Chick Graham and the Coasters – I Know

The original group was formed in 1960 and known as The Sandstormers, after a few name changes they settled on Billy Kramer (real name Billy Ford) and the Coasters and quickly became one of the most popular groups on Merseyside, coming third in the Merseybeat music paper poll, 1963. Their manager, Ted Knibbs, spoke to Brian Epstein who was interested and wanted to sign them but The Coasters refused to turn professional. Brian had to find another group to back Billy Kramer (still without the J), The Remo 4 turned him down as did Manchester group The Dakotas, who were backing Pete Maclaine at the time, they finally agreed when Brian made arrangements for them to record in their own right. After the departure of Billy Kramer, The Coasters continued with Ted Knibbs as their manager, he was searching for a new frontman to replace Billy and found Chick Graham (real name Graham Jennings) Chick made his first appearance as frontman in June 1963, his fifteenth birthday! at the Majestic Ballroom, Birkenhead. Decca Records signed them up and after telling them Stardom is just around the corner, they gave up their day jobs all except George Braithwaite who left the music business altogether. He was replaced with Arthur Raynor on rhythm guitar with Ray Dougherty changing to bass. In 1964, Decca released their first single I Know/Education, their second release A Little You/Dance, Baby Dance was slightly better (Pete Frame in his book Rock Family Trees Of The Early Sixties said Whoever …
Video Rating: 5 / 5