Paul Franklin: The 32-Time CMA Nominee Who Redefines Country Music’s Steel Guitar

Paul Franklin: A Nashville Icon in the Making

Paul Franklin is a distinguished session musician in Nashville, known for his mastery of the steel pedal guitar. He has been nominated 32 times for Musician of the Year at the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, a record that highlights his talent. Despite these nominations, he has not yet received an award, making his story unique.

Franklin’s career spans across numerous genres and artists. He has played on albums for country music legends like Kenny Rogers, Shania Twain, Willie Nelson, Trisha Yearwood, and Taylor Swift, as well as artists outside the genre, including Barbra Streisand and Etta James. This wide range showcases his versatility and skill.

Born in 1954 in Detroit, Franklin began his music career while still in school. He performed in bars at just 10 years old, influenced by a vibrant local music scene that blended country with jazz and soul. By 1972, he had already worked on a hit single with Parliament.

His breakthrough came when he toured with Barbara Mandrell in the 1970s. Over the years, he became a sought-after session musician in Nashville, famously playing on several notable tracks. He has unique innovations, such as using the pedabro, a steel guitar his father created, which became a signature sound in his work.

Despite being nominated for CMA awards for years, Franklin’s name only appeared on an album cover in 2013 with “Bakersfield,” co-created with Vince Gill. Gill praised Franklin for his deep understanding of the steel guitar’s history, emphasizing his connection to musicians who shaped the instrument’s sound.

Today, Franklin continues to play with The Time Jumpers, a group of top session musicians in Nashville. In 2024, he is up for the CMA’s Musician of the Year again, alongside other talented musicians. Fans hope this will be the year he finally takes home an award.