B-side "One Night, One Night" Format 7" | Released December 1958 Recorded 1958 Length 2:40 | |
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"Since I Don't Have You" is a song written and composed by Jackie Taylor, James Beaumont, Janet Vogel, Joseph Rock, Joe VanScharnen, Lennie Martin, and Wally Lester. It was a 1958 hit single for the doo-wop group the Skyliners on the Billboard Hot 100. Country music singer Ronnie Milsap had a hit with the song in 1991. Guns N' Roses also had some success in 1994 with their top ten hit cover on the UK Singles Chart.
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Background
Taken from their self-titled album and released in late 1958, the single reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 7 on the Cash Box Top 100. It was also a top five hit on the 1959 R&B chart. It was highlighted by lead singer Jimmy Beaumont's powerful vocals, and the counterpoint between his falsetto and Janet Vogel's soprano, on her final chorus.
As a testament to its longevity, it is frequently played on the radio; the song was featured in the films American Graffiti, The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai, Lethal Weapon 2, Shag and Mischief, and television shows such as Happy Days and American Hot Wax.
Don McLean version
Don McLean's 1981 rendition, reaching number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100, is the cover version to come closest to the success of the Skyliners' original in the USA. It was a major Adult Contemporary hit, reaching number six in the U.S. and number two in Canada.
Background
Country music artist Ronnie Milsap's version was a number 6 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in 1991. The single was taken from his album Back to the Grindstone, released on RCA Records. It was produced by Milsap, Rob Galbraith, and Richard Landis.
Background
This song was covered by the rock band Guns N' Roses on their album, The Spaghetti Incident? This was Guns N' Roses 18th single release overall, and the third single lifted from The Spaghetti Incident?. The single was released in mid-1994. It reached #69 on the Hot 100 and was a top 10 hit in the UK. The music video featured actor Gary Oldman – then a popular casting choice for Hollywood villains – as a smiling demon who is constantly mocking singer Axl Rose. The video was the last to feature original members Duff McKagan and Slash, as well as drummer Matt Sorum and rhythm guitarist Gilby Clarke. It is also (to date) the last music video released under the "Guns N' Roses" name.