Cybergrass Bluegrass Music News: Share America Awards Scholarship to Ringgold Fiddler

BMNN wrote: on Oct. 26, 2009:
Debbie Taylor

The Share America Foundation, Inc. recently awarded the "Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship" to Deborah Taylor, 17, a Ringgold fiddler. The award was made during the Sacred Sounds Fridays concert featuring Testimony Quartet, Bill Stobaugh and Debbie Joplin at the Ringgold Depot in Ringgold, Ga. Taylor was initially selected to be the 2007 Catoosa County designee for the scholarship and is now attending Covenant College. She received the $750 scholarship.

The events help fund the organization's Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship. Pearl and Floyd Franks are the late parents and former entertainment managers of actor/entertainer Randall Franks, "Officer Randy Goode" from TV's "In the Heat of the Night." The scholarships honor students excelling the Appalachian musical arts.

Taylor, who hopes to become a doctor, appeared at the event performing three songs including "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing," and Dottie Rambo's "We Shall Behold Him." "Deborah is growing tremendously in her talents and her presence on stage," said Randall Franks, Share America president. "I know that she will share this music throughout her life. I think my Mom and Dad would be proud."

"We are so excited to see our first designee now pursuing her college career," said Joe Turner, Share America chairman. Taylor is a home-school graduate from Ringgold who began playing the fiddle five years ago. She also plays piano and sings.

"I heard singer Josh Groban's violinist and that made me want to take lessons," she said. "Instead of the violin, I began fiddle lessons and that was something that seemed to be so much more relaxed and fun that I haven't been able to stop playing since."

Taylor has competed in several fiddle competitions in the Tennessee Valley where she has placed on occasion. Often seen behind her playing guitar is her grandfather Lewis Taylor. "He helps me with my timing — playing guitar rhythm," she said. "He is a great musician who is a lot of help to me." Taylor is the daughter of Derek and Jeanne Babb Taylor and granddaughter of Roger and Sandra Babb, Lewis Taylor, Betty Taylor and step-granddaughter of Susan Taylor.

Share America will host the gospel music of country star and actress Stella Parton on Nov. 13 at 7:30 at the Ringgold Depot. The Jeff Hullender Family will also appear. Admission donation is $5. For more information about the organization and its programs contact Share America, P.O. Box 42, Tunnel Hill, Ga. 30755 or visit www.ShareAmericaFoundation.org.

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