John Oates (b. 1949)

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Biography

John William Oates is an American musician, best known as half of the rock and soul duo Hall & Oates along with Daryl Hall. He has played rock, R&B, and soul music, serving as a guitarist, singer, songwriter, and record producer.

Timeline

The story of John Oates, told in moments.

1975 Event

Hall & Oates released "Sara Smile," their first hit. Written by Hall for his girlfriend. Oates's rhythm guitar and backing vocals became half the signature sound. They'd spend a decade climbing.

Was 'Sara Smile' the song that proved the partnership worked? What does being half a signature sound feel like? Did a decade of climbing test your patience?

1982 Life

Hall & Oates hit their peak. "I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)" reached number one on the pop, R&B, and dance charts simultaneously. They became the best-selling duo in music history.

How does a song hit number one on pop, R&B, and dance simultaneously? What does being the best-selling duo in history mean to you? Was 1982 the peak or just the visible part?

2014 Event

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Hall. Their tally: six number-one hits, six platinum albums, over 80 million records sold worldwide.

Did the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame feel overdue? What do 80 million records sold say about your partnership? Was the Hall of Fame for Hall & Oates or for you too?

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