Dave Berry (born David Holgate Grundy, 6 February 1941, Woodhouse, Sheffield, England) is a British pop singer and teen idol of the 1960s. British rock 'n' roll has had many memorable figures over the years and Dave Berry is one of them. The difference is, over 40 years on he is still performing to full houses around the world.

Originating from Sheffield, Dave was influenced by Chuck Berry and Gene Vincent and this helped him develop his own unique style and presentation. Forming his band The Cruisers in 1960 it was soon to become a popular local outfit around the Sheffield area. This eventually attracted the attention of Mickie Most and Mike Smith, producers at Decca Records who subsequently signed Dave. His first record was a re-working of 'Memphis Tennessee'. In September 1963 Decca's intuition paid off with Dave and the band enjoying a top twenty hit with their first record.

This was followed with minor hits in early 1964 of a cover version of Arthur Crudup's My Baby Left Me and Burt Bacharach's Baby It’s You, but the big breakthrough came with Geoff Stevens The Crying Game, which reached the UK Top 5 in August 1964. In 1965 Dave also covered Bobby Goldsboro's song Little Things and Ray Davies' This Strange Effect. In June 1966 Dave released a cover of B J Thomas Mama, This reached No. 5 in the UK but proved to be Holland's biggest-selling record ever.

Amongst the hits, Dave’s other recorded output always included a selection of interesting material whether it be that of Legendary names like Buddy Holly and Muddy Waters or the work of contemporary pop writers like The Gibb Brothers and Graham Gouldman. Berry used sessions guitarists Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Big Jim Sullivan extensively

His musical career is rooted in rhythm and blues and his fans will recall his early appearances when he soon gathered a devoted following. Record contracts followed and then came the inevitable round of television appearances on Top of the Pops, Ready Steady Go and Thank Your Lucky Stars and Dave quickly became a well known artist with an instantly recognisable style. Dave's show is visual, (sporting black clothes with an upturned collar), as well as musical, with sophisticated lighting techniques and unique hand movements.

One performer whose stage act has more impact than most, is Dave Berry. Throughout the 60's he became famous for his highly effective live appearances, which no doubt contributed to a string of hit singles, many of which are now avidly collected as classics of their time.

The style of Dave Berry is much admired. His hits have been covered many times by other artists surely the ultimate professional accolade and he is much in demand throughout Britain and Europe. With loyal support from his band The Cruisers, who currently sport one of the best ever line-ups in the group’s history, Dave continues to maintain a highly active career.

He also now enjoys the benefit of combining his success as a pop entertainer together with the role he started out in, that of a stylish rhythm & blues performer.

(info Sounds Of The 60’s & www.gordonpoole.com)