Near You (Craig-Goell)Francis Craig and His Orchestra. Francis Craig at the Piano. Vocal by Bob Lamm

Описание: Bullet label record # 1001 B Date 1947

Francis Craig

 (1900–1966) was an American songwriter and bandleader whose 1947 hit "Near You" became a pivotal moment in music history, helping establish Nashville as a recording center. 

Music Career & "Near You"

The Nashville Pioneer: Craig led the house band at Nashville’s Hermitage Hotel for over 20 years.

Record-Breaking Hit: Recorded for the independent Bullet Records, "Near You" stayed at #1 on the Billboard charts for 17 consecutive weeks.

Economic Impact: The song’s massive success (selling over 2 million copies) provided the funding to build Nashville's first record-pressing plant.

Other Works: He also composed "Beg Your Pardon" and the Vanderbilt University fight song, "Dynamite". 


Bob Lamm

refers to his early career work as a featured singer for big band leader Francis Craig in the late 1940s. 

Key Vocal Highlights

Francis Craig Era (Late 1940s):

"Near You" (1947): Lamm provided the vocals for this massive hit, which spent 17 weeks at #1 on the Billboard charts.

"Beg Your Pardon" (1948): Another popular single featuring Lamm's vocals during his time with the Francis Craig Orchestra.