Swimming upstream in the music business is a hard thing to do.

Hall & Oates went on to record 21 albums (to date) which have sold over 80 million units worldwide making them arguably the most successful duo in pop–rock history. Oates was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2004. Hall & Oates songs featuring John Oates on lead vocal
"Southeast City Window" from Whole Oats
"Thank You For.

Oates was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2004. John William Oates (born April 7 1949) is an American rock R&B and soul guitarist musician songwriter and producer best known as half of the rock and soul duo Hall & Oates (with Daryl Hall). Oates whose main role in the duo was as guitarist co-wrote much of their output including "Sara Smile" (with Daryl Hall - a song that refers to Hall's then-girlfriend Sara Allen) "You Make My Dreams" (with Allen & Hall) "She's Gone" (with Hall) "I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)" (with Allen & Hall) "Maneater" (with Allen & Hall) "Out of Touch" (with Hall) and "Adult Education" (with Hall & Allen).