Jimmy Beaumont and The Skyliners: “Where Have They Gone” (1974)
Pittsburgh vocal group the Skyliners are best known for the 1959 doo wop classic “Since I Don’t Have You”, and the voice of Jimmy Beaumont–perhaps the greatest of the early rock ‘n roll era.
By 1963 the group disbanded, but 11 years later Beaumont brought a new lineup together to record one of the saddest and most nostalgic songs ever committed to vinyl, “Where Have They Gone”.
The song wistfully, wonderfully recollects sweet memories of earlier days, and love (and perhaps group members) lost.
This beautifully rendered song enjoyed lots of airplay in the local Pittsburgh market, but barely scratched the national charts, peaking at #100 in March of 1975.
This quote (source unfortunately unknown) says it best:
The title is both literal and metaphorical — it speaks to the group’s own journey: members leaving, time passing, and the fading of their early days. It’s a fitting farewell to the original era and a reminder of where they “went” — into history, into the memories of fans, and into the doo‑wop canon.
Every Moment Has A Song 