Billy J. Kramer  biography

 

THE BRITISH ARE COMING!!

Not only were those words shouted by Paul Revere on his famous midnight ride in 1775, but they were also shouted by every D.J. in America in 1964. Billy J. Kramer was one of the British artists who stormed American audiences then, and continues to do so through the 1980's and into the 90's.

Born William Howard Ashton on August 19, 1943, Billy grew up in Liverpool, the soon to be Mecca of popular music of the 1960's. Upon leaving school, he became a trainee engineer by day and an aspiring singer by night, performing under the stage name Billy Kramer (with "Kramer" chosen at random from the telephone directory). Billy's performance at local rock clubs soon brought him to the attention of Brian Epstein. Acknowledging his pop idol potential, Brian set out to add Billy to his growing managerial empire. which already included The Beatles and Gerry & The Pacemakers. Needless to say, Billy jumped at the chance to become a full-time entertainer.

At the suggestion of John Lennon, Billy added the "J." to his stage name to give it more appeal, the "J." being in memory of John's mother, Julia, and for his newly born son, Julian.

Upon handing Billy a tape of what was to become the first in a succession of smash hits written especially for him by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, John apologized for the quality of the recording. John had to record "Do You Want To Know A Secret' in the toilet, as it was the only place where be could find any peace and quiet. With this tune, Billy and his backup group The Dakotas, claimed the #1 chart spot in England, topping the Beatles themselves.

The Lennon/McCartney compositions: "Bad To Me", "I'll Keep You Satisfied" and "From A Window", all became International million sellers for Billy, and appearances on "The Ed Sullivan Show". "Shindig", and "Hullabaloo" rocketed Billy to a place in Rock and Roll history as the pioneer of the British Invasion.

For his follow up to the chart-topping single "Bad To Me", Billy opted to record "Little Children", a song written by two Americans, Mort Shuman and John Leslie McFarland. Despite strong opposition from Brian Epstein and producer George Martin (who both felt that Billy should stick with another Lennon/McCartney song), Billy stood firm and his insight proved correct. "Little Children" became his biggest selling worldwide hit.

Billy's International momentum has continued for over twenty five years with sellout concert appearances and standing ovations in England, Australia, Germany. Scandinavia, and throughout the United States.

Billy J. Kramer has always felt that America was the home of Rock and Roll, and he finally fulfilled a long time ambition to move to the United States. He presently resides on Long Island, New York with his wife Roni, his two sons, and his dog Elvis.

With the experience of twenty five years in the music business and outlook clear into the 90's. Billy has proven himself a Rock and Roll pioneer who will always explore new territory as the evolution of popular music continues.