Dave Berry (musician)
Dave Berry (born David Holgate Grundy in Woodhouse, Sheffield, England, on February 6, 1941), was a British pop singer and teen idol of the 1960s.
Career
A unique, and charismatic performer, Dave Berry performed a mixture of hard R&B and pop ballads. He was extremely popular in Britain, and on Continental Europe. He had an unusual ambition for a pop performer trying to make a name for himself - to appear on TV completely hidden by a prop. In his own words, to "not appear, to stay behind something and not come out". As a rule he did a good job; hiding behind the upturned collar of his leather jacket, or even wrapping himself around, and effectively behind, the microphone's own lead. His early hits name checked his so-called backing band, The Cruisers, although their suppossed creditable presence is difficult to ascertain.
"The Crying Game" (1964), "Mama" (1966) and "This Strange Effect" (1965 - the latter written by Ray Davies), are among his best-remembered hits. Indeed, "This Strange Effect" became a massive Number One hit for him in Holland and Belgium, countries where he still enjoys superstar status, resulting in a Special Award from Radio Veronica, Holland, for their best selling pop single of all time.
Another one of his songs, "Don't Gimme No Lip Child", was covered by the Sex Pistols. His stage act, drawing largely on Elvis Presley, and Gene Vincent, provided an inspiration for Alvin Stardust. Such was his enigmatic, and unconvential presence, that several punk rock acts, such as the Sex Pistols, later acknowledged him as an inspiration.
Dave regained some, much-overlooked recognition, when he was the surprise hit of the annual Alexis Korner Tribute in 1995.
Discography
Singles
- October 1963 "Memphis, Tennessee" - UK #19
- January 1964 "My Baby Left Me" - UK #37
- April 1964 "Baby It's You" - UK #24
- July 1964 "The Crying Game" / "Don't Gimme No Lip Child" - UK #5
- November 1964 "One Heart Between Two" - UK #41
- March 1965 "Little Things" - UK #5
- July 1965 "This Strange Effect" - UK #37
- July 1966 "Mama" - UK #5
- August 1967 "Forever" / "And I Have Learned To Dream"
E.P.s
- 1964 "Me-O-My-O" / "St. James Infirmary" / "If You Need Me" / "Ella Speed"
- 1965 "Can I Get It From You"
L.P.s
1964 "Dave Berry" - The Crying Game / Not Fade Away / I Don't Want To Go On / Ella Speed / The Girl From The Fair Isle / Go On Home / Everybody Tries / God Bless The Child / Memphis, Tennessee / On The Other Side Of Town / Go Home Girl / My Last Date / St. James Infirmary / Just A Little Bit / See See Rider / Don't Make Fun Of Me
1966 "One Dozen Berries" - Hey Little Girl / Round And Round / Casting My Spell / Girl From The Fair Isle / Fanny Man / If You Wait For Love / Sweet And Lovely / Tears To Remind Me / Baby It's You / Run My Heart / I Love You Babe / Heartbeat
1968 "Dave Berry '68"