Since I Don't Have You


"Since I Don't Have You" is a song written and composed by Jackie Taylor, James Beaumont, Janet Vogel, Joseph Rock, Joe Verscharen, Lennie Martin, and Wally Lester. It was first 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.

The Skyliners version

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, when Beaumont repeats the word "YOU" 13 times. The song is noted for its string and wind sections, performed by the Lenny Martin Orchestra.
As a testament to its longevity, it is frequently played on the radio; the song was featured in the films American Graffiti, The Age of Adaline, The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai, Lethal Weapon 2, Shag and Mischief, and television shows such as Happy Days, American Hot Wax and Outcast.

Chart performance

Weekly charts Peak
position
US Billboard Hot 10012
US Cash Box Top 1007

Year-end charts Rank
US Billboard Hot 10065
US Cash Box Top 10041

Don McLean version

's 1981 rendition, reached number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was also a major Adult Contemporary hit, reaching number six in the U.S. and number two in Canada.

Charts

Ronnie Milsap version

Background

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.

Chart performance

Year-end charts Rank
Canada Country Tracks 84
US Country Songs 67

Guns N' Roses version

Background

The 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 features 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 the last music video released under the "Guns N' Roses" name.

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Personnel