John Oates Says the First Time He Played Music with Daryl Hall They Sounded ‘Horrible Together’: ‘Never Going to Work’’

John Oates, one half of the iconic music duo Hall & Oates, recently shared memories of his early musical journey with Daryl Hall, reflecting on their humble beginnings when they first started making music together in a new interview. The duo, known for their chart-topping hits like “Rich Girl” and “Maneater,” initially struggled to find their sound, with Oates recalling that they sounded “horrible together” during their first musical collaboration.

In a candid interview with Vulture, John Oates, now 77 years old, reminisced about the challenging start to his musical partnership with Daryl Hall, who is 78. Despite their initial musical discord, Oates revealed that they persevered and eventually found their groove through trial and error. He shared, “We looked at each other and said, ‘This is never going to work. We sound horrible together.’ Eventually, he came my way, I came his way, and we found this place. I don’t know how we did it. It was just through trial and error, really.”

The musical journey of Hall & Oates dates back to their college days when they met as students at Temple University in Philadelphia. After signing with Atlantic Records in 1972, they released their first album, “Whole Oats,” marking the beginning of a successful musical partnership that would span decades. Their breakthrough came in 1977 with their first No. 1 hit, “Rich Girl,” followed by a string of chart-topping singles that solidified their status as one of the most iconic duos in music history.

Reflecting on the early days of their success, Oates shared a memorable anecdote about the night “Rich Girl” reached No. 1 on the charts. He recalled being in Kansas City on tour with Hall when they discovered their limousine had vanished, leading to an impromptu celebration in a pickup truck with the song playing on the radio. Such moments of spontaneity and camaraderie defined their journey as musicians, creating lasting memories amidst their rise to fame.

Despite their incredible success and musical legacy, Oates also acknowledged the inevitable changes that come with time, revealing that he and Hall have not performed together since 2022 as he shifts focus to his solo career. The duo released numerous studio albums and chart-topping singles over the years, with classics like “Kiss on My List” and “Private Eyes” becoming synonymous with their distinctive sound.

Looking back on his career with Hall & Oates, Oates expressed gratitude for the unforgettable memories created during their time together. He reflected on the enduring appeal of songs like “She’s Gone,” a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences decades after its release. As he embarks on his solo endeavours, Oates remains appreciative of the musical journey that shaped his artistry and legacy in the industry.

In a nod to his solo career, John Oates recently released a self-titled album, “Oates,” which is now available on major streaming platforms, showcasing his continued passion for creating music beyond the famed duo. As he explores new musical horizons, Oates’ reflections on his past with Daryl Hall serve as a testament to the enduring power of collaboration, creativity, and reinvention in the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry.