Viola Wills - Gonna Get Along Without You Now (lp) Original Version (1979) [ ORIGINAL ⇒ ]

: Born Viola Mae Wilkerson, she was a mother of six by age 21. She was discovered by Barry White in 1965 and spent years as a backing vocalist for artists like Joe Cocker (as part of The Sanctified Sisters) before her solo success.

Viola Wills’ disco version of "" was released on May 14, 1979. While Wills had been a professional singer since the mid-1960s, this track became her definitive international breakthrough. The Story Behind the Record : Born Viola Mae Wilkerson, she was a

The song was released as a single and later included on her 1980 album . Common versions found on the original vinyl include: While Wills had been a professional singer since

: Producer Jerry McCabe suggested updating the 1951 Milton Kellem composition into a "disco" or "Hi-NRG" style. Unlike the original swing version by Teresa Brewer or the pop version by Patience and Prudence, Wills' version featured a propulsive bassline and heavy electronic backing. Unlike the original swing version by Teresa Brewer

: The single peaked at #8 on the UK Singles Chart in November 1979. It also found major success in New Zealand (#3) and Australia (#37), while reaching #52 on the U.S. Disco chart. Album and Single Versions