Life and Career
Oates was born in New York City, New York. He was raised in Philadelphia's suburb of North Wales, Pennsylvania. He was married to Aimee Oates, and his son Tanner was born in 1996.
In 1966 he recorded his first single, "I Need Your Love," with The Masters for Philadelphia-based Crimson Records. After finishing high school in 1967, John attended Temple University in Philadelphia. It was there that he met Daryl Hall, also a musician and student at Temple, who was already a senior when Oates was a freshman. The two were involved in several college bands, but after forming the duo Hall & Oates, they were signed by Atlantic Records in 1972. Hall & Oates went on to record 21 albums (to date), which have sold over 80 million units worldwide, making them arguably the most successful duo in pop–rock history. They have scored ten number-one records and over 20 top-40 hits and have toured the world for decades. Their involvement in the original Live Aid concert and the ground-breaking We Are The World charity recording established them further as artists. Their influence on modern pop music has been cited by numerous contemporary bands, including Gym Class Heroes and The Killers, who have credited and acknowledged H&O's considerable contribution to American music.
In 1983 Oates was asked whether he regretted not pursuing his degree in journalism. He replied no and admitted never intending to finish it.
Despite 30 years as a chart-topping performer and sought-after producer, Oates did not release a solo album until 2002's Phunk Shui.
Oates took part, along with Jamie Cullum, in the song "Greatest Mistake" by Handsome Boy Modeling School. The song appears on the 2004 album White People.
Oates's second solo album, 1000 Miles of Life, was released on August 23, 2008.
As reported by Billboard, Oates will be starring in an animated series called J.Stache created by Evan Duby at Primary Wave Music Publishing.
In March 2010, Oates played with indie rock band The Bird and the Bee as a surprise guest. The show was a medley of The Bird and the Bee songs, as well as classic Hall & Oates. The performance was dedicated to H&O bassist T-Bone Wolk who died on February 27, 2010.
Oates now lives with his son and wife in Aspen, Colorado.
Oates came out and played with moe. at the Belly Up Tavern in Aspen on February 3, 2011. Oates also came out and played with Umphrey's Mcgee in Aspen on February 9 and 10, 2011, and again in the early hours of June 5, 2011 at Mountain Jam in Hunter, New York.
On October 1, 2011 Margo Rey charted at #24 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Tracks with the song "Let the Rain", which is co-written by John Oates.
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