Robert John, best known for his 1979 number one hit "Sad Eyes," had one of the longest spans between an artist's chart debut and first number one single. Beginning his career as a doo wop singer in 1958, he experienced success with hits like "White Bucks and Saddle Shoes" and "Pajama Party" before achieving chart-topping success decades later. Despite his distinctive high tenor voice, John's career saw him moving between multiple labels and groups, with intermittent hits like a remake of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." Although "Sad Eyes" reached number one in 1979, subsequent releases failed to match its success, leading John to continue his music career with sporadic chart appearances until 1983.

Robert John, born Robert John Pedrick Jr. in Brooklyn in 1946, navigated a varied music career that included stints as a doo wop singer, record producer, and pop artist. His transition from his early success in the late '50s to his chart-topping hit in 1979 showcased his enduring vocal range and talent. Despite his brief moment in the spotlight with "Sad Eyes," John's journey in the music industry was marked by a lack of sustained commercial success, as subsequent releases failed to replicate the same level of chart-topping achievement. Throughout his career, John continued to pursue his passion for music, leaving behind a legacy of diverse musical endeavors and chart appearances.