In 1958, a gallon of milk cost 45 cents, and a gallon of gas cost 25 cents. President Dwight D. Eisenhower was in his second term when The Skyliners, an American doo-wop group, released their self-titled debut album that included their hit song, “Since I Don’t Have You.”
The song was ranked number three on the US Billboard Hot R&B Sides chart, seven on the US Cash Box Top 100 chart, and twelve on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Since then, the song has become a timeless classic, covered by top artists such as Chuck Jackson, Jay & The Americans, Patti Labelle, Ricky Nelson, Barbra Streisand, Manfred Mann, Don McLean, and Guns N’ Roses.
“Since I Don’t Have You” is one of the best heartbreak ballads ever, and people still love it even after over six decades since it was released. A quick browse through the upvoted comments on the song’s YouTube video reveals how much people still adore it. One person commented that it is one of the best songs ever, and another said it is a classic. People also reminisced about listening to it when they were teenagers and how they never stopped loving it.
The Skyliners’ original lineup comprised lead vocalists Jimmy Beaumont, Wally Lester, Jack Taylor, Joe Verscharen, and Janet Vogel. Following the success of “Since I Don’t Have You,” the group had a string of Top 40 hits such as “This I Swear,” “It Happened Today,” and “Pennies From Heaven,” among others. A Skyliners biopic entitled Since I Don’t Have You, written and directed by Gavin Rapp (son of Janet Vogel), is currently in development.
The song’s opening lines, “I don’t have plans and schemes / And I don’t have hopes and dreams,” have become iconic and recognizable, with fans instantly singing along when they hear it. The Skyliners’ lead vocalist Jimmy Beaumont’s heart-wrenching performance and the song’s orchestration still resonate with audiences today. Unsurprisingly, “Since I Don’t Have You” has been featured in numerous films and television productions, including Happy Days and American Graffiti.
“Since I Don’t Have You” is a timeless heartbreak ballad that has withstood the test of time. Its poignant lyrics, memorable orchestration, and Jimmy Beaumont’s emotive performance have secured a special place in American music history. Anyone who appreciates good music should listen to this song and share it with friends because it is a classic that will never go out of style.
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