Customer Reviews

The Skyliners - The Greatest Hits

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3 star:		(1)
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If I have to choose between a black group from the Doo Wop era, and a white group, I'll almost invariably choose the black group. Why? Am I a racist, who just can't accept the talent of good white singers? Nope. Being a white guy myself, that idea doesn't really enter the picture. It's just that most white groups that I've heard are pale imitations of the more natural, soulful voices one hears in their groups. Some examples are Vito and the Saultations, the Five Discs, Randy and the Rainbows, and the Elegants. They're not bad, but they don't compare, in terms of rhe richness of vocal quality you could find in, say, the Moonglows, the Flamingos, or the Harptones.

So where do the Skyliners fit in? This group could sing. Jimmy Beaumont, the distinctive, bluesy lead had a wonderful, impressive, and confident voice. He was always on key, and you know, when you listen to the records, that he meant every word he sang. This isn't a "goody-goody" bunch of singers. We're not talking about pop style here (except for the intrusion of those strings). Their style is definitely in the direction of R&B. It's a coolness that goes beyond the conventional, mainstream sounds. That's why the Skyliners' records have had a staying power over the years. It's also a shame that some of their other recordings, besides "Since I Don't Have You" and This I Swear" never get airplay. How about "Lonely Way", "I'll Be Seeing You", or "Comes Love"?

I had the pleasure of seeing the Skyliners in concert several times, in the early '70s. I was astounded by the range of their talent, and the beauty of their soulful voices. Their were indeed one of the few groups to record back in the early '60s, who understood the essence of rhythm & blues group harmony, and could do it as it should've been done.

Pick up this CD, and enjoy some great music you'll never forget!

I was not around when this group was on the charts but, everytime I listen to the music it takes me to a time when things were somehow more innocent. This music is swingin' and sincere. Do yourself a favor buy all the Skyliners albums and listen to them frequently.

Doo Wop, with its emphasis on voice as musical instrument, represents one of the most beautiful genres ever. The Skyliners exude so much feeling delivered with almost cocky confidence it's amazing. Too many white singers seem to confuse soulful singing with trying to sound black (Michael Bolton;Michael Mcdonald)and come off sounding strained. This group's soulful sound comes off its superior talent, honesty, inocence, and unapologetic white sound. Every song on this disc is a treat. By the way, I'm a black classic soul music freak.

DON'T ORDER THIS RECORD BECAUSE SINCE I DONT HAVE YOU AND THIS I SWEAR ARE ON HERE. THOSE ARE ON ALL KINDS OF COMPILATIONS AND THE RADIO EVERY DAY.ITS ALL THOSE OTHER GREAT SONGS THAT YOU DONT HEAR ON THE OLDIES THAT ARE THE REAL TREAT OF THIS CD. ITS UNBELIEVABLE HOW GOOD THEY ARE, ITS HARD TO PICK ONLY ONE FAVORITE BECAUSE THEY ARE ALL GREAT ARRANGEMENTS OF FANTASTIC SONGS BOTH THEIR ORIGINALS AND COVERS. JUST LISTEN TO I'LL BE SEEING YOU, BELIEVE ME, LONELY WAY, HOW MUCH, WARM, IF I CAN DREAM CANT I, WHEN I FALL IN LOVE, AND STARDUST. A CD JUST DOES NOT GET ANY BETTER THAN THAT. BUY IT YOU WONT BE SORRY.

I grew up with their songs and just love them.I saw the group on television tonight and they were still great after all these years.Jimmy Beumont is such a wonderful singer and handsome as ever. I could listen forever.

The songs on this album show that Jimmy Beaumont as a lead vocalist is every bit as great as Bobby Darin, Paul Anka, or even Frank Sinatra. The big band sound and the addition of a rock n'roll beat make the Skyliners a leader in early rock n' rool groups. Too bad that the Skyliner hits on ColPix without Jimmy are not included as they were just as great. Also the singles of Jimmy Beaumont "Every Bodys Cryin" and Feel Like I'm Falling In Love" should also have been included. Otherwise this is A1.

this is one of the sweetest sounding groups of my er

I really love this CD. I havne't ever been able to find the Skyliners before. I am from the Pittsburgh area and grew up to their music.

When The Skyliners made their 1959 debut on the Calico label with Since I Don't Have You, little did they realize they were introducing one of the most enduring ballads ever to emerge from that decade. Simply put, no Golden Oldies collection is complete without that wonderful song. Backed with One Night, One Night (also included here), it rose to # 12 Billboard Hot 100 and # 3 R&B in April.

That their initial song, and the follow-up hit, This I Swear [# 26 Hot 100/# 20 R&B in July b/w Tomorrow - also included] scored higher within the R&B market is even more surprising when you consider that the Pittsburgh quintet - lead Jimmy Beaumont, tenors Wally Lester and Janey Vogel, baritone Joe VerScharen, and bass voice/guitarist Jackie Taylor - were white.

In November 1959, however, their third release, It Happened One Day, only managed a # 59 Hot 100 b/w Lonely Way (not included). On all of their hits to this point they were backed by the orchestra of Lannie Martin. In July 1960 their fourth hit, Pennies From Heaven, was also limited to the pop charts, peaking at # 24 Hot 100 b/w I'll Be Seeing You (omitted here).

After that the group split up, with Beaumont going solo for the Colpix, May, Bang, Sceptor, and Capitol labels with mediocre results (Ev'rybody's Cryin', a # 100 Hot 100 in late 1961 for May Records was his only solo hit).

In 1965 Taylor then resurrected The Skyliners as lead singer, together with with Sharon Taylor, Tommy Davis, Gene Molinaro, and Robert Peckman and, on the Jubilee label, had a # 34 R&B/# 72 Hot 100 hit with The Loser [b/w Everything Is Fine - not part of this package].

In the late Sixties/early Seventies the original members got together again to perform at R&R revivals and even cut an LP for the Buddah label. Then, in early 1975, under the billing Jimmy Beaumont & The Skyliners, Where Have They Gone barely made the Hot 100 at # 100 b/w I Could Have Loved You So Well on the Capitol label. Neither is in this volume.

Sadly, Janet Vogel committed suicide on February 21, 1980 at the age of 38.

As I said, there is hardly an oldies multi-artist compilation out there that doesn't feature Since I Don't Have You, but I still recommend this volume as an essential addition to any serious oldies collection.

i grew up in the sixties. every kid on the whole block grew up with this music, and so did i. get this album.