The Share America Foundation has announced fiddler Eden Alderman as a recipient of a Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship, given to promote the traditional Appalachian music among young people.
Pearl and Floyd Franks were the parents of Randall Franks, singer, songwriter, fiddler, and author, known to many people primarily as an actor for his role as Officer Randy Goode in the popular television program, In the Heat of the Night, alongside Carroll O’Conner, which was broadcast on CBS and NBC between 1988 and 1993. Since that time he has continued to perform and write, and built Share America as a way to raise funds to distribute among worthy young bluegrass and old time artists.
Eden is both a fiddler and a classical violinist, well experienced in both genres, with performing and recording opportunities already under her belt. She is a graduate of homeschool high school through the Berean Christian School Independent Study Program in Knoxville.
She has played with the Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestra for 10 years, during which time she served as Principal Violinist and Concertmaster. At the Assemblies of God Fine Arts Festival in Tennessee, she has won multiple championships, and earned state level awards several times for String Solo and Instrumental Solo – Folk, plus National Champion titles for Instrumental Solo – Folk in 2024 and 2025.
On the bluegrass side, she performs with her grandfather Steve Bruce’s band, the “banjo picking’ pastor,” along with her parents, Whitney Alderman, on vocals and Lukus Alderman, on bass, and her uncle, Andrew Bruce, on guitar.
Alderman is set to enter Evangel University this fall as a Music Education major, and will study both violin and fiddle, hoping to become a music teacher who can help preserve this important part of her Appalachian musical heritage.
She says that this $1,000 award will help with her educational goals.
“Music has been a central part of my life for as long as I can remember… it became a daily part of who I am. I hope to use my education not only to become a better musician, but also to share this tradition with future generations.”
Congratulations to Eden Alderman!
The Share America Foundation accepts donations online to help keep these scholarships going. Please help if you feel called to contribute.
