Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

BERRY, Dave

(b David Grundy, 1941, Sheffield, England) rock'n'roll singer. Changed name to that of his idol Chuck Berry, formed group The Cruisers '61. Was sometimes joined onstage by local lad Joe Cocker. Signed to Decca '63; his cover of 'Memphis, Tennesee' was no. 19 UK; cover of Arthur Crudup's 'My Baby Left Me' minor hit. His stage presence disguised unexceptional singing; he prowled the platform shielding his eyes, clad in black leather, trailing the microphone cable down his back. Alan Price can be seen explaining Berry's stage act to a bemused Bob Dylan in '65 documentary film Don't Look Back. Alvin Stardust borrowed gimmicks for his act in the 1970s. Berry switched to brooding ballads after split from Cruisers; "The Crying Game' was no. 55 UK '64; dreary 'Mama' no. 5 '66. Continued on northern club circuit in psychedelic era of late '60s; still seen in British rock'n'roll revival shows. Billy McKenzie of the Associates revived 'Crying Game' in concert '85.