The late 1960’s was the time. The place: Temple University in Philadelphia. Musicians John Oates and Daryl Hall began to make music together, a partnership that would carry the duo into the soundtracks of everyone’s lives! Remember “Sara Smile,” “Maneater,” “She’s Gone” and “You Make My Dreams Come True,” just to name a few of their many hits?
Now, the stories behind the songs come out along with the memories and lessons learned according to the legendary John Oates in his new memoir, Change of Seasons. As an extra perk, each book includes an exclusive new album as a companion to the book!
Oates will visit Naperville to discuss his book at an upcoming Anderson’s Bookshop special event on Friday, March 31 at 7:00 p.m. at Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Avenue on the campus of North Central College in Naperville. Additionally Oates will perform a mini concert and sign his books for fans. Tickets available exclusively at JohnOatesAndersons.brownpapertickets.com. This special program is sponsored by Anderson’s Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville.
About the Book: John Oates was born at the perfect time, paralleling the birth of rock ‘n roll. Raised in a small Pennsylvania town, he was exposed to folk, blues, soul, and R&B. Meeting and teaming up with Daryl Hall, they developed a style of music that was uniquely their own but never abandoned their roots. John uncovers the grit and struggle it took to secure a recording contract with the legendary Atlantic Records and chronicles the artistic twists and turns that resulted in a DJ discovering an obscure album track that would become their first hit record. This is not your typical rock and roll story. Oates was focused creating great music. Along the way he achieved incredible success, battling the ever-changing pop music landscape and coming to terms with complex managerial, business, and personal challenges.
Daryl Hall and John Oates have over 20 albums together, more than 60 million records sold, and 29 Top 40 hits. They are the most successful pop duo in the world and members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And yet Oates’ story has never been told. Relying on his many hand-written journals, he brings to light many fascinating stories spanning his entire life with a journalist’s eye and a poet’s heart.
In Change of Seasons, Oates shares his highs, lows, triumphs, and failures. He takes the reader on a wild ride through all the eras, personalities and music that has shaped him into what he is.
About the Author: John Oates is one half of the best-selling duo of all time, Hall & Oates, as well as an accomplished solo artist. Singing from the time he could talk and playing the guitar since the age of five, John Oates was destined to be a musician. Born in New York City, his family moved to a small town outside of Philadelphia, PA in the early 1950’s, a move that would change the course of his life.
Soaking up the sounds of the 60’s, Oates was influenced by the nascent folk scene, bluegrass, delta blues, and ragtime guitar styles while also immersing himself in R&B legends such as Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, The Temptations, Curtis Mayfield, as well as Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. One of his biggest mentors was his guitar teacher Jerry Ricks, who had spent time on the road with Mississippi John Hurt and Son House introducing John to the music of Doc Watson and Reverend Gary Davis, passing down their signature finger and flat picking styles.
John Oates met Daryl Hall while attending Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. The two began collaborating and playing music together, marking the beginning of their historic partnership. They have scored 10 number one records, over 20 Top 40 hits and have toured the world for decades. Their involvement in the original “Live Aid” concert and the groundbreaking “We Are The World” charity recording have further established them as legendary artists who have personally and through their music, stood the test of time.
In addition to their numerous American Music, MTV awards, and multiple Grammy nominations, in 2005 Hall & Oates were inducted into the American Songwriters Hall of Fame and in May of 2008 were presented the prestigious BMI Icon Award for their outstanding career achievement in songwriting. In April 2014 the two were welcomed into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Since embarking on a long awaited solo career in 1999 Oates has recorded five solo albums including Phunk Shui, 1000 Miles of Life, Mississippi Mile, a live album called The Bluesville Sessions, and most recently Good Road To Follow, which features collaborations with Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic, Vince Gill, Nathan Chapman, Jim Lauderdale, and more.
In January 2015 Oates released his latest project Another Good Road (Warner/Elektra), a DVD docu-concert that premiered on Palladia Music Channel. Recorded live in a Nashville studio in one session, the video features some of Music City’s finest musicians and singers as well as rare, seldom seen footage of Oates’ family ranch in Colorado, a glimpse into his world behind the music.
Oates is a diverse musician and songwriter active in Nashville community and beyond. Founded in 2010, he was the creator and executive producer for the “7908 the Aspen Songwriters Festival” at the historic Wheeler Opera House in Aspen, CO. In 2013, Oates teamed up with Jim James (My Morning Jacket) to curate the Bonnaroo Super Jam with special guests Britney Howard, Billy Idol, R. Kelly, Larry Graham and the Preservation Hall Jazz band.
When not touring with his solo show or with Daryl Hall, John, his wife Aimee and their son Tanner divide their time between Nashville, TN and their rescue ranch in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, along with dogs, emus, peacocks, llamas and alpacas.
John Oates’ upcoming visit is part of Anderson’s Bookshops’ calendar of special author events. Anderson’s Bookshops specialize in book sales, author events, book signings, and building a sense of community, learning and fun. The store has been helping Naperville readers for six generations. Additional locations include Downers Grove, at 5112 Main Street (630)-963-2665 and La Grange, at 26 S. La Grange Rd. (708) 582-6353. A toy shop, Anderson’s Toyshop, at 111 W. Jefferson Ave., in Naperville, opened last year. Key to Anderson’s success has been special author events, like the Friday, March 31 program with John Oates.
