The Dakotas were formed in Manchester, England, in 1960, the name being sug… Read Full Bio ↴The Dakotas were formed in Manchester, England, in 1960, the name being suggested by a local promoter who wanted the band to dress up as native American Indians! By early 1963 the Dakotas were now signed to Brian Epsteinβs NEMS agency, and, thanks to the success of the Beatles, signed up to EMI records subsidiary label, Parlophone.
Billy J Kramer had been friends with John Lennon for some time and John gave the group a demo of a new song, βDo You Want to Know a Secretβ, which they perfected whilst working in Hamburg at the Star Club. On returning to Britain, the song was recorded at Abbey Road studios, with producer George Martin. It stormed up the charts and reached No.2 in the spring of 1963. It must be remembered that the Dakotas and Billy each had separate recording contracts with Parlophone, and that they were billed as βBilly J Kramer WITH the Dakotasβ. To maintain the groupβs identity, the Dakotasβ guitar instrumental βThe Cruel Seaβ was released as a single, and it reached the Top 20 around the same time as βSecretβ. This Mike Maxfield tune was released in America as βThe Cruel Surfβ, coinciding with the surf craze.
The first Billy J Kramer with the Dakotas album, βListenβ¦β, was released at the end of 1963, and eventually reached No.11 on the LP chart. Early in 1964, the group felt they needed to release a single that wasnβt written by the Beatles (!) and chose βLittle Childrenβ. This controversial move paid off, and the record went to No.1 on the British charts in the spring of 1964. Later that year, both βBad To Meβ and βLittle Childrenβ made the American Top 10, and the group visited the βstates, appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show, and playing to sell-out frenzied fans of the βBritish invasionβ sound.
The Reformation 1989 - 2008
The first studio album since the 60s βThe Dakotas -Volume 1β was released in August 1991, including a contemporary orchestrated version of the 1963 hit single, βThe Cruel Seaβ. In April 1992 the Dakotas did a three week tour of Sweden with fellow Manchester band, Hermanβs Hermits. Between 1992 and 1994 the band appeared all over the UK, as well as regular trips to Germany.
In 2003 the Dakotas released their fourth studio album, βEverlastingβ, to coincide with a massive 70-date βSolid Silver 60sβ tour of the UK and Ireland.The tour also featured the Searchers, Wayne Fontana, Dave Dee and Barry Ryan, and ran from February until May 2003. Later that year, the bandβs keyboard player, Toni Baker wrote the theme music, and the Dakotas were among the session musicians for the immensely successful British TV comedy series βPhoenix Nightsβ, starring Peter Kay.
In the spring of 2004 the Dakotas undertook yet another major 50 date UK theatre tour, teaming up once again with Peter Noone and Wayne Fontana, plus Bryan Hyland and John Walker of the Walker Brothers. To tie in with the tour, the band released their fifth album, βStrongβ named after the title track Iβm Gonna be Strong originally recorded by Gene Pitney. Almost straight after the tour, Toni Baker started co-writing the new music with Peter Kay for his TV series βMax and Paddyβs Road To Nowhereβ. The show also featured Tony Christie singing the theme song, also co-written by Toni & Peter Kay.
The Dakotas were filmed in an episode of Peter Kayβs βMax and Paddyβ, which was eventually broadcast in October 2004. Dressed as various 80s characters, the band performed and also backed Peter Kay on βI Guess Thatβs Why They Call It The Bluesβ.
In August 2004 tragedy struck, when guitarist Mike Maxfield suffered a stroke and had to stop performing, although he is still actively involved behind the scenes.
Richard Benson, who had worked with Toni on the Max & Paddy recordings, joined the band as lead guitarist but due to his heavy teaching schedule, couldnβt commit to long-term involvement.
Alan Clare has now taken over the role of the bandβs lead guitarist.
In spring 2007 the Dakotas again toured the UK along with The Searchers, The Merseybeats, John Walker & Wayne Fontana on the Solid Silver 60s Tour.
Once again a new CD was released to coincide with this tour.
The CD, called βEvolutionβ to mark the changes undergone by the band over the last few years, features many new songs including an original song specially written for the band by Toni Baker called βFalling From Heavenβ. There are 17 tracks in all.
You can hear and download some these songs on the music player at the top of the myspace page
Anyone wanting a copy of the CD can email the band at thedakotasuk@yahoo.com.
Eddie Mooney joined the Dakotas in the late 80s after being a member of the band βPark Avenueβ. The drummer in that band was Tony Bookbinder, who had been the original drummer in the Dakotas, and this connection eventually led to the reforming of the band with Mike Maxfield.
After fronting The Dakotas for 20 years, Eddie amicably left The Dakotas in January 2008 to join The Fortunes after their long-standing frontman, Rod Allen sadly passed away.
Paul Rafferty was recruited to join the Dakotas as new frontman/bass player in late Feb 2008. Paul was well known to Toni & Pete from earlier years on Piccadilly Radio as a singer/songwriter & performer.
Paul has toured Britain before with his own band supporting Bucks Fizz and he has had two singles released on EMI lable: βThe Man behind The Scenesβ which he wrote himself, and βToo Late Nowβ written for him by Junior Campbell. They were recorded at Abbey Rd Studios London and can also be heard on our music player here on myspace.
For a few years, Paul sang & played bass at βBookbindersβ a top Manchester night club. The owner of the club, the late Brian Bookbinder was also the uncle of Tony Bookbinder the Dakotasβ original drummer!
After several great singers and musicians were considered for the role of Dakotasβ frontman, Paulβs experience & fabulous vocals stood him in good stead when the final few were being considered. His natural experience of live gigs & recording made him feel instantly at home in his new environment.
Toni Baker joined the Dakotas early in the 90s, though he has a long history of working in well known bands. He played on Billy Oceanβs early recordings in the 70s, & was a member of βShabby Tigerβ, a hugely successful group in Europe, with many hit singles, such as the No.1, βSlow Downβ.
Toni, who is still a top UK session man, now owns his own recording studio βMooseβ. He is also a talented songwriter, who had a Number 5 hit in Japan with Eat You Up.
More recently Toni wrote all the music, including the theme tune, for Britainβs top comedian Peter Kay on his highly acclaimed comedy series βPhoenix Nightsβ and Max & Paddyβs Road to Nowhere.
Toni and fellow band member Pete Hilton also starred in the first episode of the first series of Phoenix Nights as members of a folk band called βHalf A Shillingβ. Toni continues his production and session work for major TV programmes including βWaterloo Roadβ and βLeague of Gentlemenβ.
A CD containing much of his recent TV work - The Best of Peter Kay So Far -was released in December 2005.
Toni is working on the music production of a guitar tuition DVD at the moment, called βkillerguitartipsβ.
Pete Hilton joined the Dakotas in 1999, but has also a long established pedigree. An ex-member of Freddie & the Dreamers, he is also a respected session drummer, and has been touring since 1963. In the late sixties Pete worked the original Liverpool Cavern Club with the eminent guitarist Robin Hill. Pete and Robin went on to form jazz rock band βSpringβ. There were memorable live performances with Mike Oldfield, Joe Cocker, Canned Heat, Deep Purple, & Traffic. In the late seventies Pete worked theatres throughout the UK with many greats such as Frankie Howerd and Bob Monkhouse. Rolf Harris & Tommy Cooper also played an important role in Peteβs musical education! In the late seventies while working with pop group Family Affair (Alan Clare was also in the band!) Pete grabbed the opportunity to gig with the Supremes (Mary Wilson). He also worked alongside David Essex, who later inspired Pete to perform in βGodspellβ while he was living in Canada. Pete is passionate about jazz and classical music and was delighted to collaborate with Robin Hill once again to perform the Claude Bolling concerto. Pete is currently recording again with Robin. He continues to teach drumming, as well as performing with the Dakotas.
Alan Clare joined the band in 2006. His varied guitar talents lend themselves perfectly to The Dakotasβ many faceted musical styles.
Alan has worked in many bands, including Freddie & the Dreamers alongside Pete Hilton, and is still a major session player, having worked with artists as diverse as the Supremes, Dionne Warwick, Buddy Greco, Cliff Richard, Gene Pitney, Gerard Kenny, Kenny Lynch, Lynn Paul and Ken Dodd.
As well as being one of the Northβs leading session guitarists, Alan also teaches a master class in advanced jazz guitar techniques.
Billy J Kramer had been friends with John Lennon for some time and John gave the group a demo of a new song, βDo You Want to Know a Secretβ, which they perfected whilst working in Hamburg at the Star Club. On returning to Britain, the song was recorded at Abbey Road studios, with producer George Martin. It stormed up the charts and reached No.2 in the spring of 1963. It must be remembered that the Dakotas and Billy each had separate recording contracts with Parlophone, and that they were billed as βBilly J Kramer WITH the Dakotasβ. To maintain the groupβs identity, the Dakotasβ guitar instrumental βThe Cruel Seaβ was released as a single, and it reached the Top 20 around the same time as βSecretβ. This Mike Maxfield tune was released in America as βThe Cruel Surfβ, coinciding with the surf craze.
The first Billy J Kramer with the Dakotas album, βListenβ¦β, was released at the end of 1963, and eventually reached No.11 on the LP chart. Early in 1964, the group felt they needed to release a single that wasnβt written by the Beatles (!) and chose βLittle Childrenβ. This controversial move paid off, and the record went to No.1 on the British charts in the spring of 1964. Later that year, both βBad To Meβ and βLittle Childrenβ made the American Top 10, and the group visited the βstates, appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show, and playing to sell-out frenzied fans of the βBritish invasionβ sound.
The Reformation 1989 - 2008
The first studio album since the 60s βThe Dakotas -Volume 1β was released in August 1991, including a contemporary orchestrated version of the 1963 hit single, βThe Cruel Seaβ. In April 1992 the Dakotas did a three week tour of Sweden with fellow Manchester band, Hermanβs Hermits. Between 1992 and 1994 the band appeared all over the UK, as well as regular trips to Germany.
In 2003 the Dakotas released their fourth studio album, βEverlastingβ, to coincide with a massive 70-date βSolid Silver 60sβ tour of the UK and Ireland.The tour also featured the Searchers, Wayne Fontana, Dave Dee and Barry Ryan, and ran from February until May 2003. Later that year, the bandβs keyboard player, Toni Baker wrote the theme music, and the Dakotas were among the session musicians for the immensely successful British TV comedy series βPhoenix Nightsβ, starring Peter Kay.
In the spring of 2004 the Dakotas undertook yet another major 50 date UK theatre tour, teaming up once again with Peter Noone and Wayne Fontana, plus Bryan Hyland and John Walker of the Walker Brothers. To tie in with the tour, the band released their fifth album, βStrongβ named after the title track Iβm Gonna be Strong originally recorded by Gene Pitney. Almost straight after the tour, Toni Baker started co-writing the new music with Peter Kay for his TV series βMax and Paddyβs Road To Nowhereβ. The show also featured Tony Christie singing the theme song, also co-written by Toni & Peter Kay.
The Dakotas were filmed in an episode of Peter Kayβs βMax and Paddyβ, which was eventually broadcast in October 2004. Dressed as various 80s characters, the band performed and also backed Peter Kay on βI Guess Thatβs Why They Call It The Bluesβ.
In August 2004 tragedy struck, when guitarist Mike Maxfield suffered a stroke and had to stop performing, although he is still actively involved behind the scenes.
Richard Benson, who had worked with Toni on the Max & Paddy recordings, joined the band as lead guitarist but due to his heavy teaching schedule, couldnβt commit to long-term involvement.
Alan Clare has now taken over the role of the bandβs lead guitarist.
In spring 2007 the Dakotas again toured the UK along with The Searchers, The Merseybeats, John Walker & Wayne Fontana on the Solid Silver 60s Tour.
Once again a new CD was released to coincide with this tour.
The CD, called βEvolutionβ to mark the changes undergone by the band over the last few years, features many new songs including an original song specially written for the band by Toni Baker called βFalling From Heavenβ. There are 17 tracks in all.
You can hear and download some these songs on the music player at the top of the myspace page
Anyone wanting a copy of the CD can email the band at thedakotasuk@yahoo.com.
Eddie Mooney joined the Dakotas in the late 80s after being a member of the band βPark Avenueβ. The drummer in that band was Tony Bookbinder, who had been the original drummer in the Dakotas, and this connection eventually led to the reforming of the band with Mike Maxfield.
After fronting The Dakotas for 20 years, Eddie amicably left The Dakotas in January 2008 to join The Fortunes after their long-standing frontman, Rod Allen sadly passed away.
Paul Rafferty was recruited to join the Dakotas as new frontman/bass player in late Feb 2008. Paul was well known to Toni & Pete from earlier years on Piccadilly Radio as a singer/songwriter & performer.
Paul has toured Britain before with his own band supporting Bucks Fizz and he has had two singles released on EMI lable: βThe Man behind The Scenesβ which he wrote himself, and βToo Late Nowβ written for him by Junior Campbell. They were recorded at Abbey Rd Studios London and can also be heard on our music player here on myspace.
For a few years, Paul sang & played bass at βBookbindersβ a top Manchester night club. The owner of the club, the late Brian Bookbinder was also the uncle of Tony Bookbinder the Dakotasβ original drummer!
After several great singers and musicians were considered for the role of Dakotasβ frontman, Paulβs experience & fabulous vocals stood him in good stead when the final few were being considered. His natural experience of live gigs & recording made him feel instantly at home in his new environment.
Toni Baker joined the Dakotas early in the 90s, though he has a long history of working in well known bands. He played on Billy Oceanβs early recordings in the 70s, & was a member of βShabby Tigerβ, a hugely successful group in Europe, with many hit singles, such as the No.1, βSlow Downβ.
Toni, who is still a top UK session man, now owns his own recording studio βMooseβ. He is also a talented songwriter, who had a Number 5 hit in Japan with Eat You Up.
More recently Toni wrote all the music, including the theme tune, for Britainβs top comedian Peter Kay on his highly acclaimed comedy series βPhoenix Nightsβ and Max & Paddyβs Road to Nowhere.
Toni and fellow band member Pete Hilton also starred in the first episode of the first series of Phoenix Nights as members of a folk band called βHalf A Shillingβ. Toni continues his production and session work for major TV programmes including βWaterloo Roadβ and βLeague of Gentlemenβ.
A CD containing much of his recent TV work - The Best of Peter Kay So Far -was released in December 2005.
Toni is working on the music production of a guitar tuition DVD at the moment, called βkillerguitartipsβ.
Pete Hilton joined the Dakotas in 1999, but has also a long established pedigree. An ex-member of Freddie & the Dreamers, he is also a respected session drummer, and has been touring since 1963. In the late sixties Pete worked the original Liverpool Cavern Club with the eminent guitarist Robin Hill. Pete and Robin went on to form jazz rock band βSpringβ. There were memorable live performances with Mike Oldfield, Joe Cocker, Canned Heat, Deep Purple, & Traffic. In the late seventies Pete worked theatres throughout the UK with many greats such as Frankie Howerd and Bob Monkhouse. Rolf Harris & Tommy Cooper also played an important role in Peteβs musical education! In the late seventies while working with pop group Family Affair (Alan Clare was also in the band!) Pete grabbed the opportunity to gig with the Supremes (Mary Wilson). He also worked alongside David Essex, who later inspired Pete to perform in βGodspellβ while he was living in Canada. Pete is passionate about jazz and classical music and was delighted to collaborate with Robin Hill once again to perform the Claude Bolling concerto. Pete is currently recording again with Robin. He continues to teach drumming, as well as performing with the Dakotas.
Alan Clare joined the band in 2006. His varied guitar talents lend themselves perfectly to The Dakotasβ many faceted musical styles.
Alan has worked in many bands, including Freddie & the Dreamers alongside Pete Hilton, and is still a major session player, having worked with artists as diverse as the Supremes, Dionne Warwick, Buddy Greco, Cliff Richard, Gene Pitney, Gerard Kenny, Kenny Lynch, Lynn Paul and Ken Dodd.
As well as being one of the Northβs leading session guitarists, Alan also teaches a master class in advanced jazz guitar techniques.
Do you want to know a secret?
The Dakotas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You'll never know how much I really love you
You'll never know how much I really care
Listen do you want to know a secret
Do you promise not to tell woh woh woh closer
Let me whisper in your ear
Say the words you long to hear
I'm in love with you oo
I've known the secret for a week or two
Nobody knows just we two
Listen do you want to know a secret
Do you promise not to tell woh woh woh closer
Let me whisper in your ear
Say the words you long to hear
I'm in love with you oo
You'll never know how much I really care
Listen do you want to know a secret
Do you promise not to tell woh woh woh closer
Let me whisper in your ear
Say the words you long to hear
I'm in love with you oo
I've known the secret for a week or two
Listen do you want to know a secret
Do you promise not to tell woh woh woh closer
Let me whisper in your ear
Say the words you long to hear
I'm in love with you oo
The Dakotas's song "Do you want to know a secret?" is a classic love song that features a secret that is hidden from the rest of the world. The song talks about how much the singer loves someone, but they can't tell anyone else. The opening lines of the song, "You'll never know how much I really love you, You'll never know how much I really care," sets the tone for the rest of the song. The singer seems to be desperately in love with someone, and yet they're scared to reveal their true feelings to anyone.
The central theme of this song is primarily about keeping secrets, and how that can affect a relationship. The singer wants to share their deepest thoughts and feelings with this person but is wary of telling anyone else. The lines "Let me whisper in your ear, Say the words you long to hear, I'm in love with you" highlight the intimacy between the two individuals. This song beautifully captures the vulnerability and nervousness that accompanies expressing your deepest emotions to someone you care about.
Overall, "Do you want to know a secret?" is a beautifully written love song that explores the complicated nature of human relationships. The lyrics are full of hope, passion, and a sense of secretive longing that is both relatable and universal.
Line by Line Meaning
You'll never know how much I really love you
It is impossible for you to understand the depth of my love for you
You'll never know how much I really care
My care for you is beyond what you can comprehend
Listen do you want to know a secret
Can I share something with you confidentially?
Do you promise not to tell woh woh woh closer
Can you guarantee that you will not reveal what I am about to tell you?
Let me whisper in your ear
I will share this with you in a private and intimate way
Say the words you long to hear
I will express what you have been eager to hear
I'm in love with you oo
I have fallen deeply in love with you
I've known the secret for a week or two
I have been keeping this love to myself for some time now
Nobody knows just we two
Our mutual affection is something only we share
Do you promise not to tell woh woh woh closer
I need you to stress the importance of keeping this a secret
Let me whisper in your ear
Again, I will confide in you alone
Say the words you long to hear
I will provide the words you have been yearning to hear
I'm in love with you oo
I am passionately in love with you
Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul Mccartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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@sauquoit13456
On this day in 1963 {May 30th} "Do You Want To Know A Secret?" by Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas peaked at #2 {for 2 weeks} on the United Kingdom's Official Top 50 Singles* chart, for the two weeks it was at #2, the #1 record for those two weeks was "From Me To You" by The Beatles...
Between 1963 and 1965 the group had six records on the U.K. Singles chart, five made the Top 10 with two* reaching #1, "Bad To Me" for three weeks in August of 1963 and "Little Children" for two weeks in March of 1964...
Besides their two #1 records, their three other Top 10 records were the above "Do You Want To Know A Secret", "I'll Keep You Satisfied" {#4 in 1963}, and "From A Window" {#10 in 1964}...
Plus their only record that didn't make the Top 10 was "Trains and Boats and Planes", it peaked at #12 in June of 1965...
Leader Billy J. Kramer, born William Howard Ashton, will celebrate his 77th birthday in three months on August 19th, 2020...
* And from the 'For What It's Worth' department, the remainder of the U.K. Singles' Top 10 on May 30th, 1963:
At #3. "Scarlett O'Hara-" by Jet Harris & Tony Meehan
#4. "Lucky Lips" by Cliff Richard & The Shadows
#5. "Can't Get Used To Losing You" by Andy Williams
#6. "Two Kinds Of Teardrops" by Del Shannon
#7. "When Will You Say I Love You" by Billy Fury
#8. "In Dreams" by Roy Orbison
#9. "Young Lovers" by Paul and Paula
#10. "Deck Of Cards" by Wink Martindale
@guruuDev
Wow, what a talented band. They cover The Beatles and do it beautifully in their own way -- totally works!
@jgates6645
They actually released this before the Beatles did.
@oltedders
β@@jgates6645
Lennon McCartney wrote their biggest hits.
@Rayruit
β@@jgates6645No, the Beatles version was released on their debut album in March 1963.
Billy J version was released as a single in April 1963.
@yvonnewheeler6230
Amazing beautiful memories of my teenage years the sixties were the best simply the best .
Thank you for the wonderful music you have put together. π€©
@golden.lights.twinkle2329
Great song. Great video. There was a time in the 1960s when this band was huge in the UK.
@southpawboxing4265
Timeless music. Just beautiful. Thanks for the upload.
@jimrackitts6859
You're welcome
@davidworsley9534
Love this song takes me back to 1963 the best decade for music!
@ravenhill_the_cryptic_of_1968
a perfect sound on this version, dating way back.. big thanks.