Through Frank’s work at the Folklore Center, he became friends with the members of the bluegrass group Hot Rize. In 1981 he was hired as the group's “roadie.” Soon after, he added bus-driving duties, and began learning sound reinforcement from a master, Hot Rize guitarist Charles Sawtelle. By summer of that year, he had become the group's full-time sound engineer, maintaining band equipment and mastering many different soundboards all over the U.S. and in foreign countries from Europe to Japan and Australia. He also took the job of road manager, handling many critical details of Hot Rize’s busy touring schedule. At about this time, the group made Frank a full member in terms of both band decision-making and pay.

Frank became one of the leading sound engineers in the traditional acoustic music circuit by learning his trade “in the trenches.” He was especially valued for his depth of knowledge and understanding in a field where true experts are relatively few. He learned his skills through hands-on experience and mentoring, fueled by his dedication to excellence. Although at first he had wanted to be a performing artist, he channeled his skills to enable many musicians to reach their audiences effectively, through his sound engineering and road managing. Throughout his career, Frank was appreciated for his straightforward, friendly manner and his clear desire to help everyone and everything he could. He was well-loved and highly respected far and wide by those with whom he worked. Frank Edmonson's story is an inspiration to all who strive to achieve a meaningful life and struggle to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps.