Meeting Randall Franks

Randall Franks (center) with The Watkins Family

This past Saturday (April 14th, 2012), I had the pleasure of representing the non profit radio station I work for at "The Solomon Bunch" red carpet premiere in McDonough, GA. This family and faith-based film shot on location in our listening area is absolutely fantastic! It also featured a guest appearance by bluegrass legend Randall Franks.

Since I host a bluegrass gospel program on the weekends, I've been wanting to meet Randall Franks and had the chance to do so at this event. The table for my station was set up across from his, so I introduced myself and invited him to come on my program at a future date. He was delighted to do so and gave me three of his albums to include on the program. It was an honor to meet such a legend.

Franks resides in Catoosa County, GA and is known as the "Appalachian Ambassador of the Fiddle". He was a member of the legendary "Father of Bluegrass" Bill Monroe's band, and played with bluegrass greats Jim and Jesse, the Marksmen Quartet, and has performed with Jeff and Sheri Easter. On top of that, he also played Officer Randy Goode on "In the Heat of the Night." And has appeared in many other movies with Christian Slater, Dolly Parton, and legendary western star "Doc" Tommy Scott.

Not only is Franks one of the best Appalachian fiddlers in existence, he is also an author and historian of Appalachian culture. He also operates an Appalachian music scholarship foundation called Share America Foundation. You can learn about all his accomplishments and contributions when you visit RandallFranks.com

Before "The Solomon Bunch" premiered, the audience enjoyed a performance by Randall Franks and The Watkins Family. It was great!