Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas were one of the many groups that sprang out of the British Music Invasion of the early 60s. Billy was born William Ashton on August 19, 1943 in Bootle, Merseyside, England. The Dakotas were Michael Maxfield and Robin MacDonald (guitars), Ray Jones (bass) and drummer Tony Mansfield. According to Wikipedia, "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 without 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."
They charted six songs on the US Billboard chart between 1964 and 1965, with two Top Ten hits, Little Children and Bad To Me.
This week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice spotlights Billy J. Kramer With The Dakotas and two of their well known and loved songs: I'll Keep You Satisfied and From A Window.
Come to the Voice Your Choice page and make your selection. The song with the most votes will be played in Hour 3 of this week's show.
