrass, National Black Arts Festival and for the Grand Ole Opry. With 24 career albums in four genres, he has performed to over 145 million fans around the world. Musically, he is an Independent Country Music Hall of Fame member. His latest CD is “Keep ‘Em Smilin’” featuring Christian music and comedy.

Learn more about Franks connections to bluegrass, https://randallfranks.com/appalachian-and-bluegrass-music/.

Franks highlights many of his music heroes in his Encouragers book series, the latest in the series is “Encouragers III: A Guiding Hand” which include these bluegrass personalities: Eddie and Martha Adcock, Kenny Baker, Byron Berline, Jerry and Helen Burke, Vassar Clements, Peanut Faircloth, John and Debbie Farley, Otis Head, Bobby Hicks, Bill Monroe, and Tater Tate.

For more information about the IBMA Awards visit ibma.org.

Actor/Entertainer/Author Randall Franks honored at 42nd Annual A.S.E. Awards

August 29, 2016/in News Updates /by Randall Franks

Entertainer Randall Franks was among the recent honorees at the 42^nd annual Atlanta Society of Entertainers Awards receiving the Bluegrass Band of the Year Award with his Georgia Mafia Bluegrass Band.

Franks, who is best known as “Officer Randy Goode” from the TV series “In the Heat of the Night,” starred in three TV series and 15 films. Musically, he is recognized as an International Bluegrass Music Museum Legend and Independent Country Music Hall of Fame inductee.

“Performing among some of the best performers in our state in many genres is a great honor,” Franks said. “It is such a blessing to do it with a talented group of performers in their own right. I know each of us are thankful for the recognition that what we do is touching others.”

A.S.E. executive co-director Phyllis Cole (left) presents Bluegrass Band of the Year to Randall Franks (fourth from left) and the Georgia Mafia Bluegrass Band – from left, Pete Hatfield, Jerry Burke, Helen Burke, J. Max McKee, and Rick Smith. (Photo: JLynne Photography)

Appearing as part of the Georgia Mafia Bluegrass Band were Pete Hatfield and Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame members – Jerry and Helen Burke, Rick Smith, Dean Marsh and J. Max McKee.

Organized for a special PBS TV appearance in 2009, the band still receives requests for appearances, Franks said.

See Randall Franks and the Georgia Mafia Bluegrass Band on YouTube with “The Old Black Fiddle”

The group which is made up of members of several other acts will be included on Randall’s upcoming “30 Years on Radio and TV Volume II” CD from the Share America Foundation, Inc. expected out in November. The CD will raise funds for the Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship encouraging youth in Appalachian music.

Franks became a country music personality as a youth beginning appearances at major country, folk, bluegrass and gospel events such as Country Music Association Fan Fair, National Folk Festival, National Quartet Convention, National Black Arts Festival and for the Grand Ole Opry. With 24 career albums in four genres, his latest is “Keep ‘Em Smilin’” He has performed to over 145 million fans around the world. He is a syndicated newspaper columnist featured across the Southern and Midwestern U.S. and an author with nine books including his “Encouragers III: A Guiding Hand”.

Some among the genres and entertainers performing and receiving honors at the event were Jazz – Joey Stuckey; Western Swing – The Junction Band; Blues – The Danny Miller Band and The Mike Watson Band; Classic Country – Highridge; Comedy Bluegrass – The McKee Family Band; Traditional Country – Donna Robinson and Friends with special guest Katie Deal; Bluegrass Gospel – Hickory Wind Bluegrass; Contemporary Country – David Gardner; and Southern Rock – Southern Breeze ATL.

Country musician Jerry Braswell, who performed with numerous stars from Porter Wagoner to Ernest Tubb, received the Lifetime Achievement Award and Horizon Award winner was banjo stylist Landon Fitzpatrick.

Some other performers included Lorraine Guth Parker, Danny Gardner; Mitzie Gardner; Greta Hopkins; and Megan Burke.

Actor/Entertainer/Author Randall Franks book Encouragers III: A Guiding Hand highlights celebrity stories, photos and recipes

August 26, 2016/in News Updates /by Randall Franks

Author/actor/entertainer Randall Franks said he hopes the third book from his Encouragers series will inspire people to make a difference in the lives of others.

“Encouragers III: A Guiding Hand,” released this month worldwide from Peach Picked Publishing, shares 58 stories of actors, musicians and everyday folks who played a role in Franks’s life.

The two earlier books in the series are “Encouragers I: Finding the Light” and “Encouragers II: Walking with the Masters.”

“Through this wonderful process of writing this book series and seeking to explore the gifts of encouragement shared with me by others, I have tapped over 150 stories of folks who God sent into my path and they were willing and able to realize their role in nudging me forward,” he said. “This latest volume by far does not finish the list of those who impacted my life or those that God will send my way in future but it does allow me to acknowledge a few who have spent some time with me along the way.

Randall Franks Violet Hensley Encouragers III a

Randall shares his new “Encouragers III: A Guiding Hand” for centenarian Violet Hensley when the American folk legend debuted as a Grand Ole Opry guest star. Hensley is seen in the book’s Moments in Time section and will mark 50 years performing at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo. this fall. (Photo: Randall Franks Media/Sandra Flagg)

“Whether for simply a moment in time, or for an extended period, we are here to make a positive difference in the lives of others,” he said. “I pray by reading these stories, looking at the photos, or even cooking one of the celebrity recipes, your day might be improved. Possibly this time shared will propel a life towards an uplifting goal through the blessings of your and God’s guiding hand.”

The third volume highlights performers such as “Star Trek” luminary James Doohan and Grand Ole Opry star Little Jimmy Dickens; American icon Bill Monroe and “The Dukes of Hazzard” legend Sonny Shroyer; country music masters Harold Bradley and George Jones; bluegrass hall of famer Kenny Baker; “In the Heat of the Night” star Alan Autry; and heralded gospel music performers Karen Peck, the Watkins Family and Tim Lovelace.

Franks said guiding hands who share their knowledge, skill, hopes and dreams can bring forth destinies yet undreamed. His book features narratives about and interviews with those who contributed to the direction of his life and career.

Franks, who is best known as “Officer Randy Goode” from the TV series “In the Heat of the Night,” starred in three TV series and 15 films. He became a country music personality as a youth beginning appearances at major country, folk, bluegrass and gospel events such as Country Music Association Fan Fair, National Folk Festival, National Quartet Convention, National Black Arts Festival and for the Grand Ole Opry. With 24 career albums in four genres, his latest is “Keep ‘Em Smilin'” He has performed to over 145 million fans around the world. Musically, he is recognized as an International Bluegrass Music Museum Legend and Independent Country Music Hall of Fame inductee. He is a syndicated newspaper columnist featured across the Southern and Midwestern U.S.

Randall Franks Glenda Jones Encouragers III

Randall Franks signs his latest book “Encouragers III: A Guiding Hand” for Glenda Jones at Georgia on My Mind Day at the I-75 Visitors Information Center in Ringgold, Ga. (Photo: Randall Franks Media/Bill Jones)

The 448-page book includes over 58 stories and 395 photos including special Moments in Time photos featuring over 125 stars from Dean Cain to Dolly Parton and Jeff Foxworthy to Third Day from Randall’s personal collection and 72 celebrity, family and friend recipes.

The book is available for order at https://randallfranks.com/ for $25 including postage and handling, and through book outlets around the world.

It is also available from Amazon here http://www.amazon.com/Encouragers-III-Guiding-Hand-3/dp/0984910867.

Like the book series on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/EncouragersbyRandallFranks/.

Featured stories in Encouragers III:

TV and film personalities: Alan Autry, James Best, Dan Biggers, James Doohan, Jeff Foxworthy, Robert Goulet, David Hart, Geoffrey Thorne, Sonny Shroyer, Tonea Stewart, and Robert Townsend.

Country and pop music personalities: Harold Bradley, Johnny Carson, Phyllis Cole, Little Jimmy Dickens, George Jones, The Jordanaires, Merle Kilgore, Patty Loveless, Mac Magaha, “Doc” Tommy Scott, Frankie Scott, Buddy Spicher, Buck Trent, and Leona Williams

Bluegrass artists: Eddie and Martha Adcock, Kenny Baker, Byron Berline, Jerry and Helen Burke, Vassar Clements, Peanut Faircloth, John and Debbie Farley, Otis Head, Bobby Hicks, Barney Miller, Bill Monroe, and Tater Tate

Gospel artists: Albert E. Brumley, Jason Crabb, Ernie Dawson, Lou Wills Hildreth, Tim Lovelace, Karen Peck, Dennis Swanberg, Tim Surrett, and the Watkins Family

Actor/entertainer/columnist Randall Franks launches newly designed RandallFranks.com

August 14, 2016/in News Updates /by Randall Franks

RandallFranks.com receives an in-depth online revamp from http://www.quickwebcompany.com
widening its focus to cover all areas of the career of Randall Franks.

“I am so excited by the new look of the website,” Franks said. “We initially came to the web with three different websites in 2009. This new design by Chris Davidson combines all these into a one-stop-shop covering all aspects of my entertainment career, music businesses and where I invest my charitable energies.”

The new website incorporates dozens of photos, videos and highlights Randall’s work as an actor in 15 films including his latest “Broken” with Soren Fulton and three TV series including a page dedicated to his work as “Officer Randy Goode” on TV’s “In the Heat of the Night.”

“It was so much fun looking back through all these photos and videos,” he said. “I hope it will be as much for all who visit.”

The International Bluegrass Music Museum Legend now has his musical successes in bluegrass, country, comedy, Christian, and Appalachian folk music featured independently on their own pages.

“We also feature special pages on my production company – Peach Picked Productions, music publishing companies and my public relations firm,” Franks said.

As an award-winning author and journalist, visitors can read about his eight books and his upcoming releases such as “Encouragers III: A Guiding Hand”. Each week millions read Randall’s syndicated “Southern Style” newspaper column which appears each Wednesday on his website at https://randallfranks.com/category/southern-style-columns/

Randall dedicates much of his time to philanthropic endeavors including his work with the Share America Foundation, Inc. and its Appalachian music scholarship program.

The revamp includes its http://www.shareamericafoundation.org

“Folks can also find contacts on numerous organizations that I participate in and support with my time on the Community Service page,” he said. “We also have a special page – Initiative Ringgold focusing on my service in my hometown of Ringgold, Georgia. Check these out and see how you can help.”

Visitors can check out Randall’s latest film, book and music releases including his 2016 “Keep ‘Em Smilin” CD at his new store page, visit https://randallfranks.com/ to see all the changes.

Ringgold’s Randall Franks achieves Certificate of Excellence and attends Leadership Institute

August 14, 2016/in News Updates, Photos /by Randall Franks

Ringgold Councilmember Randall Franks receives awards from GMA Municipal Training Board Chairman Norma Tucker, and Associate Director of the Carl Vinson Institute Stacy Jones

Ringgold Councilmember Randall Franks received the prestigious Certificate of Excellence from the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute at the Georgia Municipal Association’s (GMA) 83rd Annual Convention in Savannah on June 27.

He was also recognized for completing the annual Robert E. Knox, Jr. Municipal Leadership Institute.

“A key component of elected service is seeking out opportunities to improve what we already do for our residents and our visitors,” Franks said. “Learning what is done in other cities around our state as well as the most effective and appropriate ways to conduct our business help each of us to be good stewards and offer a better vision for the future of our community.”

The Georgia Municipal Training Institute, a cooperative effort of GMA and the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, provides a nationally recognized series of training opportunities for elected city officials. To receive a Certificate of Excellence, a city official must complete a minimum of 120 units of credit, including at least 54 hours from the required list and the Robert E. Knox, Jr. Municipal Leadership Institute. The training program consists of a series of more than 50 courses.

The multi-day Leadership Institute, co-sponsored by GMA and the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, featured a nationally recognized training development consultant and speaker. Participants also engaged in role-playing exercises designed to cultivate and enhance leadership skills.

“This is an outstanding achievement,” said GMA Executive Director Lamar Norton. “We commend Councilmember Franks for this accomplishment and for the dedication he’s shown in using this valuable resource to become a more effective city official.

“The Leadership Institute is an outstanding program and widely acknowledged as one of the best of its type in the country,” Norton said. “We highly recommend it to any city official who wants to be a more effective community leader.”

Franks is Ringgold’s former vice mayor and currently serves as Downtown Development Authority and Main Street Program Chairman. He was initially elected in 2009 and served Catoosa County and Ringgold as public information officer and volunteer coordinator during the 2011-12 tornado response and recovery efforts. He is former vice chairman of the Ringgold Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, research, training, employee benefit and technical consulting services to its over 520 member cities.

2016 Randall Franks Trophy Winner

May 30, 2016/in News Updates, Photos /by Randall Franks

Maddie Denton (second from right) of Murfreesboro, Tenn. won the Randall Franks Trophy at the 1890s Day Old Time Fiddle Convention May 28, 2016. In the fiddle off, she faced Mark Ralph (third from left) of Somerville, Ala. winner of the 51 and up category, who won second, Andrew Lin (second from left) of Lexington, Ky from 16-21 category, who placed third, and Benjamin Lin (left) of Lexington, Ky, winner of the 11-15 category, who placed fourth. Contestants receive their awards from Randall Franks (third from left), organizer Lewis Taylor (right).

Randall Franks strives to “Keep ‘Em Smilin’” with his new Christian music and comedy CD

May 20, 2016/in News Updates, Photos /by Randall Franks

Randall Franks signs his latest CD “Keep ‘Em Smilin’” for the youngest member of his fan club Wally O’Donald, 9, of Ringgold, Ga. Wally, also an aspiring musician, joined the fan club at age 6.

International Bluegrass Music Museum Legend and country humorist Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” returns to his Southern gospel music roots with his new CD “Keep ‘Em Smilin’.”

Franks became the first solo bluegrass artist to reach the top rankings of the Christian music sales charts with his “Handshakes and Smiles” in 1990 forging new ground and opening new sales outlets for tradition artists to share their music. He created a partnership at Benson with the late producer Norman Holland, garnering turntable hits including the Telly Award nominee “Handshakes and Smiles,” “He’s Never Gonna Fool Me Again,” “You Better Get Ready,” “Pass Me Not” and “Rock of Ages.”

With his latest release from Crimson Records, the Appalachian Ambassador of the Fiddle combines his fiddle stylings, dulcimer playing, vocals and comedy with a Southern gospel style piano. He called on the skills of former Stamps Quartet pianist Curtis Broadway. Broadway also performed with Gold City, the Pelfreys and many others.

“When I started my career I wanted to learn to play the piano like Hovie Lister and Eva Mae LeFevre, but I was never ever to reach that goal. Instead God brought me to the violin, dulcimer, and guitar to share His gifts,” Franks said. “I am honored to have such an amazing talent who has added to such great musical legacies in gospel music to support me in this musical adventure. He certainly plays like I wish I could!”

Franks said this project came together accidentally.

“I was doing a show at the Walker County Civic Center in Rock Spring, Ga. with my good friends – the Testimony Quartet, and I asked Curtis to join me on my solo show that night as we performed to a packed house,” he said. “What I didn’t know is that Tim Owens of Journey On Ministries recorded the entire performance that night and he later came to me and saying ‘It was so good; I should consider releasing it.’

“After listening, I agreed, he had captured the spontaneity of me encouraging the audience to join me in the cheerful fun of worship through these classic musical selections, and simply laugh at some country comedy,” he said.

Appalachian scholar Loyal Jones included Franks amongst the region’s greatest country music humorists alongside Jeff Foxworthy and Minnie Pearl in his educational work “Country Music Humorists and Comedians.”

“I have always shared comedy all the way back to my days on ‘The Country Kids TV Series’ but unlike my old friend the late Jerry Clower, I have mainly shared my funny stories in print through my syndicated newspaper column – Southern Style,” he said. “This gives folks a taste of the stories between some of my musical offerings, just enough to hopefully bring a smile to their faces and leave a song in their hearts.”

Selections on “Keep ‘Em Smilin’” include some of his most requested songs: “This Little Light of Mine,” “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” “Amazing Grace,” “Old Time Religion,” and “In the Garden.” Among the comedy stories are “Chicken Addiction,” “A Tunnel Runs Through It/Re-Enactment,” “Indigenous/Sgt. York,” and “Cousin Viola and the Sanctified Grape Juice.”

Franks serves as an advisor to the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame board. He has performed in studio or on stage with gospel artists including the Marksmen Quartet, Jeff & Sheri Easter, the Watkins Family, the Lewis Family, Tim Lovelace, the Primitive Quartet, the Isaacs, the Easter Brothers, Little Roy and Lizzy, Jason Crabb, Tammy Sullivan, Doyle Lawson, Dottie Rambo, Archie Watkins, Dr. Jerry Goff and Little Jan Buckner-Goff, the Perrys, the Anchormen, and others.

Later Southern gospel radio successes came in his partnership with producer Chris White of Sonlite yielding airplay around the world from recordings such as Franks’ “Sacred Sounds of Appalachia” and “Christmas Time’s A Comin’.” Gospel radio programmers also found his comedy and gospel on his Crimson bluegrass releases “Tunes and Tales from Tunnel Hill” and “God’s Children” with David Davis.

The Independent Country Music Hall of Fame member was honored in 2013 by Governor Nathan Deal for his extensive philanthropic and humanitarian works providing millions of dollars benefiting his fellow Georgians.

Franks’ latest film is the Christian thriller “Broken” in which he stars with Soren Fulton and Joe Stevens. His acting with Carroll O’Connor and Howard Rollins on TV’s “In the Heat of the Night” airs weekly to millions of viewers on cable and broadcast networks such as WGN-TV and This.

Franks continues to make concert appearances around the United States and Canada.

To learn more about Randall Franks, visit randallfranks.com; Like him on Facebook Randall Franks Actor/Director; follow on twitter @RandallFranks; or subscribe to RandallFranksTV on YouTube.

Visit shareamericafoundation.org to learn more about the Appalachian musical scholarship charity to which Franks gives his time.