Daryl Hall

Daryl Hall

Daryl Hall is an American singer and songwriter from Pottstown, United States. Born Daryl Franklin Hohl in 1946, he is best known for his work with John Oates in the duo Daryl Hall & John Oates, and he is associated with soul, pop, soft rock, blue-eyed soul and adult contemporary music.

Early life and influences

As a child, Hall hears Frank Sinatra records played by his mother and later develops an interest in Motown and other R&B and soul music. He takes piano lessons when young but dislikes them. He skips the lessons and rides his bicycle across the bridge from his grandfather’s farm to the black neighbourhood known as Chicken Hill, where he listens to music and absorbs its style.

Education and early career

In the 1960s, Hall attends Temple University but does not graduate. Instead, he spends his time singing on street corners and working with different musicians and groups. During this period he performs backing vocals for various bands and changes his surname from Hohl to Hall. He also idolises the Temptations and begins session work as a singer.

Groups and collaborations

Hall first meets John Oates at a band competition. After Oates transfers to another school, Hall joins the band Gulliver, which releases a self-titled album in 1969 before being dropped by its label. He is also a member of the Temptones and Humanity Chorus, and he continues to be known for his long-running partnership with Oates.

Solo recordings

Hall releases five solo albums: Sacred Songs, Three Hearts in the Happy Ending Machine, Soul Alone, Can’t Stop Dreaming and Laughing Down Crying. These records show his work beyond the duo format and reflect his continuing career as a solo artist.

Live from Daryl’s House

Since 2007, Hall has hosted Live from Daryl’s House, a web music series in which he performs with artists from different genres. The show begins in 2007 and becomes a regular online project associated with his name.