Paul Franklin
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| Paul Franklin | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1953 |
| Origin | Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| Genre(s) | Country, soul |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instrument(s) | Pedal steel guitar Lap steel guitar Baritone steel guitar The Box Dobro Fiddle Drums Pedabro |
| Years active | 197x-present |
| Associated acts | Barbara Mandrell, Jerry Reed, Mel Tillis |
| Website | http://www.paul-franklin.com |
Paul Franklin (born 1953 in Detroit, Michigan[1]) is an American multi-intrumentalist, 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 Mel Tillis and Jerry Reed. He has since become a prolific session musician in Nashville, Tennessee, playing on more than 500 albums.[1][2] He has been named by the Academy of Country Music as Best Steel Guitarist on several occasions.[1] In addition to the pedal steel guitar and lap steel guitar, Franklin plays Dobro, fiddle, and drums.[1]
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[edit] Musical innovations
He is noted for bringing multiple musical innovations to the country music scene.[2] One of these innovations, the Pedabro, is a type of Dobro fitted with a pedal and played like a pedal steel guitar; this was invented by Franklin's father.[3]
Franklin has also created two new variations of steel guitars, the first of which is a type of lap steel guitar nicknamed "The Box"; its sound has been described as a "swampy acoustic guitar".[2] The other type of guitar that he invented is the baritone steel guitar, the strings of which are tuned an octave lower than a traditional pedal steel guitar.[2]
[edit] Collaborations
Franklin has worked with many well known acts during his career, including Barbara Mandrell, Dire Straits, Sting, Mark Knopfler, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Shania Twain, Barbara Streisand and Megadeth.[3]
