Actor/Entertainer Randall Franks Releases New Music Video And Single

Appalachian actor/entertainer Randall Franks, of Ringgold, Crimson Records and Peach Picked Productions announce the release of a new patriotic recitation single and music video “The American’s Creed – Recitation" from the award-winning performer. 

Written by William Tyler Page, with music by Randall Franks and Wesley Crider, the creed was adopted by the United States Congress in 1918 as a statement of belief in America that would in time stand beside the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mr. Franks's performance is taken from his new film and documentary “The American’s Creed” and “The Making of ‘The American’s Creed’” and the brand new official music video includes scenes taken from the films directed by Mr. Franks.

Mr. Frank's recitation is now available to radio programmers via AirPlay Direct and on streaming services such as iTunes and Amazon, and upon its availability rose to #5 in the AirPlay Direct Global Americana Singles Chart.

Mr. Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” found a viral success in 2019 with his recitation “What About All These American Flags?” from his #1 APD Global Americana Album from the Share America Foundation charity album “Americana Youth of Southern Appalachia.” 

Mr. Crider is a world-renowned finger-style guitarist who combines the styles of Merle Travis, Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed and others on his Wallace guitar to create an innovative, yet original style, Mr. Franks said. “I was excited that he agreed to join me in adding to the feel of the films and this single,” he said. “He also made a cameo in the films which are set to be released in early 2025 in time for the American Revolution 250th.

“I hope folks will also connect with these uplifting and encouraging words and also the music Wesley and I play behind it. Perhaps from hearing it, they may be inspired to serve our country, state or community.”

Mr. Franks, who reduced his music and acting appearances to allow him to serve his local community for 12 years, said he sees serving the American experiment in elected or appointed office is a vital part of the vision our founders had for our success.

“They envisioned our best people taking time away from their vocations to serve their neighbors, acting in the best interest of all for some years and then returning back to their lives,” he said. “I was greatly honored to be there for my neighbors and to make a difference for generations to come in my hometown.”

Mr. Franks said his late parents instilled that service within him. It may also be passed down in his genes. According to Mr. Franks, his family tree includes 17 known grandfathers who fought on the side of the American patriots. Among his extended family are 48 of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, including its author Thomas Jefferson.

“I sometimes jokingly say my family all got together in 1776 and formed their own country,” he said. 

In “The American's Creed" he portrays a fictitious version of his own patriot ancestor, “Robert Shields,” who fought in the revolution, and, in this case, Mr. Franks also directs it and its companion documentary that are making the rounds in film festivals around the globe becoming a finalist or award winner in several.

His latest album also includes other music from “The American’s Creed,” live appearances from his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree, 40th Anniversary recordings of him appearing with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys (Wayne Lewis, Blake Williams and the late Tater Tate) and his comedy tribute to Andy Griffith – “What It Was, Was Football.” Funds raised from the Monroe recordings benefit the Share America Foundation, Inc. and its Pearl and Floyd Franks Appalachian music scholarships. 

Later in October, Mr. Franks will launch a new web page highlighting the 40th Anniversary of his first appearance for the Grand Ole Opry, he said.

"The American’s Creed – Recitation" is the latest single release from Mr. Franks and focuses on the patriotic writings of his kinsman William Tyler Page. 

Mr. Franks wrote a short film and a documentary to share initially around the world in film festivals and then for public release. He enlisted world-renowned finger-style guitarist Mr. Crider to enhance his fiddling.

“This is the first element of the American trilogy with ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ and ‘The Pledge of Allegiance’,” Mr. Franks said. “These words reflect why we believe in being an American. When William Tyler Page wrote these and Congress adopted them in 1918, I think those involved knew that we would need to be reminded of these thoughts again and again in future years.”

Mr. Franks said he hopes his radio friends will share the recitation as a regular reminder of the importance of what we believe as Americans. The recitation inspired the release of his #7 AirPlay Direct Global Americana Album “The American's Creed.”

"The American’s Creed – Recitation" is now available from Crimson Records for radio programmers via AirPlay Direct or by requesting a direct download here. It is also available on popular digital streaming platforms such as Amazon here or iTunes here, or the Peach Picked Productions video can be seen on Randall Franks TV on Rumble (https://rumble.com/v5hqelo-the-americans-creed-recitation-randall-franks.html), YouTube (https://youtu.be/h8XPP00Fdiw), and Brighteon. For information, visit RandallFranks.com.