Tillman Franks

A veteran bassist and songwriter who appeared on the first-ever broadcast of radio's famed Louisiana Hayride, Tillman Franks nevertheless enjoyed his greatest influence on country music as a manager and producer, helming the careers of acts including Webb Pierce, Johnny Horton, and David Houston. Born September 29, 1920, in Stamps, AR, Franks grew up in the Shreveport suburb of Cedar Grove. Inspired by hero Roy Acuff, he learned guitar at 14, and while a student at Byrd High School, he formed his first band, the Rainbow Boys, with classmates Claude King and Buddy Attaway. Even...