The Dakotas

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The Dakotas is a group of British musicians, which initially convened as a backing band in Manchester, England. However, they are most closely associated with the singer Billy J. Kramer, a Liverpudlian who was the lead vocalist for the group during the 1960s. In the USA they are regarded as part of the British invasion.

Career

The group's name arose from an engagement at the Plaza Ballroom in Oxford Street, Manchester. Its manager asked the group to return the next week dressed as Indians and called the 'Dakotas', founded in September 1960 by rhythm guitarist Robin MacDonald, with Bryan Jones on lead guitar; Tony Bookbinder on drums and Ian Fraser on bass. Ray Jones joined the band as bassist replacing Ian Fraser. Mike Maxfield joined the band in February 1962 as lead guitarist replacing Bryan Jones after being with a Manchester band called the 'Coasters'. The group first backed Pete Maclaine (February 1962 - January 1963), while Billy J Kramer had been backed by a different Liverpool group, also called the 'Sandstomers' (1960 - 1961) (Billy Ford) (Kramer) guitar, vocals; Mick Green guitar; Frank Farley drums; George Braithwaite), 'Billy Ford and the Phantoms' (1961 - 1962) (Ford; Green; Farley; Braithwaite bass), the 'Coasters' (1962 - January 1963) (Billy Kramer guitar, vocals; Arthur Ashton lead guitar; Dave May bass; Tony Sanders drums; Braithwaite bass). Brian Epstein decided to make the Dakotas an offer, which was accepted. Epstein insisted the name was 'Billy J Kramer with The Dakotas', not 'and'. The group and Billy J Kramer then went to Hamburg to perfect their act.

In addition to backing Kramer on his hits, the group itself is perhaps best known for their instrumental single called "The Cruel Sea", a composition of Maxfield. It reached No.18 in the UK charts in July 1963.^[2] The track was re-titled "The Cruel Surf" in the U.S., and was subsequently covered by The Ventures.

This was followed in September 1963 by a George Martin creation, "Magic Carpet", evoking a dreamy atmosphere with a subtle echo laden piano, playing the melody alongside Maxfield's guitar. But it missed out altogether and it was a year before their next release. All four tracks appeared on a EP later that year. Another single in November 1964, 'Oyeh', was not a chart success either.

After a row with Epstein, Ray Jones left the group in July 1964. Robin MacDonald moved to bass to make way for a new lead guitarist, Mick Green, from Johnny Kidd and The Pirates. The decline of Kramer's career through alcoholism also caused the decline of the Dakotas' career. He left the group in September 1967.

The Dakotas re-formed in the late 1980s and recruited vocalist Eddie Mooney and session musician Toni Baker. After original drummer Tony Mansfield left to pursue a career in finance, and Mike Maxfield suffered a stroke - the present day added members added are drummer Pete Hilton and guitarist Alan Clare. In recent years, the band has appeared on several nostalgia 1960s package tours in their own right, as well as backing artists such as Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits, Wayne Fontana and John Walker of the Walker Brothers. In 2004, The Dakotas worked with British comedian Peter Kay on hit TV series Phoenix Nights, and Max and Paddy. Toni Baker co-wrote all the music with Peter Kay.

In December 2007, Eddie Mooney was invited to front The Fortunes whose lead singer, Rod Allen had died after a sudden illness.^[3] This led to him joining the band full time and the Dakotas now have a new frontman/bass player in Paul Rafferty.

'The Dakotas' still tour and record to this day^[4] but none of the members from the 1960s play with the group § although Mike Maxfield, the original guitarist is still heavily involved behind the scenes and with recordings.

Original personnel

• Mick Green (born Michael Robert Green, 2 February 1944, Matlock, Derbyshire) - Lead Guitarist (from July 1964 onwards)
• Mike Maxfield (born Michael Maxfield, 23 February 1944, Manchester) - Lead Guitarist
• Tony Mansfield (born Tony Bookbinder, 28 May 1943, Salford, Lancashire) - Drummer
• Robin MacDonald (born 18 July 1943, Nairn, Scotland) - Rhythm Guitarist / Bassist (from September 1960 onwards)
• Frank Farley (born Frank William Farley, 18 February 1942, Belgaum, India) (from August 1966 onwards) - Drummer
• Ray Jones (born Raymond Jones, 22 October 1939, Oldham, Lancashire - died 20 January 2000) - Bassist (up to July 1964)

Additional information

• Tony Mansfield (Tony Bookbinder) is the brother of the British vocalist, Elkie Brooks (Elaine Bookbinder).
• Eddie Mooney appeared on PBS television in the U.S. as a member of the The Walker Brothers.
• Toni Baker co-wrote all the music with Peter Kay on hit TV series Phoenix Nights, and Max and Paddy's Road to Nowhere. ^[5]

References

• Sleeve notes of Billy J Kramer with the Dakotas EP Collection 1995 Miles Records SEECD422

External links

• Official site
• History of the Dakotas 1960-2009
• The Dakotas at Allmusic
• The Dakotas on Myspace
• The Zone Online Magazine Featuring An Interview with Toni Baker of The Dakotas