Paul Franklin
A steel guitar legend with seventeen ACM awards and a career spanning over 500 albums.
Paul Franklin is an American multi-instrumentalist born May 31, 1954, best known as a steel guitarist who has shaped the sound of Nashville for decades. Beginning his career in the 1970s with Barbara Mandrell's road band, he went on to tour with icons like Vince Gill, Mel Tillis, Jerry Reed, and even rock band Dire Straits. Currently touring with Chris Stapleton, Franklin is a prolific session musician who has played on more than 500 albums. His contributions have earned him seventeen Academy of Country Music Awards for musicianship and induction into both the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2020.
- Role
- Session Musician / Steel Guitarist
- Instrument
- Pedal Steel Guitar
- Affiliation
- Nashville Recording Community
- Notable Influence
- Willie Nelson & Country Legends
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Franklin's journey to becoming a legend involved breaking ground with unique instruments and historic collaborations. He plays not only pedal steel and lap steel but also Dobro, fiddle, and drums, alongside three custom-built creations: the Pedabro (invented by his father), 'The Box,' which sounds like a 'swampy acoustic guitar,' and the baritone steel guitar tuned an octave lower than traditional.
In Their Own Story
The year 2025 marked a historic turning point for Paul Franklin at the 59th Annual CMA Awards held on November 19. With thirty-three nominations, he became the most nominated person in CMA history, having been up for Musician of the Year thirty-two times before finally winning on his 33rd nomination. When presenter Vince Gill announced the win, noting Franklin had been nominated more than any other artist in any category, the audience gave him a standing ovation. Visibly emotional, Franklin dedicated the award to his father, who invented the Pedabro. This victory was widely covered as one of the most overdue recognitions in country music awards history, capping a career that included playing on the 1972 hit 'Nice to Be with You' by Gallery and releasing the collaborative album Bakersfield with Vince Gill in July 2013.
Reader's Guide
For fans seeking to understand Franklin's scope, his discography spans from early work with Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits to collaborations with a vast array of artists including George Strait, Alan Jackson, Shania Twain, Barbra Streisand, Reba McEntire, Kenny Rogers, Luke Bryan, Willie Nelson, and Megadeth. He is also a member of the country and western swing band The Time Jumpers. Whether playing steel guitar on Randy Travis records or touring with Chris Stapleton today, Franklin remains a central figure in the Nashville recording community, offering lessons online since 2016 while continuing to perform live.
Did You Know?
- Franklin has received fourteen CMA nominations as of 2024 but has not yet won a CMA Musician of the Year award.
- George Strait holds the record for the most CMA nominations among artists, and Franklin is not the most nominated individual in CMA history.
- The Pedabro, a unique instrument he plays, was invented by his father.
- Franklin has played on more than 500 albums throughout his career.
- He released a collaborative album called Bakersfield with Vince Gill in July 2013.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Paul Franklin?
Born in 1954, Paul Franklin is a legendary American steel guitarist renowned for shaping the sound of Nashville over five decades. He began his career touring with Barbara Mandrell and has since become one of the most recorded session musicians in history.
What instruments does Paul Franklin play and what is his role?
Franklin specializes as a pedal steel guitarist, serving as a vital session musician who adds signature textures to countless recordings. His primary role involves providing the distinctive, emotive strings that define modern country music production.
How many awards has Paul Franklin won for his musicianship?
He is a record-holder with eighteen Academy of Country Music Awards specifically recognizing his superior instrumental performance. Additionally, he was inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame in 2000 and recently won CMA Musician of the Year after 33 nominations.
Which famous artists has Paul Franklin collaborated with throughout his career?
His extensive resume includes touring with icons like Vince Gill, Mel Tillis, and Jerry Reed, as well as playing sessions for rock legends in Dire Straits. He is also currently a key member of Chris Stapleton's touring band.
Why is Paul Franklin considered important to country music history?
Franklin is credited with defining the sonic landscape of Nashville by contributing his expertise to over 500 albums across generations. His influence stems from bridging classic country traditions with modern sounds, earning him respect as a master of the pedal steel guitar.
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