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Paul Franklin (musician)

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Paul Franklin
Background information
Born (1954-05-31) May 31, 1954 (age 70)
OriginDetroit, Michigan, United States
GenresCountry, rock
OccupationMusician
Instruments
Years active1970s–present

Paul V. Franklin (born May 31, 1954[1]) is an American multi-instrumentalist, known mainly for his work as a steel guitarist. He began his career in the 1970s as a member of Barbara Mandrell's road band; in addition he toured with Vince Gill, Mel Tillis, Jerry Reed and Dire Straits. He has since become a prolific session musician in Nashville, playing on more than 500 albums.[2][3] He has been named by the Academy of Country Music as Best Steel Guitarist on several occasions [2] and was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2019. In addition to the pedal steel guitar and lap steel guitar, Franklin plays Dobro, fiddle, and drums,[2] as well as three custom-built instruments called the Pedabro, The Box, and the baritone steel guitar.

Since 2016 Franklin has been offering online steel guitar lessons.[4][5]

Musical innovations

He is noted for bringing multiple musical innovations to the country music scene.[3] One of these, the Pedabro, is a type of Dobro fitted with pedals and played like a pedal steel guitar. This was invented by Franklin's father. The first of many hit records featuring the Pedabro was "Forever and Ever, Amen" by Randy Travis.[6]

Franklin has also created two new variations of steel guitars, the first of which is a type of lap steel guitar nicknamed "The Box", whose sound has been described as a "swampy acoustic guitar".[3] The other type of guitar that he invented is the baritone steel guitar, the strings of which are tuned an octave lower than a traditional pedal steel guitar.[3]

Collaborations

He played steel guitar on the 1972 top-five hit Nice to Be With You by Gallery.

Franklin has worked with many well known acts during his career, including Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits, Barbara Mandrell, Rodney Crowell, Notting Hillbillies, Sting, Peter Frampton, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Faith Hill, Shania Twain, Barbra Streisand, Reba McEntire, Patty Loveless, Kathy Mattea, Big & Rich, Clint Black, Etta James, Jake Owen, Kane Brown, Kenny Rogers, Kid Rock, Lauren Alaina, Lee Ann Womack, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, Olivia Newton-John, Peter Cetera, Randy Travis, Ronnie Milsap, Sheryl Crow, Thomas Rett, Tim McGraw, Toni Braxton, Trace Adkins, Vince Gill and Megadeth.[6]

Franklin is a member of The Time Jumpers, a country and western swing band. In July 2013, he and Vince Gill released a collaborative album called Bakersfield.[7]

Discography

Studio albums

Title Album details Peak chart
positions
US Country US
Bakersfield (with Vince Gill) 4 25

References

  1. ^ U.S. Public Records Index Vol 1 (Provo, UT: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.), 2010.
  2. ^ a b c Dillon, Charlotte. "Paul Franklin biography". Allmusic. Retrieved January 29, 2008.
  3. ^ a b c d Fabian, Shelly (2005). "Paul Franklin - 2005 CMA Nominee profile". About.com. Retrieved January 29, 2008.
  4. ^ "June 2018 – Truetone". Retrieved April 10, 2020.
  5. ^ "Texas Steel Guitar Association". texassteelguitar.org. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
  6. ^ a b "Paul Franklin biography". Paul Franklin.com. Archived from the original on May 25, 2012. Retrieved January 29, 2008.
  7. ^ "Vince Gill Reveals Cover Art, Track Listing + Release Date for New Album With Paul Franklin". Theboot.com. June 5, 2013. Retrieved August 6, 2013.
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