Change of Seasons: A Memoir

John Oates’ upcoming memoir, Change of Seasons, is a true gem, full of rich storytelling and amazing detail, painting a multi-layered portrait of a truly remarkable life in music. We learn about the music, the fame, the fortune...but the real story is an inspirational tale of life constantly reinvented and reimagined.For die-hard H&O fans like myself, the book ties together and fills in many of the stories we’ve heard over the years about the early days. Hearing it first hand from John reminds us why Hall and Oates don’t think of themselves as a duo…John’s part of the famous partnership has it’s own path, it’s own highs, lows, curves and reflections. We’re also reminded that while John may be perceived as the lighter side of the duo, his talent and depth as a musician is undeniable. The stories about his life before Daryl and his role in the creation of the vast Hall and Oates songbook remind us that John Oates is a born musician. Every word of the memoir (including those straight out of his journals) reflects a deep and constant devotion to music and that John is a deeply reflective person. It may be a key reason why the music has stood the test of time for so many of us. Here’s my list of favorite gems in the book:• Favorite line – “I don’t care about fame, I’ve always been famous”• Favorite backstory about a song – Diddy Doo Wop/Voices• Favorite chapter – “Drive in” – what a trip!• Favorite tribute – T-Bone…it’ll make you tear up• Favorite Daryl story – There really are none, but the ode to brotherhood that is the book’s introduction speaks volumes about the one-of-a-kind partnership• Favorite John and Daryl story – backstage after the show with the Temps…the look that led to the end of the 80’s run• Favorite artifact – script from the original She’s Gone video• Favorite thing to do while reading this book –I listened to the 2009 H&O box set “Do What You Want, Be What You Are” in a new way as I read the stories about how the music of each period was made and the backstories for many of the songs – what a treat!Even if you are not a die hard fan, the book has a lot to offer music lovers in general. Oates (and collaborator Chris Epting) share a journey that is wonderfully convoluted and unexpected at times, far from the one dimensional 80s pop star image that may be a misguided lasting impression of Hall and Oates for some. The story provides a unique view into the depth behind the music, what it really took to get to the 80s and beyond, and how a path emerged that’s led to lasting success, renewed appreciation and lifelong devotion to craft. But more than that, we meet and understand that John Oates is authentic. You can’t help but want to know him. Not so much because he’s famous…but because he seems to have figured out how to pursue one’s dreams, kicking aside the stuff that doesn’t really matter (fame, fortune, superficial “success”) and focusing in on deeper meaning and purpose. That ability reveals a man whose humility and honesty about the common struggle that is life, is inspirational, especially for mid-lifers like me who ponder the meaning in our lives as we head closer to our final destination. And Oates is not done yet. This first memoir only takes us part way…and doesn’t even get to the latest reinvention of his life and music as a solo artist based in Nashville and the “Good Road to Follow” years. I can’t wait to read all about that and the evolving partnership of Hall and Oates in the next book. Thank you John Oates, Chris Epting and St Martin’s Press!

Before reading this book, I listened to the music CD that accompanies it. Five masterfully performed songs await you. I'm no expert at naming musical stylings, but they strike me as country blues. The musicianship featured is luxurious! John's voice is as beautiful and expressive as it's ever been. Especially impressive is track #4, "I Found Love". It seems to summarize the latter half of the book. The last track is a reinvention of a familiar hit. It isn't your mother's "Maneater"!Just holding the book in your hands, you'll see that the page edges are jagged. It's a sensory invitation to open to anywhere in the book and read the nearest self-contained narrative. Collaborator Chris Epting does a fantastic job of organizing these stories that happen to be in chronological order. You can pick up reading anywhere and drop off anywhere. Interestingly, luminaries of staggering magnitude are mentioned throughout the stories as mere props. That gives the reader the sense of how rarefied the air got along the way. Still, this book's subject (John) is a thoughtful and articulate man of substance. His storytelling is authentic; direct, honest, and funny in unexpected turns. As an example, John wrote a foreword essay about the mystique of the mustache for another book, which is reprinted in this one. You must read it-it's really good. John Oates is a superb writer!The memoir is written with classy disposition: no judgements (except on himself), no bomb-dropping, and no dragging through mud. What surprisingly little direct reference to Daryl Hall there is here is either a sage moment or is funny. Exactly what my ten-year-old self (when I became a fan) would have wanted. Very gratifying. As seemingly lengthy as the book is, it reads at a very nice clip. Nothing daunting or tedious in the text, which may be another attaboy to Chris Epting. Also, this book feels complete unto itself. You won't at all feel as though anything (Daryl Hall) is missing. A book wouldn't be a book without a sense of building tension, climax, and resolution. It's deftly subtle at first, but then you'll see it, and the book follows through with a smooth landing. John's more recent accounts of life in Colorado vaguely remind me of the work of Chris Kimball's Swearing Hill news. The stories are eclectic, real, and hospitably engaging.If you're a fan of Daryl Hall and John Oates, like reading biographies and listening to some fantastic musicians, or just need something to read on a long flight, get this book. Deeply enjoyable and highly recommended.

I'm a long time H&O fan, so I expected to like this book and I did, but like several others I felt it was lacking in some ways. To be honest, I think it was somewhere between three and four stars, but I guess I'll round up.First, the good. The things I think he did well were showing how much of a contributor he was to their biggest hits. Perhaps because Daryl was the lead, I assumed he wrote most of the songs, but I saw that it was much more of a partnership than I thought in that respect. Also, I thought the chapters about his formative years as a musician and about the early years of the H&O partnership were the most fully formed and gave a good sense of how Daryl and John evolved as friends and musical partners, as well as showing the extremely hard work that went into their well-earned rise to fame.Now, the disappointing.First, the (admittedly) nitpicky:- I wasn't particularly a fan of his writing style; the prose sometimes felt stilted, to me, but not enough to make me want to put the book down.- The last section of the book, in particular, is often told out of chronological order, which can be confusing (example, he has a chapter on his wedding, which occurs in 1994, but then in a later chapter talks about how he and his then fiancee (later wife) bought their ranch two years earlier. There are a couple of instances like this.- I caught more than a few grammatical errors (that's either poor editing or poor transfer to the Kindle format, either way, boo :(.Slightly more disappointing is that the 80s - the period of their greatest fame (until the resurgence in their popularity in recent years) - feels completely glossed over, IMO.But the biggest disappointment is the dearth of details regarding their partnership after they became successful. I get that he wants to tell his own story, not the H&O story (as he says in the forward), but the better part of his life was spent as part of this partnership, constantly on the road and in the studio. They probably spent more time together than most married couples. So, how can it not be a bigger part of the book? The best analogy I could make is that it feels to me like if Prince Charles wrote an autobiography and talked about his life before and after Diana, and perhaps even about their courtship, but then completely glossed over the marriage. Yes, he's had a full life and done a lot of things that didn't include Diana, but his story is not complete without a discussion of that marriage. Similarly, the partnership with Daryl has got to be a huge part of the John Oates story. Further, it is undoubtedly a large part of what people want to hear.Even the best partnerships have their ups and downs, I can only imagine it would be moreso when you're constantly traveling together and, for a period, living together. Did they never disagree? Were there never any creative or power struggles? Did they never just get sick of seeing each other's faces after the umpteenth night on the road? How did the rock and roll lifestyle (particularly at the height of their fame) impact them individually and collectively? And how did any of that impact the music that they made? I think all of that could have been told from his perspective (and therefore it is still his story), but for the most part, it's not and it just seems like a big gaping hole. So, if this is what you're interested in, you will be a bit disappointed.When I read this, I was left with the impression that either (a) John and Daryl had the most charmed, perfect and trouble-free relationship ever (possible, but seems highly improbable); (b) in a career that, publicly at least, often seemed overshadowed by Daryl, John worked so hard to come out from under that shadow in this book, that he left out parts of the story that would have made if feel more fully fleshed out; or (c) in an attempt to protect Daryl's privacy or preserve his feelings or perhaps avoid conflict, large portions of the story were left out.In the end, it's still, for the most part, a good book and an enjoyable read. There are a few good yarns about celebrity life (the Hunter S. Thompson stuff is pretty good), but nothing really salacious. So, if that's something that interests you, again, you'll be a bit underwhelmed. What you will get a fuller picture of who John is, outside of H&O. I agree that this is something that you probably have to be a pretty big H&O fan to find interesting, but I did like it and I did feel that I knew him better when I was done. I do just wish that he'd had more about the partnership with Daryl. That's no small omission, IMO. And if you're looking to better understand that partnership, you'll probably be left, like me, wanting more.

Just finished reading this book, and loved every page, and every minute of my time it took to read. I did not want it to end. I have been a fan of Daryl Hall and John Oates for a very long time, and have been privileged to go to a few concerts of theirs; hope to attend more in the future. Their music is such a part of my life...my "go to" music for any mood I happen to be in. I'm so thankful to John, and to Chris for making this book a reality. It was nice to get a sneak peek into John's life with Daryl, and then without too. I liked the concept of having each of the sections by seasons. He started from his childhood beginnings to present day. I do have favorite sections, I guess, but all in all, enjoyed the entire book. After reading this, I know for certain that the music is the most important to John, and to Daryl too...I don't mean above family or friends, but as far as making money not being their # 1 goal, as seems to be the case with many folks these days. I never realized too how the 80s, their big hey-day time, was really a time of a bit of turmoil. John is not only an excellent musician, but a great author, and story-teller.Reading this book made you feel like you were right there with John experiencing all the times he had...from the good to the bad too.I loved reading the stories behind the songs. "She's Gone," is just one example of how personal the songs are to them. I realize now that really, all their songs are personal, and basically a biography of their lives. I loved the section of the book where John talks about meeting Aimee and raising their son....sweet story. It's all just a "feel good" book to me, and makes me want to attend even more concerts, if at all possible. I know that John and Daryl are separate individuals, and don't really always want to be known as a duo, but I do hope that sometime in the future, they will write songs together again. When I think of the events that brought these two together, the stuff John writes about in this book, and how it could just as easily not have ever happened that these two met, it is mind-boggling. It was all just meant to be. I would recommend this book to anyone...definitely to all fans. I know I'm typing so sporadically here, but suffice it to say, this is a good, good book, and I'm so ready to read the next book that John may have in store and hear about the Nashville years. I thank both John, and Chris for this book, and letting me get to know this musician even better. I am forever a fan...and I will always cherish the music in my life.

I've been a huge fan of John (& Daryl) since the very early 80s so I was beyond excited to read this book. I've read and watched tons of interviews over the years so I felt I had a decent knowledge of at least some of his life and experience but this book took it to a whole new level. I appreciated his honesty throughout, and found it fascinating how many chance meetings / happenings that turned out to be significant in his life and career. It also provided some eye opening insight into how the music business works, or at least used to work. He's lived a rich and interesting life and it is fascinating to learn more about it. He writes a lot about his struggles and not just early on, but it is impressive how he navigates these challenges and never, ever blames his struggles or misfortunes on others. I came away from the book with a much better understanding of John's life, musical influences, struggles and self growth and respect and admire him even more now than before.For those who were "disappointed" that it wasn't the H&O story, well it isn't and nowhere did it ever say it was! Of course there are some great stories, but that isn't the focus of the book. In this day and age of everything being so short lived and disposable it is so refreshing to me that John and Daryl still tour together and play great music together. But I can imagine for them it is frustrating for so many people to still not realize that they are separate people with separate interests and lives, I suspect much like how identical twins must feel.Overall I very much enjoyed Change of Seasons and look forward to the next one that picks up where this one left off.

As a long time fan of Hall and Oates, I looked forward to this book. John Oates is a great guy, a solid musician and composer, and this careful and considered autobiography is well written and readable, with the assistance of Chris Epting. This is a sincere, crafted work - fair enough - but my interest waned midway through when I got to the management rip-off, his race cars, planes and Colorado residence next door to Hunter Thompson. He and Hall have written and played some of the best pop music of all time - and I wanted to hear more about the music, the playing, the composition, and the superb musicians they worked with (T-Bone Wolk, G.E. Smith, and the very best session and touring players of Phillie, NYC). Aside from mention of the wah-wah on 'she's gone' (I wish they had retained their duets more often, as the 'hits' tended to move towards featuring Hall's amazing voice), discussion of their earlier years as a folk/rock duo, and their acknowledgement of the Temptations - there's not a lot here on sessions, gigs, gear, musical decisions and choices. Even the musical uniqueness of Phillie rock/soul wasn't explored as much as it could have been. A not unpleasant but uneventful read.

Preordered this book (the first time I've ever done so), received it the day it was released, and finished it in 4 hours and 52 minutes the same night. It was a really good read, and I learned a lot I didn't know from the first two "seasons" in particular. What impressed me the most, though, was that John and Chris showed a trait that so often goes missing from memoirs: TACT. They showed a keen awareness of when personal interactions and experiences were relevant to the book and when they were best kept vague or left out altogether. It was candid without being lurid, and it was informative without crossing the line into TMI or dirty laundry. That, to me, evidences a deep respect for not only the people who played contributing roles in John's life story, no matter how great or small, but for readers and the special bonds they have with his music.My first ever concert was the May 8th, 1985 Nassau Coliseum show -- the last stop on the "Big Bam Boom" tour. I was 11 at the time and a rabid fan (which is still the case). I had begged my strict parents daily to take me to the Madison Square Garden show earlier in the tour, to no avail. When the Nassau show was announced, I redoubled my efforts, to the point where my *teachers* not only reasoned with them on my behalf but had me write them a letter outlining exactly why they should take me. It was full of analysis about how the price of paid parking in Manhattan was no longer a variable, over-the-top middle-school indignation about how they were willing to drive from New Jersey for their beloved Islanders but wouldn't take me the same distance to see my only reason for living, and of course, more begging. Two weeks before the show, they FINALLY relented and bought tickets for me and my best friend, with my dad as chaperone. (I also sent Daryl a similarly impassioned letter about why he should marry me. That appeal was less successful. I still blame my unfortunate oh-so-80s mullet for its failure, not Sara or the fact that I was a sixth grader.) We were in upper-level seats and so far from the stage that we needed binoculars to see. But 32 years and probably 1,000-plus shows later, that first concert is still the best I have ever seen. I am thankful to not have my memory of that perfect night tainted by details of a fight between road-weary band members or a salacious groupie story of the lunchmeat/octopus variety, and I imagine many other fans feel the same way about their similarly cherished experiences.

I enjoyed the book. It goes beyond John's life as a talented musician, singer, songwriter. and partner to Daryl Hall. John has many interests which he has pursued with passion and dedication. His life has taken many twists and turns which he shares with the reader. There are many life lessons to be taken from his journey. I liked the fact that he acknowledges the contributions that others have made to the success of his musical career and to other interests that he has pursued.

Wer schon immer etwas über das Innenleben einer der bedeutendsten Bands kennenlernen wollte, findet hier die eine Hälfte eines sehr persönlichen Standardwerkes!Wunderbar witzig, herzerwärmend offen und ehrlich!

If you want a glimpse of the 70's and the glitz of the 80's, and how musicians really make money although the record labels and their lawyers make much more than them, you may read thus book.

As I read through John's book I found myself in many of the pages. I am not a musician but a great fan, but a photographer who I find many parallels in John's life experiences...Skiing, F1 and all types of racing and women. In many of the scenes I realized that I was right there at the same time as in his vist to Long Beach and his association with George Harrison. The image above is George on that occasion with myself in his reflection. Loved the book and the great look into that lifestyle. I'd love to chat sometime.

破産とそこから立ち上がっていく様子を描いた箇所では、泣きましたで

Un must per un fan di Daryl & John! Molto piacevole da leggere e molto interessante,almeno per un patito del duo come me !