Randall Franks Unveils Centennial Single “Down Yonder Too” from Upcoming Album ‘A Zippedy Doodle Day: American Folk Songs’

Historic Track Pairs Georgia’s Legendary Fiddle Bands with Star-Studded Guests to Celebrate 100 Years of The Skillet Lickers

“Down Yonder Too” Features Dom Flemons, Jim Lauderdale, Ketch Secor, and Paul Puckett

RINGGOLD, Ga. — Award-winning bluegrass and Americana artist, actor, and producer Randall Franks announces the release of the new single, “Down Yonder Too,” the debut track from the forthcoming charity album A Zippedy Doodle Day: American Folk Songs. The single commemorates the 100th anniversary of The Skillet Lickers, Georgia’s pioneering fiddle band formed in 1926, while honoring the legacy of Doodle and the Golden River Grass, widely recognized as one of the last traditional fiddle bands of country music’s early era.

Founded by Gid Tanner and Riley Puckett, The Skillet Lickers’ legacy continues through the Tanner family, carried on today by third-generation member Phil Tanner and his son, fourth-generation member Russ Tanner, while a fresh interpretation of the multi-million-selling classic “Down Yonder” blends archival elements with contemporary performances, creating a vibrant collaboration that bridges generations of Appalachian music.

The track features an all-star lineup including Dom Flemons, Jim Lauderdale, Ketch Secor, and Paul Puckett, alongside Franks, and layered with fiddle, harmonica, banjo, jug, and rich vocal performances, “Down Yonder Too” honors traditional string band roots while bringing renewed energy to a timeless sound.

For more information, visit RandallFranks.com/A-Zippedy-Doodle-Day/.

The “Down Yonder Too” video is now on YouTube, Rumble, and other streaming platforms.

To view the video for “Down Yonder Too,” visit HERE.

“This project is about preserving the soul of Appalachian music and ensuring its future,” said Franks. “By uniting The Skillet Lickers’ groundbreaking spirit with Doodle’s infectious energy and these incredible guests, we’re celebrating 100 years of innovation in string band traditions. It’s ‘A Zippedy Doodle Day’ indeed—full of joy, history, and collaboration.”

The single also highlights the album’s broader mission to honor John “Doodle” Thrower (1929–1994) and his band, James Watson, Gene Daniell, Wesley Clackum, and Randall Franks, known for their spirited performances, humor, and appearances at major events including the 1982 World’s Fair, National Folk Festivals, and PBS specials. Proceeds from the album and its accompanying documentary will benefit the Share America Foundation, providing scholarships for aspiring Appalachian musicians, as well as the West Georgia Museum for historical preservation.

The full album features a wide range of contributors including Bruce Boxleitner, Gena Britt, Wyatt Ellis, Daniel Grindstaff, Marty Hays, Dale Houston, The Marksmen, Alex Miller, Lee Newton, Kody Norris, Ronnie & Justin Reno, Ralph Stanley II, Larry Stephenson, Derek Stone, Leroy Troy, and more, all donating their talents to support this charitable endeavor.

In celebration of the release, Franks and the Share America Foundation are launching the 5,000 Download Challenge, inviting fans to help fund Appalachian music scholarships by supporting the single on digital platforms.

An accompanying documentary, directed by Franks, will further explore the legacy of Doodle and the Golden River Grass through archival footage, interviews, and performances.

To keep up to date with ‘A Zippedy Doodle Day: American Folk Songs,’ visit ShareAmericaFoundation.org or follow on all social media platforms.

“Down Yonder Too” is available to radio on AirPlay Direct at https://app.airplaydirect.com/music/RandallFranksAZippedyDoodleDay/.

# # #

About Randall Franks:
Randall Franks is an award-winning bluegrass, Americana, and country musician, fiddler, actor, and philanthropist best known for his role as Officer Randy Goode on the TV series In the Heat of the Night. With a career spanning over 48 years, he has released 26 albums and been inducted into multiple music halls of fame, and is honored as an International Bluegrass Music Museum Legend. Franks is dedicated to preserving Appalachian musical heritage through his work with the Share America Foundation, supporting scholarships for young musicians. Website: http://www.randallfranks.com.

About The Skillet Lickers:
The Skillet Lickers are a groundbreaking old-time string band formed in 1926 in Georgia, renowned for their energetic recordings and influence on early country music, including hits like “Down Yonder.” The original 1926 members included Gid Tanner (fiddle and vocals), Riley Puckett (guitar and vocals), Clayton McMichen (fiddle), and Fate Norris (banjo and harmonica), with later additions such as Bert Layne (fiddle), Lowe Stokes (fiddle), and Ted Hawkins (mandolin). The band’s legacy spans generations, and current members include Phil Tanner, Russ Tanner (both fiddlers and descendants of Gid Tanner), Joel Aderhold, Brian Stephens, and Brian Morgan, who continue performing traditional string band music. The group is planning many special events marking its Centennial Year. For more info, visit facebook.com/skilletlickers

About Share America Foundation, Inc.:
The Share America Foundation, Inc., founded in 2006 by Randall Franks, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Appalachian musical heritage and supporting young artists through scholarships and educational programs. Its board members include Chairman Gary Knowles, Vice Chairman John Brinsfield, Secretary James Pelt, Vice President Jerry Robinson, Sr., and President Randall Franks. For more, visit shareamericafoundation.org.

Suggested post:
@RandallFranks releases first single #DownYonderToo from upcoming album #AZippedyDoodleDay #AmericanFolkSongs. Single features special guests @DomFlemons @KetchSecor @JimLauderdaleMusic & #PaulPuckett. For more information, visit

RandallFranks.com/A-Zippedy-Doodle-Day/