Franklin BBQ-Austin-Owners grandfather steelr for Bob Wills

[Craig Stock]

I just read in the Austin Chronicle a story about Aaron Franklin, owner of the world famous Franklin BBQ in Austin. He has started a band during a break he got when his restaurant had a fire and he had a break.

He mentions that his dad was a guitar picker and that his grandfather had played pedal steel for Bob Wills. I'm not aware of any Franklin that played for Wills, so I'm assuming it would be his mother's side. Anyone know who it might be. I'm guessing that Mr. Steiner may know.

[Jeff Keyton]

This is funny as most of threads on this forum are about some other Franklin guy. Yes it's true, he gave me a couple of dobro and then pedal steel lessons when I started about 10-12 years ago. He played with Wills in early 60's for about 3 years. He said Wills looked at him and asked about the pedals on his guitar and his response went something like "Yes, Mr. Wills I play pedal steel, but don't worry, I play it "strictly commercial"". He kept a regional band together (sometimes sponsored by Lone Star Beer) and would be hired by singers (such as Charlie Pride, Jeanne Shepard, et al.) as backing bands for one nighters or a string of gigs. Favors Day style, as he told me it depended on which one you met first.

So, it's no surprise that when you're in the Bbq shop they have the classic country going on the stereo.

[Matthew Dyer]

I don't go often, but it's always worth the wait. I've yet to regret spending a morning having a beer and playing cards waiting in line at Franklin BBQ. That brisket is magic.

[Craig Stock]

Thanks Jeff for the info, what is his first name, is it also Aaron, like his grandson?