The duo are in a contract dispute
Daryl Hall and John Oates are two pop-rock legends who have influenced a variety of musical talent. However, the duo are embroiled in a confidential legal battle that has led Hall to file a restraining order against Oates in Nashville Chancery Court last week.
According to court records, Hall filed an undisclosed complaint against Oates on November 16th which included a motion for a temporary restraining order. That order was granted the following day. Although details are undisclosed, the record indicates the lawsuit was filed over a “contract/debt” dispute.
TMZ reports that Hall is claiming breach of contract after the pair had been in arbitration over some dispute. It’s unclear if the dispute is over royalties or Oates singing the duo’s hit songs solo in concert, but last year, Hall told Bill Maher that Oates was his “business partner. He’s not my creative partner.”
The pair, who met in 1967 and formed a duo three years later, have led separate lives in recent years while reuniting periodically for performances. Hall is the star of his very own award-winning web series-turned-TV staple, Live from Daryl’s House, as well as a successful venue owner with Daryl’s House, a restored live music space in Pawling, New York. Oates has been touring as a solo act performing the duo’s hits.
Hall & Oates is an international multi-platinum-selling duo that has sold more albums than any other duo in music history. 1973’s Atlantic debut Abandoned Luncheonette and 1974’s Todd Rundgren-produced War Babies kicked off a record-breaking career that yielded six consecutive multi-platinum albums: Bigger Than Both of Us (1976), Voices (1980), Private Eyes (1981), H2O (1982), the greatest hits collection Rock N Soul, Part 1 (1983) and Big Bam Boom (1984).
The duo’s collection of No. 1 singles include “Rich Girl” (also No. 1 R&B charts), “Kiss on My List,” “Private Eyes,” “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do)” (No. 1 R&B), “Maneater” and “Out of Touch.” Their Top 10 singles include “She’s Gone” (No. 1 R&B), “Sara Smile,” “One on One,” “You Make My Dreams,” “Say it Isn’t So,” “Everything Your Heart Desires,” “Family Man,” “Adult Education,” “Did It In A Minute” and “Method of Modern Love.” In 1987, the RIAA recognized Daryl Hall & John Oates as the No. 1 selling duo in music history, a record they hold to this day.
In 2003, the legendary duo was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2008, they were honored at BMI’s Pop Awards with the Icon Award, and in 2014, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2016, they together received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
