Hall and Oates (Whole Oats) in 1972
 Daryl Hohl (that’s his real name) and John Oates both came from Philadelphia where they started together as a duo under the funny chosen band name of Whole Oats. They already knew each other since 1967 when they met at Temple University where they studied. Oates also began playing occasional sessions with Hall’s rock band, Gulliver. Then they decided to become a duo group.
Whole Oats - Goodnight and Good Morning single
Their debut single “Goodnight And Goodmorning” was released under that name but when their first album came out they changed their band name to Daryl Hall and John Oates in 1972. But they decided to title the album after their old band name. The album already shows their blue-eyed soul but mainly focuses on folk music. The album was produced by Arif Mardin who also produced their second album. The album holds for me one of their best songs ever titled “Waterwheel”. The second album “Abandoned Luncheonette” released in 1973 featured their best known song from this era “She’s Gone” and had more of their famous blue-eyed soul.

She's Gone - Single
The album is the best sold from this period but mainly years later after it was released. The album cover displayed the Rosedale Diner which was located in Pottstown, Pennsylvania and went out of business and dumped somewhere in the woods. “Las Vegas Turnaround (The Stewardess Song)” was written by John inspired by Hall’s girfriend Sara Allen who later became songwriter for many of their hits. On their first 2 albums they sound a bit like a Simon and Garfunkel. Then they released an album produced by Todd Rundgren which was very experimental and alienated their fans. They seem to have lost their direction and desperately trying to find a new sound. I have to admit I’m not fan of that album either. However it was their first album to reach the charts in the USA.

Highlights: I’m Sorry / Fall in Philadelphia / Waterwheel / She’s Gone / Abandoned Luncheonette / Lady Rain / Can’t Stop The Music
Whole Oats - Album cover
Whole Oats
I’m Sorry / All Our Love / Georgie / Fall In Philadelphia / Waterwheel / Lazyman / Goodnight And Goodmorning / They Needed Each Other / Southeast City Window / Thank You For… / Lilly (Are You Happy)
Abandoned Luncheonette - Album cover

Abandoned Luncheonette
When The Morning Comes / Had I Known You Better Then / Las Vegas Turnaround (The Stewardess Song) / She’s Gone / I’m Just A Kid (Don’t Make Me Feel Like A Man) / Abandoned Luncheonette / Lady Rain / Laughing Boy / Everytime I Look At You
War Babies - Album cover
War Babies
Can’t Stop the Music / Is It a Star / Beanie G. And the Rose Tattoo / You’re Much Too Soon / 70’s Scenario / War Baby Son of Zorro / I’m Watching You (A Mutant Romance) / Better Watch Your Back / Screaming Through December / Johnny Gore And C Eaters