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Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas
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Billy J. Kramer (born William Howard Ashton, 19 August 1943, in Bootle, Liverpool, England) was a British Invasion / Merseybeat singer. He is known today primarily as the singer of various Lennon-McCartney compositions that The Beatles did not use.
The performing name Kramer was chosen at random from a telephone directory. It was John Lennon’s suggestion that the “J” be added to the name to further distinguish him by adding a ‘tougher edge’. Billy soon came to the attention of Brian Epstein, ever on the look-out for new talent to add to his expanding roster of local artists. Kramer turned professional but his then backing band, The Coasters were less keen, so Epstein sought out the services of a Manchester based band, The Dakotas, a well-respected combo then backing Pete MacLaine.
Even then, the Dakotas would not join Kramer wihout a recording deal of their own. Once in place, the deal was set and both acts signed to Parlophone under George Martin. Collectively, they were named Billy J. Kramer with The Dakotas to keep their own identities within the act. Once the Beatles broke through, the way was paved for a tide of “Merseybeat” and Kramer was offered the chance to cover a song first released by the Beatles on their own debut album, Please Please Me. The track had been allegedly turned down by Shane Fenton (later Alvin Stardust) who was looking for a career reviving hit.
With record producer George Martin, the song “Do You Want to Know a Secret?” was a number two UK Singles Chart hit in 1963, and was backed by another tune otherwise unreleased by The Beatles, “I’ll Be on My Way”.
The performing name Kramer was chosen at random from a telephone directory. It was John Lennon’s suggestion that the “J” be added to the name to further distinguish him by adding a ‘tougher edge’. Billy soon came to the attention of Brian Epstein, ever on the look-out for new talent to add to his expanding roster of local artists. Kramer turned professional but his then backing band, The Coasters were less keen, so Epstein sought out the services of a Manchester based band, The Dakotas, a well-respected combo then backing Pete MacLaine.
Even then, the Dakotas would not join Kramer wihout a recording deal of their own. Once in place, the deal was set and both acts signed to Parlophone under George Martin. Collectively, they were named Billy J. Kramer with The Dakotas to keep their own identities within the act. Once the Beatles broke through, the way was paved for a tide of “Merseybeat” and Kramer was offered the chance to cover a song first released by the Beatles on their own debut album, Please Please Me. The track had been allegedly turned down by Shane Fenton (later Alvin Stardust) who was looking for a career reviving hit.
With record producer George Martin, the song “Do You Want to Know a Secret?” was a number two UK Singles Chart hit in 1963, and was backed by another tune otherwise unreleased by The Beatles, “I’ll Be on My Way”.
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At Abbey Road 1963 - 1966
Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas
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At Abbey Road: 1963-1966
Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas Buy- Download Album
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Original Hits
Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas Buy- Download Album
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Top Tracks
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Little Children
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I'll Keep You Satisfied
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Do You Want to Know a Secret?
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Trains And Boats And Planes
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From a Window
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I Call Your Name
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I'll Be on My Way
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I Know
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Tell Me Girl
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Shoutbox
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BorisBritva88 wrote:
It seems to me that correct name of this performer is Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas.
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Sonofthe60s wrote:
They really were good...every song was a neatly packaged two minute gem.
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marcy50 wrote:
Amazing group loved them!
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naftallina wrote:
Well said, my friends below me! :) For sure there is something really charming about the 60. just like in any other period. :D
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Twiggystickstoo wrote:
Ahhhhhh the 60's were the best....
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Recent Activity
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bellboy1967 and regaltourer added Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas to their libraries. yesterday afternoon
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Retro_Saiyan tagged Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas with ‘british’. Tuesday morning
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and 1 other person added Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas to their libraries. Monday evening
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Bernhardor tagged Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas with oldies and british invasion. Saturday evening
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Bernhardor, ealanj02 and bry2203 added Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas to their libraries. Saturday evening
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saxjan tagged Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas with male vocalists, oldies, 60s and 3 other tags. last week
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jpadovano, SladenDead and Goddess38 added Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas to their libraries. last week
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Hansalem tagged Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas with ‘60s’. last month
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kathereibe tagged Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas with ‘liverpool’. last month
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