Billy J. Kramer: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview

Billy J. Kramer was the first musical artist to have a hit single with a Beatles song, even before the Beatles themselves had a hit. While some younger rock fans, not as well-versed in classic rock history, might find this hard to believe, it is indeed true. In 1963, both Billy J. Kramer and the Beatles were managed by Brian Epstein. However, Epstein wasn’t the only significant figure shared between the Beatles and Billy Kramer. Record producer George Martin played a crucial role in helping Kramer record the Beatles songs that would become major hits for him. He assisted Billy J. Kramer in achieving a number one single in the United Kingdom with “Do You Want to Know a Secret?” The single featured an exclusive B-side, “I’ll Be on My Way,” which was not released by the Beatles elsewhere. This success was quickly followed by another Lennon/McCartney collaboration, “Bad to Me” coupled with “I Call Your Name,” which climbed to number one, sold over a million copies, and earned a gold disc. Another hit, “I’ll Keep You Satisfied,” secured a respectable fourth place later that year.

Billy Kramer benefited greatly from a series of tracks specially crafted for him by Lennon and McCartney, catapulting him to stardom. Songs like “I’ll Keep You Satisfied,” “From a Window,” “I Call Your Name” (also recorded by the Beatles), and “Bad to Me” secured him spots on prominent television shows such as Shindig!, Hullabaloo (hosted by Beatles manager Brian Epstein), and The Ed Sullivan Show. We talk about all of this in this fabulous interview.

Additionally, the man has not stopped working. Billy J. Kramer has recently released a brand new album entitled Are You With Me?The album channels the vibrant pop melodies of the 60s while blending them with a modern songwriting flair that showcases Kramer’s evolved vocal style, matured yet effortlessly clear. On this album, Kramer has teamed up with an impressive array of respected musicians, including Tom Hambridge, known for his work with Mick Jagger and Buddy Guy; Liberty DeVitto of Billy Joel fame; Mark Hudson, who has collaborated with Ringo Starr; and the Alessi Brothers, known for their Top 10 UK hit, “Oh Lori.” Kramer contributes his own touch with two originals, “Be Kind To Emma” and “Peace of Mind.” The album also features a deeply emotive cover of John Lennon’s “Jealous Guy,” adding a layer of introspective depth to the collection.

Below is our interview with the legendary Billy J. Kramer where he talks in depth about growing up in Liverpool, his work with George Martin and Brian Epstein, and his musical relationship with John Lennon and Paul McCartney. This is an interview not to be missed.

The brand new one “Are You With Me?”  This is so good!

Billy J. Kramer: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024

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Brian Kachejian

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Brian Kachejian was born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx. He is the founder and Editor in Chief of ClassicRockHistory.com. He has spent thirty years in the music business often working with many of the people who have appeared on this site. Brian Kachejian also holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Stony Brook University along with New York State Public School Education Certifications in Music and Social Studies. Brian Kachejian is also an active member of the New York Press.