Tillman Franks

about

Tillman Ben Franks (September 29, 1920–October 26, 2006) was an American bassist and songwriter who was also the manager for a number of country music artists including Johnny Horton, David Houston, Webb Pierce, Claude King and the Carlisles. Franks was born in Stamps, Arkansas, but at age two, his family relocated to the Shreveport, Louisiana suburb Cedar Grove. On April 3, 1948, Franks played bass with the Bailes Brothers on the first night of the Louisiana Hayride radio broadcast. During 1955, he became Johnny Horton's manager, and had him switch record companies from Mercury to Columbia. He was the sole writer of Horton's first No. 1 single, 1959's "When It's Springtime in Alaska (It's Forty Below)". He and Horton were co-composers of "Honky Tonk Man", Horton's 1956 success, that Dwight Yoakam also recorded as his first single. During 1960, Franks co-wrote the successful single "Sink the Bismark" with Horton. Franks' contribution to rock and roll music has been recognized by his induction into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Franks died on October 26, 2006 in Shreveport. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.

top songs

albums

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Hi Tone Poppa

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Hi-Tone Poppa

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Ultra Rare Rockabilly's vol. 09

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Ultra Rare Rockabilly's vol. 10

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Hillbilly Boogie Classics, Vol. 2

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The Ultimate 1950s Hot Rod Album – USA Car Songs Vol. 1

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VA - Ultra Rare Rockabilly's, Vol. 09

Rockabilly's Rarest, Vol. 7

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Ultra Rare Rockabilly's Vol 09

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Hillbilly Hot Rod & Automobile Songs

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Ultra Rare Rockabilly's, Vol. 10

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VA - Ultra Rare Rockabilly's, Vol. 10

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