Billy Kramer and the Coasters

Members

Billy Kramer (William Ashton) - vocals

Arthur Ashton - lead guitar

Ray Dougherty - rhythm guitar

George Braithwaite - bass guitar

Tony Sounders - drums

Previously known as Billy Forde and the Phantoms.

The Coasters formed as The Sandstormers, then changed their name to The Phantoms. In 1961, they started to back a singer calling himself Billy Forde. The group was now called Billy Forde and the Phantoms. Under the management of Ted Knibbs, they changed their name again to Billy Kramer and the Coasters and finished 19th in the Mersey Beat Popularity Poll published on Jan 4th 1962.

Later Billy Kramer signed to Brian Epstein's management and was paired with The Dakotas to become Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas, who went on to international success.

The Coasters later backed singer Chick Graham and recorded for Decca.

Known Gigs

12 Oct 1962 Wallasey, Tower Ballroom, New Brighton, Cheshire. Supporting Little Richard, and The Beatles. With The Big Three, Pete Maclaine and the Dakotas, Lee Curtis and the All-Stars, The Four Jays, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, The Undertakers, The Merseybeats, and Gus Travis And The Midnighters.