Biography
Born as William Howard Ashton on 19 August 1943 in Bootle, Merseyside, England, Kramer initially led the Merseybeat outfit the Coasters. Management by Brian Epstein brought him together with Manchester’s Dakotas, whose lineup featured lead guitarist Mike Maxfield, born 23 February 1944, rhythm guitarist Robin McDonald, born 18 July 1943, bassist Ray Jones, born 22 October 1939 in Oldham, Lancashire, England, and who died 20 January 2000, plus drummer Tony Mansfield, born Anthony Bookbinder on 28 May 1943 in Salford, Lancashire, England, and known as Elkie Brooks’ older brother. Their first major success came in 1963 when they topped the UK charts with the Beatles’ “Do You Want To Know A Secret.” Further hits arrived through a string of exclusive John Lennon–Paul McCartney compositions, among them the number-one single “Bad To Me,” the number-four entry “I’ll Keep You Satisfied,” and “From A Window,” which reached number ten. In 1964 Mort Shuman and John McFarland supplied “Little Children,” Kramer’s third UK chart-topper and his first American breakthrough at number seven; the reissued “Bad To Me” quickly followed it into the US Top Ten. The following year Burt Bacharach’s “Trains And Boats And Planes” climbed only to number twelve in Britain, signalling the close of their hit-making period. Later releases such as the atmospheric “Neon City” and a strong reading of “We’re Doing Fine” earned praise yet could not halt the downward turn in fortunes. Kramer launched a solo career in January 1967, but without attracting fresh listeners he eventually settled for cabaret and nostalgia shows. Although his striking appearance and warm semi-baritone served him well, the steady supply of strong material ended once the Lennon–McCartney partnership ceased.
Singles
Live
