Francis Craig and His Orchestra - Near You (1947)

Charted at #1 in Billboard in December 1947. B-side of “Red Rose“. Vocal by Bob Lamm. Although this was a huge hit, Francis only had one other national hit single with his orchestra, “Beg Your Pardon“, a few months following “Near You“. I have also posted “Beg Your Pardon“. “Near You“ was a surprise hit on a small label, with Billboard initially predicting that it might be a hit in local markets where Francis Craig’s Orchestra was known, not realizing the whole country would soon take to the record. “Near You“ was also #3 for Alvino Rey and His Orchestra in September 1947, #2 for the Andrews Sisters in September 1947, #4 for Elliot Lawrence and His Orchestra in October 1947, #3 for Larry Green and His Orchestra in October 1947, #12 for Dick Two Ton Baker and His Music Makers in October 1947 and #1 for George Jones and Tammy Wynette on the Country chart in 1977. Written by Francis Craig and Kermit Goell.