William Ashton was discovered by Brian Epstein and paired with Manchester-based group The Dakotas. William’s performing name, Kramer, was chosen at random from a telephone directory. John Lennon suggested adding the J for a tougher edge. Kramer was given a series of songs specially written for him by John Lennon and Paul McCartney which launched him into stardom. I’ll Keep You Satisfied, From a Window, I Call Your Name and Bad to Me. They also released Do You Want to Know a Secret? reaching #2 backed by I’ll Be on My Way which was unreleased by the Beatles. The Dakotas enjoyed Top 20 success in 1963 on their own. Little Children was their biggest hit reaching #2 in the USA.