Francis Craig and His Orchestra Near You (1947)

Charted at, 1 in Billboard in December 1947. Bside 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.