Simply reading the artist’s name up there and nothing else, you’re probably scratching your head, wondering who the heck Dave Berry is. Especially if you’re from the U.S. But if you hail from the other side of the pond, you probably have a passing familiarity with Berry, a pop singer who had a #5 UK hit with “The Crying Game” in July 1964. His version didn’t reach American shores, though Brenda Lee soon took a crack, making it to #87 the following January.

Nearly thirty years later, the song was covered by Boy George for the 1992 Neil Jordan film of the same name. You might recall that movie’s gender-bending twist, which U.S. distributor Miramax famously capitalized on to maximum marketing effect (“The movie everyone is talking about… But no one is giving away its secrets”). Having Boy George sing the theme was a brilliant choice, since he’d made a career out of playfully poking society’s notions about male and female identities.

Produced by Pet Shop Boys, “The Crying Game” served as a comeback for Boy George, particularly here in the States, returning the singer to the Top 40 for the first time since 1988’s “Live My Life” (another soundtrack song, from Hiding Out). On May 15, 1993, “The Crying Game” peaked at #15:

While he hasn’t made another appearance on the Hot 100 since “The Crying Game,” Boy George continues to record, currently guesting on Danish duo Bliss’ “American Heart.” Released in May after a short stint in prison (for the assault and false imprisonment of a male escort), he just announced plans for a new artist-networking venture, Talenthouse. You can also follow George’s exploits on Twitter (@theboygeorge), where he often indulges his inner Martha Stewart by sharing raw-food recipes (complete with pics!).

Purchase Boy George – “The Crying Game” via iTunes, Amazon MP3.