and That” Journalist Franks began writing articles while in high school, and some were published in Bluegrass Unlimited, the SEBA Breakdown, Precious Memories magazine, and elsewhere. Like his more famous writing cousin Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) he searched for humor and inspiration as he focused on journalism from 2001–2009 in association with News Publishing Co. His journalistic efforts brought about 21 Georgia Press and National Press associations awards including a First Place Feature Photo. He writes a column called Southern Style which continues in publications from North Carolina to Louisiana. He currently writes for various magazines. Music Artist Early Years The sound of the Southern Gospel piano and Appalachian fiddle is what inspired Randall Franks into music initially through family reunions and then it was Ervin Rouse’s “Orange Blossom Special” played by Dr. Donald Grisier in his third-grade elementary school room which brought him to sign up for violin lessons. However, it wasn’t classical music which moved him, and his search brought him to learn from fiddlers Dallas Burrell, WSB (AM) Barndance Host Cotton Carrier, The Skillet Lickers’s Gordon Tanner and Anita Sorrells Mathis. Made up of his fellow string students, weekly jam sessions led to the creation of his childhood band – The Peachtree Pickers, whose public performances gained a regular slot on “The Country Kids TV Series” and appearances for the Grand Ole Opry. Five Perfection Sound and Attieram Records albums were released. To support the group's efforts Franks started a Randall "Randy" Franks Peachtree Picker Fan Club, coordinated by Pearl Bruce. The club grew to include around 8,000 fans by 1986 rivaling and exceeding those of top country stars of the period. Franks created The Pickin' Post newsletter to keep the large group of fans informed sharing info on his career as well as Southern bluegrass festivals and other groups. The club also launched The Singing Post for fans exclusively interested in gospel music. The club grew even more dramatically during Franks' success on television. After the members of the Peachtree Pickers embarked on different journeys in college, Franks decided to focus on creating music as a solo artist and studying acting. He juggled his own performances between guest appearances with various acts and acting opportunities. Making his first guest star appearance for the Grand Ole Opry in 1983, he continued appearing for the mother church of country music through 2015. Randall Franks and the Hollywood Hillbilly