In Hollywood, performers oftentimes find their paths crossing professionally while never actually meeting one another. Actors can perform in films or TV shows on different days, musicians and singers can record on the same song in different studios in different cities.
About a decade ago, my people (oh, that’s another thing, in Hollywood you have people such as agents, managers, publicists and assistants.) told me that one of my show concepts was in development for the PAX-TV network which then was a leading network of family offerings such as “Doc” starring Billy Ray Cyrus and other wholesome shows.
The show was to be a starring vehicle for comedian Andy Andrews, and, of course, part of my deal included a recurring role in addition to being the show’s creator.
Today, Andy is a best-selling author and inspirational speaker. Of course, he is still very funny. I enjoyed the recent opportunity to meet Andy for the very first time at the Georgia Municipal Association Annual Conference in Savannah, Ga. As keynote speaker, he was both engaging and entertaining. This once homeless youth from L.A. – that’s Lower Alabama – used his unique life experiences, Southern charm and his comedic story telling ability to reach inside of you and help you look at yourself in a new light.
The son of a minister who lost both of his parents at the age of 19, hits a solid note as he shares a comedic memory of a musical performance of “Amazing Grace” in his father’s pulpit that left a lasting impression on his posterior and interior. This phenomenally well-read speaker brings to the forefront a point that I have lived my life knowing – our actions affect every one. Like the ripple in a pond, it travels in our time and through the years to those yet to come.
The love he shares for his fellow man is apparent in his enthusiasm and his topics.
It is even greater in context, when he reminds us, that he is expecting the best of all of us, because ultimately what we sow will impact the world in which his children will live.
I think for me that is the most effective message – all we do shapes the world we and all children will face and this is true of every action, even our simplest personal decision.
It was a honor to finally meet Andy, especially to confirm the story I heard from my people so many years ago matched the story his people had told him. He went on to add that obviously PAX passed on both of us.
I am proud to say though, especially after hearing this inspirational orator, that for a little while our paths ran parallel awaiting the day they finally crossed. I would have been proud to create and act in a show with him. While trying to share my enthusiasm over hearing him, I have not tried to steal any of his thunder. So, I encourage you to read his work by visiting his Web site www.andyandrews.com and buying one of his books.
His latest “The Final Sum-mit” is now available. Of course, there are plenty to choose from. He is one of the truly grounded people who can inspire us to be better.
Randall Franks is an award-winning musician, singer and actor. He is best known for his role as “Officer Randy Goode” on TV’s “In the Heat of the Night” now on WGN America. His latest CD release, “An Appalachian Musical Revival,” is by www.shareamericafoundation.org. He is a member of the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame. He is a syndicated columnist for http://randallfranks.com and can be reached at rfrankscatoosa@gmail.com.