Randall Franks
Entertainer Randall Franks of Ringgold is among the nominees in this year’s Diamond Awards.
“I want to thank God for the opportunities He shares and all the wonderful people who He has brought into my life who support my musical efforts,” said Mr. Franks.
SGNScoops.com announced this week the nominees for 19 categories in the 2010 Diamond Awards which will be awarded at the Branson Gospel Music Convention in Branson, Mo. June 28–July 2.
Fans voted Mr. Franks among the top 10 bluegrass artists joining Bound & Determined, Dailey & Vincent, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Isaacs, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Joe Cook Family, Primitive Quartet, Sandi Kay & New Hickory and the Watkins Family.
“It is definitely an honor to be included among these great talents many of who are long time friends,” he said. “It would be hard for me to choose amongst this group.”
Mr. Franks is best known as “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” a role he performed on NBC and CBS from 1988-1993. He is currently part of the cast of “Robert Townsend’s Musical Theater of Hope” on the GMC.
Mr. Franks’s musical stylings have been heard in 150 countries and by more than 25 million Americans. His musical career boasts 16 album releases, 17 singles, and over 200 recordings with various artists from various genres. His latest CD is “Appalachian Musical Revival” from the Share America Foundation.
In addition to touring, he hosts 10 concerts annually at the Ringgold Depot raising funds for the Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship Fund.
The award-winning fiddler’s best selling release, "Handshakes and Smiles" was a top 20 Christian music seller. Many of his albums were among the top 30-bluegrass recordings of their release year.
He has co-starred or starred in six films with superstars including Dolly Parton, Christian Slater and Stella Parton and legendary western star “Doc” Tommy Scott and William Hurt.
Area fans may vote in the Diamond Awards until April 30 for the winner in this category and other various gospel music categories by visiting http://www.sgnscoops.com/ clicking on the April issue of the magazine, turning to page 19, and clicking on the Diamond Award logo to reveal an electronic ballot.
For more information about Franks, visit http://randallfranks.com/.