A Music Man on Main Street

Franky C is a country and gospel music singer who is mixing old and new at his location at 120 South Main Street, in Licking. The Evening Stage combines the traditional sound of classic country music with the technology of today, livestreaming his original songs and covers on TikTok several times each week.

After about a year on TikTok, Franky C has developed a large following, with over 87,000 people, ages late teens through their nineties, enjoying his music. He performs at least three evenings a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7 p.m., and typically livestreams up to five or six performances per week. The Evening Stage is what he calls his show, and it is @originalmusicandmore on TikTok.

Franky C has been in Licking for five months now. He envisioned creating a setting similar to “Larry’s Country Diner” where the community can stop in and enjoy live music. He just finished setting up his cafe, and he considers it an Open House while he is recording his live shows, and at any time that his Open sign is lit. The community is invited to come in, have a seat at one of his tables, enjoy a cup of coffee, a soft drink or water, and maybe some live music, all at no cost. He plans to have his building open from 10 a.m. to 7 or 8 p.m. on most days.

Franky C lists the two largest influences on his music as his father, Denzil Brake, and Merle Haggard. A close third would be Marty Robbins, and you’ll hear hints of Robbins in his tone as he covers traditional country and gospel tunes (usually 1985 or older music) and sings his own original songs. Franky C says his music is a tribute to his father, who started teaching him to sing as a six- or seven-year-old.

He takes requests during most shows, but also likes to sing his original music as well. Virtual tip jars allow his viewers to show their appreciation for his music. He recalls two or three occasions when he had over 1,000 watchers for a concert, and he admitted when he saw the numbers climb to that level, it moved him to tears.

Franky C is interested in giving back to the community. His cafe setting is a place where people can engage, sit and visit with friends, even if no music is playing. Franky C’s dream is to see people to start coming together again. No alcohol, smoking or vaping are allowed at the cafe, and three small tables are available. In the autumn, he plans to add spiced cider and hot cocoa, also free of charge, to the selection of beverages.

“I want to give the community an optional place to congregate and listen to real country music, traditional gospel music, and my original country and gospel music,” he shared.

In addition to his livestream concerts, Franky C performs at the Senior Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursdays, and will be performing at the Fall Festival/Pickin’ on the Porch at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 19.

When describing why he feels his music is so popular across a wide variety of viewers, Franky C explained that it brings back good memories, and it can heal people. He wants to take what he has created on the internet and make it tangible, “real,” here in Licking.

In addition to his cafe, Franky C is also building a recording studio at his building. He has had help from a friend in Nashville whose studio “For the Record” currently mixes his music. He says he has an open invitation to play at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, which he is going to try to do this fall.

To hear Franky C’s original music, go to his website, realmusichighway.com, and click the Jukebox tab, find him on TikTok @originalmusicandmore, The Evening Stage, or simply step into his storefront at 120 South Main Street, Licking, and see a live performance.