HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BILLY J. KRAMER

Billy J. (the "J" was added at the suggestion of John  Lennon, who thought it sound be a bit edgy) Kramer (born this day, 1943) and The Dakotas were managed by Brian Epstein in the Sixties and had several hits with Lennon-McCarthy songs that were never recorded by the Beatles, including "Bad to Me."  Afraid he would ever be in the shadow of the Beatles, Kramer turned down a Lennon-McCarthy song and instead recorded "Little Children," which became his biggest hit in the United States.  All of the releases following 1968's "Trains and Boats and Planes" failed to chart, as Kramer moved to a more ballad-like approach to his music.  soon after, Kramer and The Dakotas parted company and Kramer continued with cabaret and television appearances.  His last new album was 2013's I Won the Fight.  Kramer continues to perform; his  2024 single "Are you With Me/" made the Heritage chart.

He was part of the British Invasion 50th Anniversary tour of the US and UK in 2015.

"Little Children" (with the Dakotas)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJBq7HY46oI

"Are You With Me?"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fjyTNW7-eE

"I Couldn't Have Done It Without you"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmMIJKkpon8

"My Sweet Rose"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDkkAUA1l78

"Trains and Boats and Planes"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIEpKZLH1GY

"Bad to Me" (with the Dakotas)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUccayM0FyM

"Do You Want to Know a Secret?" (with The Dakotas)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3V_BVJIShHU

"Pride (Is Such a Little Word)" (with The Dakotas)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbdcgqlhLNU

"From a Window" (with The Dakotas)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ivqShRLfU0

"I Call Your Name" (with The Dakotas)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nc9w6OryY_I

"My Babe" (with The Dakotas)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ogm9imSeiEc

"I'm in Love" (with The Dakotas)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXlNEp-nwco

"Neon City" (with The Dakotas)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEzA0ADzjBQ