The Dakotas (band)

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For other uses, see The Dakotas (disambiguation).

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

The group is perhaps best known for their instrumental version of "The Cruel Sea," a composition of Mike Maxfield, the group's lead guitarist. The track was re-titled "The Cruel Surf" in the U.S., and was subsequently covered by The Ventures.

This was followed 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 highly-collectable EP later that year.

The Dakotas, with line-up changes, still tour and record to this day. The Dakotas re-formed in the late 1980s and recruited vocalist Eddie Mooney and session musician Toni Baker. Other latter-day members are drummer Pete Hilton and guitarist Richard Benson. In recent years, the band has appeared on several nostalgia 60s 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" (they had a number one hit on the Amazon.com download chart with their version of "Love Train" from this series).

[edit] Original personnel

Mike Maxfield (born Michael Maxfield, 23 February 1944, in Manchester) - Lead Guitarist
Tony Mansfield (born Tony Bookbinder, 28 May 1943, in Salford, Lancashire) - Drummer
Robin MacDonald (born 18 July 1943, in Nairn, Scotland) - Rhythm Guitarist / Bassist (from July 1964 onwards)
Ray Jones (born Raymond Jones, 22 October 1939, in Oldham, Lancashire - died 20 January 2000) - Bassist (up to July 1964)

[edit] Trivia

Tony Mansfield (Tony Bookbinder) is the brother of the British vocalist, Elkie Brooks (Elaine Bookbinder).
Eddie Mooney sang, played and appeared on several TV series by British comedian Peter Kay and appeared on PBS television in the U.S. as a member of the The Walker Brothers.