Hall & Oates
“Philadelphia soul, a pile of hits, a later suit over the pile.”
Daryl Hall and John Oates met in Philadelphia in 1967 and spent the 1970s blending soul and pop. Beginning with 1976's 'Rich Girl,' they hit a remarkable early-1980s streak of No. 1 singles that made them the best-selling duo in pop history.
A Philadelphia Pairing
Daryl Hall and John Oates met in 1967 and formed their duo in 1972. They fused Philadelphia soul with sharp pop songwriting throughout the 1970s.
Chart-Topping Streak
Starting with 'Rich Girl' in 1977, they rattled off six No. 1 hits including 'Maneater' and 'Private Eyes.' MTV embraced their slick videos and made them early-'80s staples.
Record-Setting Legacy
Hall & Oates became the best-selling duo in pop history and earned a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2014. Both members later pursued solo and side projects.
Career Timeline
- 1946Hall born. Oates in 1948. Philadelphia next.
- 1973She's Gone.
- 1981I Can't Go for That. The later floor.
- 2023The catalog suit.
Biggest Hits
- The two first met while hiding from gunfire between rival gangs at a Philadelphia dance hall in 1967.
- They are widely cited as the most successful duo in pop chart history, ahead of the Everly Brothers and Simon & Garfunkel.
Portrait: RCA Records (1980 press photo) · Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons