HISTORY OF THE DAKOTAS

The Early Years 1960 - 1962

The Dakotas were formed in the Manchester / Oldham area, England, in 1960, the name being suggested by a local promoter who wanted the band to dress up as American Indians! The very first line-up comprised Bryn Jones (guitar), Tony Bookbinder (drums), Robin MacDonald (guitar), and Ian Fraser (bass). The band's first gig was in Lees, Oldham, Lancashire. They teamed up with local singer Pete Maclaine and played the club and ballroom venues of northern England, and, in particular, Manchester and Liverpool. Robin and Ian were responsible for the bands choreography, arrangements etc on stage. The band became well known as Manchester's top Band - they were regarded as being more sophisticated than the Liverpool outfits and used echo chamber etc to produce a very professional sound.

Left: The Dakotas, 1960: Robin MacDonald, Pete Maclaine, Tony Bookbinder, Ian Fraser, Bryn Jones

By the early 60s the band had turned professional, Bryn Jones was replaced by Mike Maxfield on guitar and Ian Fraser by Ray Jones on bass. A regular gig in Liverpool was the now legendary Cavern Club, where the band were virtually the only Manchester band frequently booked. The Cavern’s DJ, Bob Wooler, said, "I held them up as a role model to the Liverpool groups as they didn’t lark around and were always on time. They were excellent." At this stage, they often shared the bill with the fledgling Beatles. Meanwhile, future Beatles manager Brian Epstein wanted to add local boy Billy J Kramer to his ever increasing stable of stars. Billy's backing band the Coasters didn't want to go full-time, so Brian approached the Dakotas, aware of their instrumental power and professionalism. Epstein had, of course, seen the band at the Cavern. When Brian Epstein asked them to back Billy J Kramer, it was an offer too good to refuse. Sadly, original singer Pete Maclaine was the first casualty of this arrangement. He was, and still is a fine frontman, and despite recording some excellent material, such as the self-penned "Yes I Do" (on Decca), he never hit the charts. Pete continues to perform in the Manchester area to this day.

Right: Ray Jones, Mike Maxfield, Pete Maclaine, Robin MacDonald (seated), Tony Bookbinder

Mike Maxfield in 1960 (second from the left)