“The Cruel Sea” / “The Millionaire” (Parlophone R 5044) July 1963

The Dakotas | The Cruel Sea | Parlophone | 1963 | The Dakotas were formed in September 1960 by leader Tony Mansfield (drums) and Robin MacDonald (rhythm guitar). The management of Manchester’s Plaza Ballroom wanted Tony to bring along his freshly-founded foursome in Indian outfits and to adopt a new group name, The Dakotas. The boys refused the first part of the request, but they liked the suggested group name.

The team turned professional in February last year, already having built up a large fan following at the Oasis Club, Manchester, where they appeared twice a week presenting their own set and backing visiting artists.

During 1962 The Dakotas made a number of highly successful guest appearances at Liverpool’s famous basement of beat, The Cavern. Here they were seen by Brian Epstein (manager of The Beatles and Gerry and the Pacemakers) who was most impressed by their performance, and a year later when he was looking for a group to back his new vocal discovery, Billy J. Kramer, they were the first group to spring to mind.

Billy and the boys spent their first month together at Hamburg’s Star Club, and on their return to England recorded their number one hit, “Do You Want To Know A Secret” for Parlophone recording manager, George Martin.

Line-up:
Tony Mansfield (drums)
Mike Maxfield (lead guitar)
Robin MacDonald (rhythm guitar)
Ray Jones (bass guitar)

Their first Parlophone single was “The Cruel Sea” / “The Millionaire”. Both sides were penned by Mike Mansfield. (Press Office, EMI Records, July 1963)