Crystal grew up on the sounds of southern gospel music. Her family traveled to bluegrass and gospel shows on the weekends and her dad , Bobby Franklin (DJ and MC), introduced her to many of the legends in the business. As a kid she was inspired to play the banjo by Little Roy Lewis and has been burning up the banjo strings ever since the age of 9. At 12, she shared the stage with Doyle Lawson, Terry Baucom and Lou Reid for a rousing rendition of Foggy Mountain Breakdown. She went on to become the youngest player to win the Adult Division Banjo Competition at the State Fair.

At 15, she took a break from playing and focused more on her singing. She sang locally and even did a short stint in Nashville before she married and started a family. After being away from her banjo roots for more than 15 years she returned to the music scene in 2005 with a solo project comprising her original songs. For the next two years she toured with her band, Risynfast, and attended school to earn an Associates Degree in Artist / Music Management where she graduated with honors. She contributed her vocals to the Daughters of American Bluegrass Vol. 1, which was nominated for Bluegrass Recorded Project of the Year.

In October 2007, Crystal joined Sweet Potato Pie. Her incredible picking and stellar vocals brought a new spice to the Pie mix. She’s helped beef up the Pie's sound and given them an edge that will certainly turn some heads.

Crys says her musical influences cover bluegrass greats like Little Roy Lewis and Steve Dilling, country legends Barbara Mandrell, Loretta Lynn and Merle Haggard, along with the rock group Heart.

Crystal is married to Kevin Richardson (guitarist for Lou Reid and Carolina), mom to 2 great kids and 3 dogs and works with a local law firm. When she has a free moment, she loves watching professional football and college basketball, and playing a little Texas Hold'em poker (all for fun, of course!).

Her favorite quote: "Shoot for the moon, and you'll land in
the stars."