"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. American hard rock band Guns N' Roses also had some success in 1994 with their version of the song which reached the top 10 on the UK Singles Chart.
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.[1] It was also a top five hit on the 1959 R&B chart. It was highlighted by lead singerJimmy Beaumont's powerful vocals, and the counterpoint between his tenor and Janet Vogel's soprano, on her final chorus, when Beaumont repeats the word "YOU" 12 times. The song is noted for its string and wind sections, performed by the Lenny Martin Orchestra.
Don McLean'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.[5] and number two in Canada.[6]
Country music artist Ronnie Milsap's version was a number 6 hit on the BillboardHot Country Singles & Tracks chart in 1991.[9]
The single was taken from his album Back to the Grindstone, released on RCA Nashville. It was produced by Milsap, Rob Galbraith, and Richard Landis.
The song was covered by the rockbandGuns 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[15] – 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.