Paul Franklin (musician)
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Paul Franklin | |
|---|---|
 Franklin performing in 2012 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | May 31, 1954 |
| Origin | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Genres | Country, rock |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Instrument | Steel guitar |
| Years active | 1970s–present |
| Member of | The Time Jumpers |
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. Paul is currently touring with Chris Stapleton. 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] He was inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame in 2000[4] and the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2019. With thirty three, Franklin is the most nominated person in CMA history and is notable for having been nominated for the Country Music Association Award for Musician of the Year thirty two times before finally winning for the first time on his 33rd nomination in 2025. He has won eighteen Academy of Country Music Awards for his musicianship.
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.[5][6]
Franklin is noted for bringing multiple musical innovations to the country music scene.[3] One, the Pedabro, invented by Franklin's father, is a type of Dobro fitted with pedals and played like a pedal steel guitar. The first of many hit records featuring the Pedabro was "Forever and Ever, Amen" by Randy Travis.[7]
Franklin has also created two new varieties of steel guitar, the first being a type of lap steel nicknamed "The Box", whose sound has been described as a "swampy acoustic guitar".[3] The other 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 Rhett, Tim McGraw, Toni Braxton, Trace Adkins, Vince Gill, Luke Combs, The Bellamy Brothers, Mark Chesnutt, George Fox, Collin Raye, John Michael Montgomery, David Lee Murphy, Lace, Toby Keith, Harry Connick Jr., Wynonna Judd, Mark Wills, Hal Ketchum, Jo Dee Messina, Aaron Tippin, George Jones, Carrie Underwood, Aaron Lewis, Willie Nelson, Easton Corbin, Troy Cassar-Daley, Billy Corgan, Clay Walker and Megadeth.[7]
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.[8]
