The Dakotas The Dakotas from Manchester were
making a big name for themselves all over the North West of England. They appeared
regularly at a top Manchester club called the Oasis and also at the Cavern in Liverpool. The Dakotas and Billy went to the Star Club in Hamburg where they honed their act
before returning to England to record at Abbey Road studios with George Martin. Their Album, Listen To x
was released in November 1963 and enjoyed a 17 week run in the charts peaking at No 11. The Dakotas released three instrumental singles with The Cruel Sea,
(The Cruel Surf in the USA) written by guitarist Mike Maxfield, selling 200,000 copies to
reach No 18 during the summer of 63. Billy J. Kramer with The Dakotas found a song penned by Mort Shuman and John Macfarlane,
Little Children. The record was released against the advice of a number of people who felt
that the lyrics were unsuitable. Ray Jones left the group in 1964 and
was replaced by Mike Green who shared rhythm and lead guitar with Mike Maxfield whilst
Robin MacDonald switched to bass guitar. Their final chart entry was a
Baccarach/David song Trains, Boats and Planes which got to No 12. During the period of their chart
success The Dakotas played many dates and tours with The Beatles including The Beatles Christmas
Show in 1963. However, the musical mood was changing during the second part of the sixties,
making it harder for the group to repeat the success of earlier years.
x and The Dakotas went their separate ways in 1966.
The Dakotas disbanded eventually to reform in 1989. It was on 1996 on August Bank Holiday Monday The Dakotas and
Billy J. Kramer came
together for the first time in 30 years at the 60's Night of the Chelmsford Spectacular.
Despite the rain The Dakotas gave a powerful and exciting show proving why they became
one of the most successful mersey beat acts. The Dakotas now work on occasions and are again creating a
following who are eager to see an original chart topping group from the 60's.
Tribute Page
Refresh your memory
It was at the Cavern that The Dakotas first meet up with the Beatles. At the
recommendation of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Brian Epstein approached the Dakotas
with the view of working with a guy called William Ashton, known as Billy J.
Kramer.
It was only when Brian negotiated a separate
recording contract for The Dakotas that a deal was struck. The Dakotas were Mike
Maxfield, lead guitar, Ray Jones, bass, Robin MacDonald, rhythm guitar and Tony Mansfield on
drums.
Their first record, Do You Want To Know A Secret, written by Lennon/McCartney hit the
charts in May 1963 eventually achieving a No. 2 spot.
Other Lennon/McCartney songs followed, Bad To Me was their first No 1 in
August 1963, followed by I'll Keep You Satisfied which went to No 4.
Many instrumental bands had tried to copy the sound of the Shadows, but The Dakotas had
developed their own unique sound based around the Guild guitar sound of Mike
Maxfield.
The Dakotas were excellent musicians and did not receive the recognition
that they rightly deserved.
However, the song became their biggest selling No 1 selling over 78,000 copies a day a one
point. For their next record another Lennon/McCartney song was chosen, From A Window,
which reached No 10.
They were part of the British Invasion of the USA and toured extensively overseas
including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Scandinavia and Poland. Many prestigious
TV dates were undertaken both in the UK and abroad.
The present line up is Mike Maxfield, Pete Hilton, Eddie Mooney and Toni Baker.
With the "new" talanted and gifted lead singer,
Eddie Mooney they may very well have a new future on hand.
The The Dakotas Tribute pages are
constructed by Lasse Bengtsson.
© 2002 owned by Lasse Bengtsson
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Updated June 1 2003
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