Billy J. Kramer born "William Howard Ashton" in Bootle, Liverpool, England, was part of the British Invasion - slash- Merseybeat musical era. Since he shared Brian Epstein as a manager with The Beatles he and his band, The Dakotas, had access to the songwriting of Lennon and McCartney, recording several of their original compositions.
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."
"Do You Want to Know a Secret?" was a number two UK Singles Chart hit for Kramer in 1963, and was backed by another tune unreleased by The Beatles, "I'll Be on My Way". Kramer was given a steady stream of songs written for him by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. The hit songs, "I'll Keep You Satisfied", "From a Window", "I Call Your Name" and "Bad to Me" earned him appearances on the television programmes, Shindig!, Hullabaloo and The Ed Sullivan Show.
Press links below to view You Tube videos:
-- "Bad to Me"
-- "Little Children"
-- "Do You Want to Know a Secret"
Billy J Kramer Salutes the Beatles (1995)
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