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Change of Seasons: A Memoir
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 in the late 1960s, 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. John 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 John’s 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, John 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.
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 John’s 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, John 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.
400 pages, Hardcover
Published March 28, 2017
72 people are currently reading
859 people want to read
About the author
John Oates
33 books36 followersJohn Oates was raised in North Wales, Pennsylvania. He is an American rock, R&B and soul guitarist, singer, songwriter and record producer best known as one half of the bestselling duo of all time, Hall & Oates (with Daryl Hall). In 2014, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He and his second wife Aimee Oates have a son, Tanner. They reside in Colorado, as well as Nashville, Tennessee.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
February 6, 2017
John Oates’ upcoming memoir, Change of Seasons, is a true gem, full of rich storytelling and amazing detail, painting a multi-layered portrait of a truly remarkable life in music. We learn about the music, the fame, the fortune...but the real story is an inspirational tale of life constantly reinvented and reimagined.
For die-hard H&O fans like myself, the book ties together and fills in many of the stories we’ve heard over the years about the early days. Hearing it first hand from John reminds us why Hall and Oates don’t think of themselves as a duo: John’s part of the famous partnership has its own path, its own highs, lows, curves and reflections. The stories about his life before Daryl and his role in the creation of the vast Hall and Oates songbook remind us that John Oates is a born musician. Every word of the memoir (including those straight out of his journals) reflects a deep and constant devotion to music and that John is a deeply reflective person. It may be a key reason why the music has stood the test of time for so many of us. For my fellow H&O devotees, here are just few of my favorite gems in the book:
• Favorite line – “I don’t care about fame, I’ve always been famous”
• Favorite backstory about a song – Diddy Doo Wop/Voices
• Favorite chapter – “Drive in” – what a trip!
• Favorite tribute – T-Bone…it’ll make you tear up
• Favorite Daryl story – There really are none, but the ode to brotherhood that is the book’s introduction speaks volumes about the one-of-a-kind partnership
• Favorite John and Daryl story – backstage after the show with the Temps…the look that led to the end of the 80’s run
• Favorite artifact – script from the original She’s Gone video
• Favorite thing to do while reading this book –I listened to the 2009 H&O box set “Do What You Want, Be What You Are” in a new way as I read the stories about how the music of each period was made and the backstories for many of the songs – what a treat!
But even if you are not part of the H&O fan tribe, this book has a lot to offer music lovers in general. Oates (and collaborator Chris Epting) share a journey that is wonderfully convoluted and unexpected at times, far from the one dimensional 80s pop star image that may be a misguided lasting impression of Hall and Oates for some. The story provides a unique view into the depth behind the music, what it really took to get to the 80s and beyond, and how a path emerged that’s led to lasting success, renewed appreciation and lifelong devotion to craft. But more than that, we meet and understand that John Oates is authentic. You can’t help but want to know him. Not so much because he’s famous…but because he seems to have figured out how to pursue one’s dreams, kicking aside the stuff that doesn’t really matter (fame, fortune, superficial “success”) and focusing in on deeper meaning and purpose. That ability reveals a man whose humility and honesty about the common struggles in life, is inspirational, especially for mid-lifers like me who ponder the meaning in our lives as we head closer to our final destination. And Oates is not done yet. This first memoir only takes us part way…and doesn’t even get to the latest reinvention of his life and music as a solo artist based in Nashville and the “Good Road to Follow” years. I can’t wait to read all about that and the evolving partnership of Hall and Oates in the next book. Getting an advanced copy of “Change of Seasons” was a perfect holiday surprise. Thank you John Oates, Chris Epting and St Martins Press!
For die-hard H&O fans like myself, the book ties together and fills in many of the stories we’ve heard over the years about the early days. Hearing it first hand from John reminds us why Hall and Oates don’t think of themselves as a duo: John’s part of the famous partnership has its own path, its own highs, lows, curves and reflections. The stories about his life before Daryl and his role in the creation of the vast Hall and Oates songbook remind us that John Oates is a born musician. Every word of the memoir (including those straight out of his journals) reflects a deep and constant devotion to music and that John is a deeply reflective person. It may be a key reason why the music has stood the test of time for so many of us. For my fellow H&O devotees, here are just few of my favorite gems in the book:
• Favorite line – “I don’t care about fame, I’ve always been famous”
• Favorite backstory about a song – Diddy Doo Wop/Voices
• Favorite chapter – “Drive in” – what a trip!
• Favorite tribute – T-Bone…it’ll make you tear up
• Favorite Daryl story – There really are none, but the ode to brotherhood that is the book’s introduction speaks volumes about the one-of-a-kind partnership
• Favorite John and Daryl story – backstage after the show with the Temps…the look that led to the end of the 80’s run
• Favorite artifact – script from the original She’s Gone video
• Favorite thing to do while reading this book –I listened to the 2009 H&O box set “Do What You Want, Be What You Are” in a new way as I read the stories about how the music of each period was made and the backstories for many of the songs – what a treat!
But even if you are not part of the H&O fan tribe, this book has a lot to offer music lovers in general. Oates (and collaborator Chris Epting) share a journey that is wonderfully convoluted and unexpected at times, far from the one dimensional 80s pop star image that may be a misguided lasting impression of Hall and Oates for some. The story provides a unique view into the depth behind the music, what it really took to get to the 80s and beyond, and how a path emerged that’s led to lasting success, renewed appreciation and lifelong devotion to craft. But more than that, we meet and understand that John Oates is authentic. You can’t help but want to know him. Not so much because he’s famous…but because he seems to have figured out how to pursue one’s dreams, kicking aside the stuff that doesn’t really matter (fame, fortune, superficial “success”) and focusing in on deeper meaning and purpose. That ability reveals a man whose humility and honesty about the common struggles in life, is inspirational, especially for mid-lifers like me who ponder the meaning in our lives as we head closer to our final destination. And Oates is not done yet. This first memoir only takes us part way…and doesn’t even get to the latest reinvention of his life and music as a solo artist based in Nashville and the “Good Road to Follow” years. I can’t wait to read all about that and the evolving partnership of Hall and Oates in the next book. Getting an advanced copy of “Change of Seasons” was a perfect holiday surprise. Thank you John Oates, Chris Epting and St Martins Press!
January 27, 2018
Know that I am a huge fan of celebrity memoirs and eagerly read this as I was always intrigued by John (that 'stache!).
When I started reading, I felt that John's writing was by rote and he was simply checking off items on an outline of how he came to become the "Oates" part of Daryl Hall and John Oates (it was never supposed to be "Hall & Oates"), and at times inserted too much detail about some of his hobbies and people he met along the way. However, once he shaved off his mustache (OMG, I still miss that on his face!) and talked about his life away from H&C, he opened a bit and talked more about his personal life. I also found it interesting when he talked about the songwriting process and the inspiration for many of the songs he wrote.
Recommended for fans of Daryl Hall & John Oates, but if you are simply looking for a good memoir set in the 80s music scene, try Rocks: My Life in and out of Aerosmith and Delta Lady: A Memoir.
Thanks to the publisher for the advance digital reading copy.
When I started reading, I felt that John's writing was by rote and he was simply checking off items on an outline of how he came to become the "Oates" part of Daryl Hall and John Oates (it was never supposed to be "Hall & Oates"), and at times inserted too much detail about some of his hobbies and people he met along the way. However, once he shaved off his mustache (OMG, I still miss that on his face!) and talked about his life away from H&C, he opened a bit and talked more about his personal life. I also found it interesting when he talked about the songwriting process and the inspiration for many of the songs he wrote.
Recommended for fans of Daryl Hall & John Oates, but if you are simply looking for a good memoir set in the 80s music scene, try Rocks: My Life in and out of Aerosmith and Delta Lady: A Memoir.
Thanks to the publisher for the advance digital reading copy.
January 2, 2017
Sorry John. Had to stop reading this at the risk of having memories of dating my husband ruined. Self absorbed to say the least, but maybe that's why some make it in the music/star world. Really wanted to love it, but I Can't Go For That.
I was given an advance copy and was not compensated.
I was given an advance copy and was not compensated.
February 16, 2017
I received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
I haven't ever been a huge Hall & Oates fan - it's not that I didn't like them. I just hadn't listened to anything beyond their biggest hits and I'd only heard those on the radio. So I wasn't really sure what to expect.
The first half of this book was so dull. It was a bit long-winded, the information was your typical pre-rock star in the 1960's and 1970's - traveling around doing drugs and playing in various bands. So it was fun to learn about, but didn't feel special. Even when Hall & Oates got started, the information presented wasn't that interesting to me. There were a few accounts of why they had written certain songs and some information about people who helped, but a lot of the information was very dull and not well-written. I didn't feel like I was getting a sense of what made Hall & Oates what they were and I definitely wasn't getting a sense for who John Oates was - besides that he really liked cars.
The second half of the book got much more interesting and I honestly had a difficult time putting it down. I feel like I got a better feel for who John Oates is and how his life was impacted by his partnership with Daryl Hall and that was so interesting. It was cool to see how he handled difficult financial situations and how he came back from that. I especially liked hearing about John having a somewhat normal (though eccentric) life after Hall & Oates' big heyday.
Also, this book led me to listen to a lot more Hall & Oates and that has been fun. Abandoned Luncheonette is absolutely fantastic and I would not have tried it out if not for this book.
I haven't ever been a huge Hall & Oates fan - it's not that I didn't like them. I just hadn't listened to anything beyond their biggest hits and I'd only heard those on the radio. So I wasn't really sure what to expect.
The first half of this book was so dull. It was a bit long-winded, the information was your typical pre-rock star in the 1960's and 1970's - traveling around doing drugs and playing in various bands. So it was fun to learn about, but didn't feel special. Even when Hall & Oates got started, the information presented wasn't that interesting to me. There were a few accounts of why they had written certain songs and some information about people who helped, but a lot of the information was very dull and not well-written. I didn't feel like I was getting a sense of what made Hall & Oates what they were and I definitely wasn't getting a sense for who John Oates was - besides that he really liked cars.
The second half of the book got much more interesting and I honestly had a difficult time putting it down. I feel like I got a better feel for who John Oates is and how his life was impacted by his partnership with Daryl Hall and that was so interesting. It was cool to see how he handled difficult financial situations and how he came back from that. I especially liked hearing about John having a somewhat normal (though eccentric) life after Hall & Oates' big heyday.
Also, this book led me to listen to a lot more Hall & Oates and that has been fun. Abandoned Luncheonette is absolutely fantastic and I would not have tried it out if not for this book.
February 10, 2017
I've been a fan of Daryl Hall and John Oates works, both collectively and as solo artists, for a long time, and was thrilled to receive an advance copy of this book. This is not a "Hall and Oates" book, it's a John Oates book, but we are often reminded of the significance his equally talented other half had on his life. It was so interesting to learn how the songs we have loved for so long were conceived. John Oates is a story teller, as evidenced by his lyrics and now by this book. There were many "goosebump" moments in this book for me, including when he heard John Denver for the first time, and his tribute to Tommy "T-Bone" Wolk. John also shares how he was able to reinvent himself in the early 90's after loosing everything. There is a lesson in here for us all. His emotional thoughts about his wedding day, and seeing his beautiful bride for the first time is also reflective of just what a special person he is.
In the book, John states (regarding his relationship with Atlantic Records) "being a guest at the door is one thing, being part of the family is something entirely different." By sharing his story, he has made us feel as part of his family, and for that I am grateful. It's clear there is another book to be written. I hope John and Chris are pouring through John's journals and will soon put pen to paper. It was a good read indeed.
In the book, John states (regarding his relationship with Atlantic Records) "being a guest at the door is one thing, being part of the family is something entirely different." By sharing his story, he has made us feel as part of his family, and for that I am grateful. It's clear there is another book to be written. I hope John and Chris are pouring through John's journals and will soon put pen to paper. It was a good read indeed.
June 20, 2024
The Big Bam Boom tour in the early 80s was my first concert of many and the famous pop duo has been a favorite in my music catalog for decades. I've loved them as a duo and as individual musicians for literally decades and the recent news of their legal strife has been as devastating as watching your favorite uncles go through domestic troubles.
When this memoir was published, I had the chance to go to a small concert and book signing presented by Oates, at which I got two copies of the book - one that he signed personally that sits on my shelf still, and one to read. John was distracted that night by old friends who had come to see him so I didn't get a chance to say anything at all to him, even in the signing line when my copy passed in a rush through his hands with barely a smile tossed my way which definitely stung a little having been a fan so long, but I did (and still do) remember that event with great affection.
With all that said -- this memoir was a little rough to get through, especially in the beginning. Having been to the book party, I knew generally what to expect regarding what kind of focus it would have but it was a bit too heavy-handed into the depths of music history listing for this lay-woman. It makes sense for those to be in a memoir about a man who makes music, but the lists of people unfamiliar to me and descriptions of instruments or sound processes I don't know about (combined with the tiny font they chose to use for the printing) made the early parts tough to get through. Once we got into more of the touring and beyond to his life in Colorado with his family, I was more engaged and the book leveled out for me.
While of course a good portion of the book discusses making music with Hall since that made up a good portion of Oates' life, Hall still (and understandably) only stands on the periphery. This isn't a memoir about the music partners, this is about John. For those considering reading the book to get juicy tales about life knowing Daryl Hall, I would recommend looking elsewhere.
When this memoir was published, I had the chance to go to a small concert and book signing presented by Oates, at which I got two copies of the book - one that he signed personally that sits on my shelf still, and one to read. John was distracted that night by old friends who had come to see him so I didn't get a chance to say anything at all to him, even in the signing line when my copy passed in a rush through his hands with barely a smile tossed my way which definitely stung a little having been a fan so long, but I did (and still do) remember that event with great affection.
With all that said -- this memoir was a little rough to get through, especially in the beginning. Having been to the book party, I knew generally what to expect regarding what kind of focus it would have but it was a bit too heavy-handed into the depths of music history listing for this lay-woman. It makes sense for those to be in a memoir about a man who makes music, but the lists of people unfamiliar to me and descriptions of instruments or sound processes I don't know about (combined with the tiny font they chose to use for the printing) made the early parts tough to get through. Once we got into more of the touring and beyond to his life in Colorado with his family, I was more engaged and the book leveled out for me.
While of course a good portion of the book discusses making music with Hall since that made up a good portion of Oates' life, Hall still (and understandably) only stands on the periphery. This isn't a memoir about the music partners, this is about John. For those considering reading the book to get juicy tales about life knowing Daryl Hall, I would recommend looking elsewhere.
January 29, 2018
Out of the many biographies that I have read over the years, Change of Seasons: A Memoir one is the most concise, entertaining and informative entries into this field. From John’s time growing up in New York and Philadelphia to his passion for living in Colorado, the reader gets the whole story without getting bogged down with music’s version of “inside baseball.” Throughout ‘Change of Seasons’ the reader is given a colorful synopsis of a musician who more than worked hard and stayed focused all the while dealing professional and personal struggles and triumphs. This is the story of someone’s rise and fall and then another rise which resulted in learning profound life lessons. I more than recommend this book. It’s inspiring because it honestly shows that with perseverance, one can have a second act in life. If you’re looking for a typical “Hall & Oates book,” this isn’t. I’m pretty sure there are plenty of those unauthorized biographies out there. Of course, being one half of the duo properly known as Daryl Hall and John Oates is integral to Change of Seasons” A Memoir, but this volume focuses on John Oates, the legendary musician/singer-songwriter, writer, ski & tennis pro, rancher and even race-car enthusiast. What doesn’t John Oates do? John Oates is truly a renaissance man.
March 4, 2017
First of all, I'm a big fan of Hall and Oates. Their recordings are on all my listening devices and are on constant rotation and have been on constant rotation since they were on my listening devices. That said, CHANGE OF SEASONS is a must-read for all Hall and Oates fans. Sex, drugs, and rock n' roll -- they're all here. And redemption, too. A special thanks to St. Martin's Press for the free pre-publication copy, which I won in a giveaway on Goodreads.
It is important to note that this is NOT the Hall and Oates story. This is the story of John Oates up to the launching of his solo career. Obviously, the story of John Oates includes appearances by Daryl Hall, but this story is John's take on those events.
I am a musician -- a keyboard player -- and my interest in music-related personalities pretty much stays with the kind of music they produce and how they produce it. Consequently, I knew nothing of the man, John Oates, prior to this reading, though I have admired his music from the beginning. I can now say I also admire the man.
It is important to note that this is NOT the Hall and Oates story. This is the story of John Oates up to the launching of his solo career. Obviously, the story of John Oates includes appearances by Daryl Hall, but this story is John's take on those events.
I am a musician -- a keyboard player -- and my interest in music-related personalities pretty much stays with the kind of music they produce and how they produce it. Consequently, I knew nothing of the man, John Oates, prior to this reading, though I have admired his music from the beginning. I can now say I also admire the man.
December 24, 2020
I received the Advanced Readers Edition of Change of Seasons and was thrilled to be able to read this book early! This is a must read for the Daryl Hall and John Oates fan, although it is primarily about John Oates as it is his memoir.
In the beginning I felt a little overwhelmed with details, but because I am a huge Daryl Hall and John Oates fan, I found myself trying to absorb every single detail. I enjoyed so much of the memoir, including what inspired the writing of some of those famous songs and John's night out listening to John Denver. I especially liked hearing about the trip to Woodstock, NY during the War Babies era, the chapter on Tom "T-Bone" Wolk and about John's family life, both growing up and later in adulthood. It is clear to me John is an avid storyteller, with plenty of perseverance and Change of Seasons just kept getting better. Every season was filled with incredible inspiration.
Thank you to John Oates and Chris Epting for sharing this amazing memoir with all of us. Thank you also for autographing my book.
In the beginning I felt a little overwhelmed with details, but because I am a huge Daryl Hall and John Oates fan, I found myself trying to absorb every single detail. I enjoyed so much of the memoir, including what inspired the writing of some of those famous songs and John's night out listening to John Denver. I especially liked hearing about the trip to Woodstock, NY during the War Babies era, the chapter on Tom "T-Bone" Wolk and about John's family life, both growing up and later in adulthood. It is clear to me John is an avid storyteller, with plenty of perseverance and Change of Seasons just kept getting better. Every season was filled with incredible inspiration.
Thank you to John Oates and Chris Epting for sharing this amazing memoir with all of us. Thank you also for autographing my book.
February 10, 2017
Well, I received an early edition & was "X-Static" to get it ahead of the book's release in April. Whether you're a fan of Daryl Hall & John Oates, Change of Seasons: A Memoir, will entertain, inspire to keep on keeping on... as well as tug at your emotions. Covering his journey professionally & personally over the last four decades, John Oates depicts perseverance in mastering each along the way.
If you have seen any of John's solo shows, he is such a great story-teller. He tends to write as he speaks so it seems he's telling you the story. I kept catching myself smiling while reading. ;)
Reading Change of Seasons confirmed how John, & Daryl for that matter, fully immersed themselves in any undertaking & John's very integral part of the process. Both dedicated to keeping the music first & foremost.
All in all, to me this memoir is… yet another good road to follow!!
If you have seen any of John's solo shows, he is such a great story-teller. He tends to write as he speaks so it seems he's telling you the story. I kept catching myself smiling while reading. ;)
Reading Change of Seasons confirmed how John, & Daryl for that matter, fully immersed themselves in any undertaking & John's very integral part of the process. Both dedicated to keeping the music first & foremost.
All in all, to me this memoir is… yet another good road to follow!!
April 20, 2017
I felt like I was sitting next to John while he told me his stories! This was a wonderful book for a fan, but I think anyone would enjoy his tales of his .youth, his passion ( in not just music, but car racing, skiing, even farming!) and his way of reinventing himself. I loved hearing back stories of how songs were written, how he got his ideas for songs. John opens up about his life then and now( his telling of being neighbors with Hunter S.Thompson is priceless)! Thank you John and Chris for writing this memoir.
August 14, 2017
As much as I enjoyed the stories about his life as a rock star, it was his stories of his new life in Colorado that I loved most. A fan since I was 10, I am so very pleased to know that my idol is living a happy life. The 46 year old woman that I am now greatly appreciates this. Seasons change. Peace and love to you, John. P.S. The stories about all your critters and the late, great Hunter S. Thompson were hysterical.
March 15, 2019
Kind of a so-so memoir. His early years before his success are much more interesting. There is no insight into his relationship with Daryl Hall. The height of their success is little more than name dropping, going to nightclubs, and buying expensive toys. Personal relationships are almost non-existent. I always preferred the 70’s music than their 80’s pop stuff. The book is about as fluffy as the 80’s pop.
April 6, 2017
Fascinating read. Loved hearing all about the Philly music scene in the 60's and 70's, as well as reading about the musicians and music that was so influential to him. If you like the music of Hall and Oates then I would highly recommend reading this book.
February 1, 2020
I loved this book. It was given to me as a gift because I am a fan of Hall and Oates but never got around reading it until a year or so later. I opened it to just get a taste and I didn't lose interest in it a single time. A lot of the reviews I read were praising one half or the other, but honestly, I think the entire book is solid from cover to cover. The first half is about him growing up and becoming a young man, then it's about Hall and Oates, then it's about him finding himself after his music career. I never guessed John Oates would be such a likable and inspiring guy. I love how earnestly he tackles everything in his life, and appreciative he is of all the little things that made up his experiences.
On top of it being a very well written autobiography, it happens to follow someone who grew up and took part of the most influential and highly regarded eras of popular music. I've read plenty of musician's autobiographies or band biographies, this one is one of my favorites now.
On top of it being a very well written autobiography, it happens to follow someone who grew up and took part of the most influential and highly regarded eras of popular music. I've read plenty of musician's autobiographies or band biographies, this one is one of my favorites now.
June 14, 2017
In 1981 I was a 12 year old sitting in the back seat of my parents car listening to my radio walkman while they were driving around L.A. when that magical piano intro to "Kiss on my List" came over the airwaves and I became an instant fan.
In John Oates autobiography, he mentions that many fans like myself, who hadn't heard of them prior, thought their album Voices, was their debut album. And indeed, the 80's would continue to skyrocket Hall & Oates into the pop stratosphere. I owned those big four early 80's albums and knew them front to back and eventually they became my very first concert I'd attend on their H20 tour.
Now, 35 years later, I was delighted to see that John penned an autobiography and was eager to learn more about this duo that played a large part of my adolescence. The book, ironically, is actually itself a Change of Seasons as it progresses. The front end of it is fairly dry and distant, John gives more facts than really opening himself up and I was worried that the entire book might suffer from this rather bland writing style. John comes across both as a somewhat spoiled only-male in a family full of girls and then as a drifter kinda just floating along and got lucky to eventually pair up with Daryl.
However, as the book progresses, he does start to add more personality to it and things start to become pretty humorous (The chapter of him and Daryl on acid at the drive-in really had me laughing). Once him and Daryl start making albums, it gets pretty interesting. He spends most of his writing on their first 3 albums in which he makes the admission that Abandoned Luncheonette is his personal favorite. He reminisces fondly the most of these early band days where it was small clubs and him behind the wheel going from location to location. I ended up actually purchasing Whole Oats and War Babies and enjoying them quite a bit just by reading the book. However, he largely leaves the album by album chapters after War Babies and from there, only really brings up the Silver album with the weird androgynous cover and Voices as an album chapter since it was largely their direction changer. I found myself slightly disappointed in that regard as I was wanting more on the albums in the 80's. However, while Hall & Oates were the biggest in the 80's, John surprisingly doesn't write much, or I should say, as much as I would think he would from that period. He admits to it being more of a blur and less endearing to him.
He then makes some personal changes after the big 80's and doesn't speak much to really any of the albums in the later 80's to today. He moves to Colorado, settles in and becomes a family man. And, while this is the area he really begins to "find" himself, from a music standpoint, it's virtually void. He does however have some humorous stories about raccoons and his bizarre author neighbor Hunter S. Thompson that had me cracking up. I really found this part of the book quite enjoyable.
Overall, it's a good book. It is interesting to see how the music industry works and how him and Daryl were victims to corporate shady business. He certainly exposed a lot of the inner workings of music corporations and how artists get ripped off. It's also interesting how he and Daryl worked together when crafting songs, his contributions to their music, and stories about various band members along the way. He set off to make a book mainly about John Oates, and he did. I certainly feel like I know him a little better. And that spoiled drifter at the beginning becomes a more humble friendly neighbor at the end.
It won't be the best rock star autobiography you'll read, but if you are a fan, you will enjoy the ride.
In John Oates autobiography, he mentions that many fans like myself, who hadn't heard of them prior, thought their album Voices, was their debut album. And indeed, the 80's would continue to skyrocket Hall & Oates into the pop stratosphere. I owned those big four early 80's albums and knew them front to back and eventually they became my very first concert I'd attend on their H20 tour.
Now, 35 years later, I was delighted to see that John penned an autobiography and was eager to learn more about this duo that played a large part of my adolescence. The book, ironically, is actually itself a Change of Seasons as it progresses. The front end of it is fairly dry and distant, John gives more facts than really opening himself up and I was worried that the entire book might suffer from this rather bland writing style. John comes across both as a somewhat spoiled only-male in a family full of girls and then as a drifter kinda just floating along and got lucky to eventually pair up with Daryl.
However, as the book progresses, he does start to add more personality to it and things start to become pretty humorous (The chapter of him and Daryl on acid at the drive-in really had me laughing). Once him and Daryl start making albums, it gets pretty interesting. He spends most of his writing on their first 3 albums in which he makes the admission that Abandoned Luncheonette is his personal favorite. He reminisces fondly the most of these early band days where it was small clubs and him behind the wheel going from location to location. I ended up actually purchasing Whole Oats and War Babies and enjoying them quite a bit just by reading the book. However, he largely leaves the album by album chapters after War Babies and from there, only really brings up the Silver album with the weird androgynous cover and Voices as an album chapter since it was largely their direction changer. I found myself slightly disappointed in that regard as I was wanting more on the albums in the 80's. However, while Hall & Oates were the biggest in the 80's, John surprisingly doesn't write much, or I should say, as much as I would think he would from that period. He admits to it being more of a blur and less endearing to him.
He then makes some personal changes after the big 80's and doesn't speak much to really any of the albums in the later 80's to today. He moves to Colorado, settles in and becomes a family man. And, while this is the area he really begins to "find" himself, from a music standpoint, it's virtually void. He does however have some humorous stories about raccoons and his bizarre author neighbor Hunter S. Thompson that had me cracking up. I really found this part of the book quite enjoyable.
Overall, it's a good book. It is interesting to see how the music industry works and how him and Daryl were victims to corporate shady business. He certainly exposed a lot of the inner workings of music corporations and how artists get ripped off. It's also interesting how he and Daryl worked together when crafting songs, his contributions to their music, and stories about various band members along the way. He set off to make a book mainly about John Oates, and he did. I certainly feel like I know him a little better. And that spoiled drifter at the beginning becomes a more humble friendly neighbor at the end.
It won't be the best rock star autobiography you'll read, but if you are a fan, you will enjoy the ride.
June 30, 2017
There were a few reasons I was interested in reading this book. The first is that I'm kind of a music junkie, and as a 3 year old child, Hall & Oates songs were among some of the first that I learned the lyrics to. My parents still remind me that I used to walk around babbling the lyrics to "One on One," which now seems super weird.
The second reason is that I currently live in the town where John Oates grew up, a fact that I have been obsessed with ever since I learned it, and so I was really hoping that this book would also give me a little dose of local history.
The third reason is that I figured he'd have some good stories to tell.
I was right. I heard my town listed in the dedication and the first chunk of the book was devoted to his life here in this little place. I get a little thrill out of being able to conjure up an image of exactly the places he's describing. And also trying to imagine what they looked like 60 years ago. I learned a lot about the music business as they experienced it, but some of my favorite parts of this were learning about the inspiration for some of their hit songs, and learning about how it all happened and what all had gone into it. Most people don't realize how long Hall and Oates were around before they became successful. And then after Live Aid, they just vanished. Went out on top.
In the midst of reading this book, I had the opportunity to go see Hall & Oates live on their tour with Tears for Fears. When I immerse myself in a topic, I really immerse myself in a topic.
If I have a criticism of this book, it's the organization. I don't know if this was especially prevalent because I was listening to the audiobook or not, but he would devote entire chapters to a topic, only to seemingly reintroduce it again later. The book isn't necessarily strictly chronologically, but it is, in a sense. Within each season or group of chapters, he would jump back and forth in time to tell different stories, which sort of threw me a little bit.
The audio version was *mostly* okay. It says that it's narrated by the authors, but I'm pretty sure it's Chris Epting who reads the bulk of it (I think... I'm pretty sure... it's not totally clear). I think John Oates read a very small portion (a few lines, maybe?) at the very beginning, and then again at the very end. The production was really confusing at the end. Epting is reading along, and then all of a sudden John Oates reads a paragraph, and then it switches back to Epting. And then they take turns reading the afterword. But the audio quality between the two was different, so it was just a jarring production choice.
As he says at the end, his book is about the music industry, history, travel and adventure and those are all the things that are chronicled in this book. In that regard, it was an interesting read, so if you like music and were a fan of Hall & Oates, you'll likely enjoy this book and the stories it tells.
The second reason is that I currently live in the town where John Oates grew up, a fact that I have been obsessed with ever since I learned it, and so I was really hoping that this book would also give me a little dose of local history.
The third reason is that I figured he'd have some good stories to tell.
I was right. I heard my town listed in the dedication and the first chunk of the book was devoted to his life here in this little place. I get a little thrill out of being able to conjure up an image of exactly the places he's describing. And also trying to imagine what they looked like 60 years ago. I learned a lot about the music business as they experienced it, but some of my favorite parts of this were learning about the inspiration for some of their hit songs, and learning about how it all happened and what all had gone into it. Most people don't realize how long Hall and Oates were around before they became successful. And then after Live Aid, they just vanished. Went out on top.
In the midst of reading this book, I had the opportunity to go see Hall & Oates live on their tour with Tears for Fears. When I immerse myself in a topic, I really immerse myself in a topic.
If I have a criticism of this book, it's the organization. I don't know if this was especially prevalent because I was listening to the audiobook or not, but he would devote entire chapters to a topic, only to seemingly reintroduce it again later. The book isn't necessarily strictly chronologically, but it is, in a sense. Within each season or group of chapters, he would jump back and forth in time to tell different stories, which sort of threw me a little bit.
The audio version was *mostly* okay. It says that it's narrated by the authors, but I'm pretty sure it's Chris Epting who reads the bulk of it (I think... I'm pretty sure... it's not totally clear). I think John Oates read a very small portion (a few lines, maybe?) at the very beginning, and then again at the very end. The production was really confusing at the end. Epting is reading along, and then all of a sudden John Oates reads a paragraph, and then it switches back to Epting. And then they take turns reading the afterword. But the audio quality between the two was different, so it was just a jarring production choice.
As he says at the end, his book is about the music industry, history, travel and adventure and those are all the things that are chronicled in this book. In that regard, it was an interesting read, so if you like music and were a fan of Hall & Oates, you'll likely enjoy this book and the stories it tells.
December 9, 2024
December 8, 2024:
I cannot believe it has been 6 years since I have read this book. I had forgotten quite a bit from it, but I enoyed reading it again. I decided to buy the hard cover copy which came with a CD. I had no idea if it was an audio version or music or what it was, because it did not show in the description.
Turns out, it has a CD with 7 songs, preformed by John, in his style. I really enjoyed listening to it. I decided to listen to the ebook version while reading my hard copy and I noticed the ebook version has a couple of more photos, and has more content to read. So, that was interesting.
Despite what Daryl Hall and John Oates are going through right now, I do believe they were good friends at one time. Even if they never perform together again, I hope they can mend fend fences and look back on their time together fondly.
EBN Challenge: A book you love, read it again.
November 20, 2018:
Being a longtime fan of Daryl Hall & John Oates, I have read and seen many interviews with both guys throughout the years. This book brought back memories of things going on while I would hear them on the radio, listen to their albums, or see them in concert.
I liked how this book was just about John Oates, and his perspective. Some things I already knew about, others I had no idea. I am grateful for the sacrifices these talented men made to bring some of the best music I have ever heard. Their music is more than just the famous 80s pop tunes that most are familiar with. They have a variety of styles they can play, and now they are doing their own things musically, as well as touring again together. I saw them last August and they still put on a great show.
I feel I know a little more about John now that I have read this book. I am glad he wrote it.
I cannot believe it has been 6 years since I have read this book. I had forgotten quite a bit from it, but I enoyed reading it again. I decided to buy the hard cover copy which came with a CD. I had no idea if it was an audio version or music or what it was, because it did not show in the description.
Turns out, it has a CD with 7 songs, preformed by John, in his style. I really enjoyed listening to it. I decided to listen to the ebook version while reading my hard copy and I noticed the ebook version has a couple of more photos, and has more content to read. So, that was interesting.
Despite what Daryl Hall and John Oates are going through right now, I do believe they were good friends at one time. Even if they never perform together again, I hope they can mend fend fences and look back on their time together fondly.
EBN Challenge: A book you love, read it again.
November 20, 2018:
Being a longtime fan of Daryl Hall & John Oates, I have read and seen many interviews with both guys throughout the years. This book brought back memories of things going on while I would hear them on the radio, listen to their albums, or see them in concert.
I liked how this book was just about John Oates, and his perspective. Some things I already knew about, others I had no idea. I am grateful for the sacrifices these talented men made to bring some of the best music I have ever heard. Their music is more than just the famous 80s pop tunes that most are familiar with. They have a variety of styles they can play, and now they are doing their own things musically, as well as touring again together. I saw them last August and they still put on a great show.
I feel I know a little more about John now that I have read this book. I am glad he wrote it.
April 19, 2017
First of all I have to say this is not a book on the history of Hall and Oates, although Daryl Hall is a major player in this book. The book is a great read about John Oates' life and his journey through music. The book goes through his time meeting Hall and forming one of the most successful duos in music.
Oates writes about many of the people he met in his years of touring. He writes about writing some of the famous songs that is known by him and Hall and how the music industry denied him royalties years later.
The book is an easy read with small chapters, which I love in a book. The music part is great too, with the exception of the 1980s parts, where stories of how some songs were created either being wrote or in the studio recording. The book is separated into parts on the 70s, 80s, and 90s. There are many experiences of him meeting many people, from racing drivers to a great tale about Johnny Depp and Hunter Thompson.
The only bad thing about the book is how the 1980s was glossed over, but he writes that it was all a blur for him that there was not much detail in some of the topics. The chapter about Live Aid was interesting (not as in depth as Phil Collins' book, which is a must read for that). Also at the end , Oates runs over some of the 90s and beyond with more focusing on his personal life and just mentioning putting out a record and a tour here and there, but it is not a major annoyance.
This book was a surprise for me. I saw it at my local library and took a chance on it, and it was well worth my time. I read the whole book in a week. This is a great music book that people should check out.
www.lancewrites.wordpress.com
Oates writes about many of the people he met in his years of touring. He writes about writing some of the famous songs that is known by him and Hall and how the music industry denied him royalties years later.
The book is an easy read with small chapters, which I love in a book. The music part is great too, with the exception of the 1980s parts, where stories of how some songs were created either being wrote or in the studio recording. The book is separated into parts on the 70s, 80s, and 90s. There are many experiences of him meeting many people, from racing drivers to a great tale about Johnny Depp and Hunter Thompson.
The only bad thing about the book is how the 1980s was glossed over, but he writes that it was all a blur for him that there was not much detail in some of the topics. The chapter about Live Aid was interesting (not as in depth as Phil Collins' book, which is a must read for that). Also at the end , Oates runs over some of the 90s and beyond with more focusing on his personal life and just mentioning putting out a record and a tour here and there, but it is not a major annoyance.
This book was a surprise for me. I saw it at my local library and took a chance on it, and it was well worth my time. I read the whole book in a week. This is a great music book that people should check out.
www.lancewrites.wordpress.com
December 15, 2017
Maybe 3 and half stars. Would have gotten 4 if only it mentioned the last 15 years.
I've never been a fan. I've tried to understand his guitar playing over the decades - but I'm still not sure if he's needed on stage? He sure wrote some interesting songs though. And I like his singing better than I like Daryl's white-man R&B voice.
If not for the awesome show: Live From Daryl's House... I wouldn't have bothered to read this. (Daryl jams with Joe Walsh, Billy Gibbons, Grace Potter, Cheap Trick...)
Any book about the music business is generally worth reading (except Kanye West's apparently). I did learn that after Hall & Oates were at the peak of their fame: the music industry mogul's had John around 9 million in debt. (Of course Mr. Oates was using money like it was toilet paper) but the manager's were also getting record company loans on future contracts and charging interest daily - nobody could sell albums fast enough.
John Oates seems to have his family life together (after a few decades of rockstar behavior and a failed marriage). So that is awesome. And his kid isn't pretending to be a musician like other rockstar's children (thank the moon gods for that).
Very cool that John raced cars shortly - and then he learned that he shouldn't. I think Sammy Hagar did the same thing. Now John is a skier in Colorado.
This book did get me to watch a bunch of youtube concerts. I found a very relevant one from New York 1985 - live at Liberty. Had G.E. Smith on guitar. Good show.
I've never been a fan. I've tried to understand his guitar playing over the decades - but I'm still not sure if he's needed on stage? He sure wrote some interesting songs though. And I like his singing better than I like Daryl's white-man R&B voice.
If not for the awesome show: Live From Daryl's House... I wouldn't have bothered to read this. (Daryl jams with Joe Walsh, Billy Gibbons, Grace Potter, Cheap Trick...)
Any book about the music business is generally worth reading (except Kanye West's apparently). I did learn that after Hall & Oates were at the peak of their fame: the music industry mogul's had John around 9 million in debt. (Of course Mr. Oates was using money like it was toilet paper) but the manager's were also getting record company loans on future contracts and charging interest daily - nobody could sell albums fast enough.
John Oates seems to have his family life together (after a few decades of rockstar behavior and a failed marriage). So that is awesome. And his kid isn't pretending to be a musician like other rockstar's children (thank the moon gods for that).
Very cool that John raced cars shortly - and then he learned that he shouldn't. I think Sammy Hagar did the same thing. Now John is a skier in Colorado.
This book did get me to watch a bunch of youtube concerts. I found a very relevant one from New York 1985 - live at Liberty. Had G.E. Smith on guitar. Good show.
August 8, 2017
I enjoyed getting Oates' insider's view of the music scene of the 70s and 80s, especially since Oates spent his early childhood years just blocks from my former NY apartment (and I am very familiar with that locale) and I could visualize his street, and he then moved ( in his later childhood) to the area north of Philadelphia where I grew up. Daryl Hall and John Oates were Philly phenomenons (along with Todd Rundgren and the late Jim Croce) and had a huge following in the area, especially among people in my age group who were into the music scene as I was.
However, the book was poorly edited, and highly repetitive. It followed a general chronology of events on a sort of timeline but then there was constant jumping back and forth to cover the same ground again. I kept thinking... didn't I already read that?
There were some strange references too... any long-time New Yorker like myself knows that the Lower East Side is the area below Houston St., and while you might stretch that to the streets below 14th when talking or writing about late 19th century or early 20th century residents and institutions, there is no way the East 20s are considered the Lower East Side. There was also a reference to a local Philly TV station that gave the wrong call letters for the time period in question, and it might have been helpful to have better defined some of the references to the local radio stations and the Uptown Theater.
What can I say? I'm a stickler for detail.
However, the book was poorly edited, and highly repetitive. It followed a general chronology of events on a sort of timeline but then there was constant jumping back and forth to cover the same ground again. I kept thinking... didn't I already read that?
There were some strange references too... any long-time New Yorker like myself knows that the Lower East Side is the area below Houston St., and while you might stretch that to the streets below 14th when talking or writing about late 19th century or early 20th century residents and institutions, there is no way the East 20s are considered the Lower East Side. There was also a reference to a local Philly TV station that gave the wrong call letters for the time period in question, and it might have been helpful to have better defined some of the references to the local radio stations and the Uptown Theater.
What can I say? I'm a stickler for detail.
July 1, 2018
Don't call them Hall and Oates, it's John Oates and Darryll Hall. You will get that a lot in this book. That said, John Oates began as a musician long before there was a Hall. He toured, played, went through several bands. It's funny that in the mid-80s, Hall and Oates were considered a studio band with so-so live show. In reality they toured for ten years before they hit it big. They played live for over 20 years before they took a break to actually live life. They met loads of other artists and did backup on some familiar songs. I never knew. He can play a variety of genres.
He doesn't go into his life much here, but by the end of the book it's because he didn't have one. He was on tour. That seems to be the summation he makes about life at the end of the book. I didn’t read regret in that. I believe he likes his life, but he does acknowledge having to make up for lost time.
I enjoyed this book. I wish for more stories behind the songs type thing, but I got the hits, the famous shows and some band stories.
Overall a good overview of his life.
This was one of my favorite bands for a lot of years. I saw them in concert in the 1990s. The day I signed up for the National Guard was the day, “Everything Your Heart Desires” came out. The radio played it at least three times in a six hour span. It was a pure 1980s pop song and Oates does say that his heart wasn’t into that album or song. Too bad. I still remember it to this day.
He doesn't go into his life much here, but by the end of the book it's because he didn't have one. He was on tour. That seems to be the summation he makes about life at the end of the book. I didn’t read regret in that. I believe he likes his life, but he does acknowledge having to make up for lost time.
I enjoyed this book. I wish for more stories behind the songs type thing, but I got the hits, the famous shows and some band stories.
Overall a good overview of his life.
This was one of my favorite bands for a lot of years. I saw them in concert in the 1990s. The day I signed up for the National Guard was the day, “Everything Your Heart Desires” came out. The radio played it at least three times in a six hour span. It was a pure 1980s pop song and Oates does say that his heart wasn’t into that album or song. Too bad. I still remember it to this day.
June 12, 2017
I started reading this the day after I saw the Hall & Oates/Tears for Fears concert. I had only seen Hall & Oates once before, in the '80s, and only own their greatest hits CD. For the casual fan, this is a good book that tells John's story, although much of his career has been with Daryl Hall and that is definitely included, from John's perspective.
Like Springsteen's recent memoir, the chapters are short. It's a bit like sitting down over beers and asking John about his life. He shares interesting insights into the changes in the music business, from the late '60s/'70s when artists were able to make music and record companies figured out how to sell it, to the '80s, when videos changed everything, to present day, where he can seemingly choose when he wants to play. John also has some good warnings for anyone in any business: read the contract, ask questions, and know what is happening with your finances.
Small detraction: There were a couple of chapters just past the middle that either the editor didn't see or skimmed as two anecdotes were repeated and there was incorrect grammar.
Like Springsteen's recent memoir, the chapters are short. It's a bit like sitting down over beers and asking John about his life. He shares interesting insights into the changes in the music business, from the late '60s/'70s when artists were able to make music and record companies figured out how to sell it, to the '80s, when videos changed everything, to present day, where he can seemingly choose when he wants to play. John also has some good warnings for anyone in any business: read the contract, ask questions, and know what is happening with your finances.
Small detraction: There were a couple of chapters just past the middle that either the editor didn't see or skimmed as two anecdotes were repeated and there was incorrect grammar.
April 30, 2018
Very straight forward autobiography that puts forward a great picture of John Oates as a person and individual. He is honest and straight forward about his mistakes. He gives great descriptions of the inspiration behind the songs without being boring. I grew up in the 1980’s when Daryl Hall and John Oates were already superstars, so I had no idea how hard they worked to get there. I was surprised to learn by the 1980’s, Daryl Hall and John Oates were producing and writing their own songs; surprising since the songs seem so of their time. John does not include any of Daryl’s experience or opinion, so don’t go into this expecting a biography of the band. The book is best described as John choosing the best stories of his long career and making a narrative, the chapters are short and easy to get through. I thought I would most enjoy the stories of the 1980’s but found myself enjoying john’s stories of settling down in Colorado. He was neighbors with Hunter S. Thompson so there are some great stories about Hunter and his funeral. Recommended for light library read and for all fans of John Oates.
June 20, 2017
Unintentionally, I have made it my hobby to read pop star memoirs. They are pretty much all the same: born into working/middle class families, struggle with some kind of addiction during rise to fame, overcomes addiction to write a book. Oates is a little different in that he doesn't really have an addiction (well, he does have an adrenaline addiction), he is an adventurer, and he does overcome financial struggles. I get the sense he's held back in this memoir. I don't have the feeling like I know him better like I did after reading Rob Lowe's Stories I Only Tell My Friends or Rick Springfield's Late, Late at Night.
If anyone is interested, these memoirs I will never forget and I have intense respect for the authors:
A Walk To Beautiful by Jimmy Wayne (a beautiful, yet painful reading);
A Little Bit Wicked by Kristin Chenoweth (we are best friends, she just doesn't know it yet); and
Save Me From Myself by Brian Welsh (an amazing story of Grace and Forgiveness).
If anyone is interested, these memoirs I will never forget and I have intense respect for the authors:
A Walk To Beautiful by Jimmy Wayne (a beautiful, yet painful reading);
A Little Bit Wicked by Kristin Chenoweth (we are best friends, she just doesn't know it yet); and
Save Me From Myself by Brian Welsh (an amazing story of Grace and Forgiveness).
May 10, 2017
Soul guitarist, musician, songwriter and record producer John Oates who is one half of the enormously successful musical group Hall and Oates shares his story through a series of often too short chapters which could have been combined, occasional pictures and an enclosed music CD. Including the CD with the book was genius. I wanted to read his story because I loved their music growing up. However, the plotting here is all over the place and would have been much more flattering and effective if had been told in a traditional timeline. It's clear that while John Oates and Daryl Hall play well together in the musical arena, respect each other; the clues are front and center that they do not have a great deal of other things in common. Hall and Oates are currently touring with Tears for Fears.
May 24, 2017
If you're a fan, this book is a must read. John Oates always said there is Daryl Hall & John Oates, two different personalities that formed a collaboration. Together they were a hit machine throughout the 70s & 80s. Its great to read how they started out small and then fame & fortune came their way. They had trappings but in a good way, no drug problems or wild shenanigans happened, they both stayed true professionals and enjoyed the moment. Both Daryl & John knew thew music industry is cyclical and by the 90s, the industry had focused on grunge music. People lost interest in their sound. The only one I know of that kept on plugging through the years was Frank Sinatra. These guys still sell to sold out shows and Johns memoir explains how they simply enjoy the music they perform together.
April 11, 2017
John Oates has had quite a long career which you learn about in great detail, so I'd say this is for fans only. This is the first time I've read a memoir that was written "with" another author. I found it a little distracting because it made me wonder how much of this book is his real voice and how much of it is the co-author's. Given that Oates is a seasoned songwriter, not to mention a journalism major, I reckon he wouldn't have had much trouble penning this on his own. At any rate, it makes for an interesting read.
May 5, 2017
I was a lucky winner of this book here on goodreads. While I am typically interested mainly in musical autobiographies about hard rock/heavy metal artists I found John Oats book hard to put down. Growing up during the late 70's and early 80's you couldn't have missed Hall and Oats. I loved that this book was just a John Oats book though chronicling things from his recollection and experiences. Reading the book has inspired me to go back and listen to the early tunes from the band that are heavily overlooked due to their pop tunes from the 80's that made them so famous.
January 30, 2018
I have been a fan of Hall and Oates since the beginning so I was more than interested to read John's book. I was not disappointed. From beginning to end, I had a difficult time putting the book down. In fact I was sorry the book ended! John has a beautiful writing style - very relaxed and down to earth. For lack of a better word, the experience felt "real". I didn't find anything phony about the book. He talked about the good times and the not so good times in a very matter of fact manner. I found learning about his career with Daryl Hall and his own individual life most interesting.
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