ArtistInfo

Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas

Band,
Rock and Pop

William Ashton was discovered by Brian Epstein and paired with Manchester-based group The Dakotas. William's performing name, Kramer, was chosen at random from a telephone directory. John Lennon suggested adding the "J" for a "tougher edge". Kramer was given a series of songs specially written for him by John Lennon and Paul McCartney which launched him into stardom. "I'll Keep You Satisfied", "From a Window", "I Call Your Name" and "Bad to Me". They also released "Do You Want to Know a Secret?" reaching #2 backed by "I'll Be on My Way" which was unreleased by the Beatles. The Dakotas enjoyed Top 20 success in 1963 on their own. "Little Children" was their biggest hit reaching #2 in the USA.

Members

	Billy J. Kramer voc *1943 GB
	Mick Green g, bvoc 1944-2010 GB
	Mike Maxfield g, voc GB
	Tony Mansfield dr *1943 GB
	Robin MacDonald g, b GB
	Ray Jones b