Ringgold Entertainer/Actor Randall Franks tops the Cashbox Magazine radio chart for February.
“Receiving the unexpected news of this honor provided by radio presenters has uplifted me in a way I have not experienced in my career,” Franks said. “I could have never imagined our joint efforts would be received in this way. I think God pulled it up to use this song in some way to bless. Thanks to AirPlay Direct, which allows my music to reach the ears of listeners around the world.”
The Appalachian fiddler hit #1 on the Cashbox Magazine Bluegrass Gospel Chart with his song “God’s Children” performed with the Watkins Family of Toccoa, Ga. The performers on the live recording include Franks on vocals and fiddle, Lorie Watkins on vocals and guitar, Todd Watkins on vocals and bass, and mandolinist Blake Young.
“The harmonies and talents of the Watkins Family – Judy, Lorie and Todd - have blessed audiences across the U.S and Canada for many years,” he said. “I am one of those and I am honored to share the stage with them entertaining audiences. Having Lorie and Todd join me on this song means so much to me.”
Franks and the late Georgia Music Hall of Fame member Cotton Carrier wrote the song. Carrier mentored Franks as a youth and the duo created songs Franks continues to record. Carrier hosted Atlanta’s live WSB Barndance in the 1940s, starred on the WAGA-TV Wranglers in the 1950s, and was a Lowery Music Publishing executive. He wrote many classic country and gospel songs. Another one of his chart-topping gospel classics is “I Have But One Goal.”
“I know Cotton would be so humbled that the words and music God gave us to inspire are still touching listeners,” Franks said. “As I shared in my Encouragers book series, having him to teach and share with me was an amazing gift.”
Franks continues acting, yielding an acting award for multi-award winning “The Cricket’s Dance." His upcoming Revolutionary War film "The American's Creed" debuts in the film festival circuit in 2023.
“God’s Children” appeared on his radio releases “Faith Will See Us Through” and “30 Years on Radio and TV Vol. I,” which raises funds for Appalachian music scholarships presented by the non-profit Share America Foundation, Inc.
Franks also recorded an earlier studio version with bluegrass star David Davis.
Video: Randall Franks with the Watkins Family - God's Children https://youtu.be/d5eeECNiriI