John Oates Quotes

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John Oates

Profession : Musician

Birth : April 7, 1948

I think it's kind of difficult to write a good Christmas song because you have a narrow framework of references that you have to work within, and at the same time you want to do something that's personally original and hopefully somewhat unique.

John Oates

The Christmas genre is a field that's been well-ploughed.

John Oates

You may be embarrassed about the way you looked and the wacky clothes you wore when you were young, but normally, at least it's hidden in a box in the attic.

John Oates

In the days when regional music was very clearly defined and had a clear personality - Memphis, Detroit, Chicago, whatever - Philadelphia had a tradition that was very distinct and unique.

John Oates

I get to play with all these different players who don't necessarily approach music always the same way that I might. So I learn a lot.

John Oates

I sense people respond more to the honest approach to making music instead of the manufactured approach.

John Oates

There's all sorts of soul. There's Irish soul and Native American soul. If it touches you and moves you, it's soul.

John Oates

When my song came on the radio for the first time, that was one of the heaviest things I remember.

John Oates

There isn't one album that says 'Hall & Oates.' It's always 'Daryl Hall and John Oates.' From the very beginning. People never note that. The idea of 'Hall & Oates,' this two-headed monster, this thing, is not anything we've ever wanted or liked.

John Oates

'Maneater' is about N.Y.C. in the '80s. It's about greed, avarice, and spoiled riches.

John Oates

When the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame decided to open up the voting beyond their inner circle, to the actual fans, that's when I think everything changed.

John Oates

When you really can't affect something, you almost don't wanna wish too hard, because it's just frustrating.

John Oates

I never finish a show without singing 'She's Gone.'

John Oates

I'm really in such a fortunate position to have that foundation with Hall and Oates that lets me do whatever I want. That's the dream of a lot of creative people, and I don't take it for granted. I try to make the most of it.

John Oates

Young people go to concerts.

John Oates

The decline of the major labels has changed the audience. They aren't force-fed by a system any more. They can make their own decisions.

John Oates

The bricks and mortar of the music business, they don't exist any longer.

John Oates

I've been asked to do various types of cruises.

John Oates