Effective period / Period of releases: 1963 - 1998

Members: Billy J. Kramer, Mick Green, Mike Maxfield, Tony Mansfield (2), Robin MacDonald, Ray Jones (3), William Howard Ashton

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.