Francis Craig

Francis Craig (September 10, 1900 – November 19, 1966) was an American songwriter, honky tonk piano player, and leader of a Nashville dance band. His works included "Dynamite" and "Near You", the latter being the first Billboard #1 hit out of Nashville.

Early years A Methodist minister's son, Craig was born in Dickson, Tennessee, United States. Craig attended Hume-Fogg High School, where he formed an instrumental duo with fellow piano prodigy Beasley Smith. They both attended Vanderbilt University, where they were roommates. While at Vanderbilt, Craig studied mathematics and political science, "Dynamite", now the official fight song of Vanderbilt University, was written by Craig in 1938 a week prior to a Vanderbilt/University of Tennessee football game. It is played mainly at football games, basketball games, and at other Commodore sports events.

While he was at Vanderbilt, Craig formed an orchestra, the Vanderbilt Jazz Band.

Recording His own recording of "Near You", It eventually sold over 2.5 million copies. Various recordings by other persons have followed.

Other works included "Beg Your Pardon" with Beasley Smith.

Death Craig died aged 66 in November 1966, in Sewanee, Tennessee.