And the Hello there and welcome to Soda Jaker on songwriting. This is Simon here with Brian, and our guest today is an American

singer, songwriter and musician, best known as one half of the most successful US duo of all time.

During what's now a half century long association with John Oates, with whom

he was inducted into the songwriters Hall of Fame in 2003, he's achieved no less than

six number ones, 29 top 40 singles and six multi-platinum albums.

His stellar vocals propel such enduring classics as Man Eater, Private Eyes, Rich Girl, I can't

go for that, kiss on my list, out of touch and you make my dreams.

And as this reaches you he's just released before after, a 30 track anthology spanning 35 years of solo recordings.

We are thrilled to welcome the great Darrell Hall to the podcast.

Darrell was born in 1946 in Pottertown, Pennsylvania.

He received his earliest music education from his parents. His dad

sang in a family harmony group while his mother was a professional vocal coach. He moved to Philadelphia

at 17 where he got his start doing session work for future songwriting and production giants Kenny Gamble

Leon Huff and Tom Bell

Darrell also had his own band the temp, made up of fellow students from Temple University.

According to legend, he met John Oates in 1967 as the two made their escape from a mass

brawl that had broken out at a Battle of the bands they were both attending.

They swiftly became friends and

roommates and later began collaborating musically, blending Darles soul stylings with John's

folkier approach. They were eventually discovered by Tommy Matola who became their manager and signed to Atlantic,

with the Reef Marden producing their first two albums,

1972's Whole Oats,

...