John Oates’ journey to becoming a 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee started at a young age. Singing from the time he could talk and playing the guitar since the age of five, his calling in life was never in question. Born in New York City, his family moved to a small town near Philadelphia in the early 1950s, a move that would change the course of his life.
The impact of the early days of rock left a lasting impression on Oates, starting at the age of four, when he attended his first live concert: Bill Haley and the Comets.
He wrote and recorded his first single, “I Need Your Love,” in 1966 at the legendary Virtue Sound Studio on North Broad Street. It received airplay on Philly’s R&B radio stations. In the late ‘60s, Oates moved to PHiladelphia to attend Temple at to be closer to the city’s music scene. It’s where he met Daryl Hall, beginning their historic partnership.
Hall & Oates have recorded 21 albums, which have sold over 80 million units making them the most successful duo in rock history. They have scored 10 No. 1 records, over 20 top 40 hits and have toured the world for decades. Their involvement in the “Live Aid” concert and the groundbreaking “We Are The World” further established them as legendary artists.
Oates is the creator and executive producer for the annual “7908 the Aspen Songwriters Festival,” which brings together the finest songwriters from around the world to perform in Aspen, Colorado. Since 1999, Oates has recorded five solo albums, including his latest project, A Good Road to Follow.
When, not touring, Oates, his wife, Aimee, and their son, Tanner, divide their time between Nashville and their rescue ranch in Colorado. In his free time, he enjoys driving his tractor, riding his mountain bike, hiking the backcountry and telemark skiing.