Billy J Kramer: Do You Want To Know His Secrets?
‘SECRETS & SONGS’: BILLY J. KRAMER, A LIFE IN MUSIC’
In 1962, a young William Howard Ashton was performing in a humble pub in the north of England when he was spotted by John Lennon. Lennon knew, instinctively, that he had found a voice to complement the rapidly expanding Beatles phenomenon. The Beatles were brimming with hit songs. What they didn’t have was a singer outside the group to distinguish Lennon & McCartney as serious songwriters for other artists. A side-career in the song publishing domain, as it were. And so, with one simple nudge from Lennon, Beatles manager Brian Epstein signed the unknown William Ashton to a management contract. A record deal with Parlophone Records in London (with Beatles producer George Martin) soon followed. There was just one piece of the puzzle left: a stage name. And it was John Lennon himself who christened him Billy “J.” Kramer.
The Lennon & McCartney compositions ‘Do You Want To Know A Secret’ (later made famous by George Harrison),‘Bad To Me’, ‘I’ll Keep You Satisfied’, ‘From A Window’ and ‘I Call Your Name’ all became international million sellers for Billy. He followed this with ‘Little Children’, a song he plucked from top American songwriters Mort Shuman and John Leslie McFarland, which, as a “double A side” along with ‘Bad To Me’’, became the highest entry into the Billboard charts at #8, an accomplishment which has never been equaled by any other artist.
Not a bad start for a boy plucked from northern obscurity and thrust into the dizzying spotlight of the British Invasion. Powered by The Beatles’ songs and screaming girls, Billy J. Kramer’s unmistakable voice became a defining soundtrack of the early 1960s, forever linked with a cultural revolution that swept the world.
But the story doesn’t end there.
While so many stars of the era burned brightly and faded just as fast, Billy J. Kramer’s music has endured. There are, in fact, very few artists who have a distinguished and unshakable association with the Beatles who have managed to survive the accolades unscathed. Many have not made it to the other side of the ride. He has weathered the storms of fame, and recorded a series of autobiographical albums over the decades, including his most recent, ‘Are You With Me?’, recorded at the world famous Abbey Road Studios just last year, with a who’s-who of renown session musicians, in celebration of his 80th birthday. Billy J. Kramer has – somehow – survived the pressures of global stardom and the fickle tides of pop culture.
But the question remains: Who is Billy J. Kramer, really? How did he navigate the wild whirlwind of the 60s, 70s, and beyond? And does he still hear from Paul and Ringo?
Now, for the first time ever, you have the chance to hear (and ask) everything—directly from the man himself.
Moonlight Theatre proudly presents: ‘Secrets & Songs: Billy J. Kramer’s Life in Music’ Premiering December 22
In front of mesmerizing images on the Moonlight Theater’s 25 ft screen, Billy will perform live, backed by his stellar ‘Band Of Secrets’. You’ll be delighted by songs old and new as the show reveals the hidden truths of Billy’s extraordinary life in music— with stories that will leave you captivated and inspired.
Come with questions. Leave with answers. You’ll be singing long after the curtain falls.
‘Secrets & Songs: A Life in Music with Billy J. Kramer!’ [Christmas Edition] Hosted by 93XRT’s Terri Hemmert Produced & Directed by King Mixer
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Performance at 3 PM followed by Meet And Greet
General Admission: $35.00
VIP Meet And Greet: $55.00
Doors Open 60 mins Prior To Show
Full Bar and Food Menu Available
