Bing Crosby recorded "Now is the Hour" and "Silver Threads Among the Gold" on Nov. 8, 1947, without orchestral support. Bing's only accompaniment for these songs were the voices of the Ken Darby Choir, which featured Norma Zimmer, Lawrence Welks future 'Champagne Music Lady'.
Even without instruments, "Now is the Hour" climbed to the top of the Billboard charts in 1948, where it stayed for 3 weeks. The song remained on the charts an amazing 23 weeks.
"Now is the Hour" is based on a traditional New Zealand song "Hearere Ra." The song was first recorded in English by British songstress Gracie Fields in 1945. Bing's version turned out to be his 42nd and last single to reach the top spot on the pop charts. No one before or since has been able to come close to this achievement.
