John William Oates (born April 7, 1949; New York City, New York) is an American rock guitarist, musician, songwriter and producer best known as half of the rock and soul duo Hall & Oates (with founder/lead vocalist Daryl Hall). Though he was a primary guitarist, he also co‑wrote eight Billboard Number One songs such as: «Sara Smile» (with Daryl Hall), «You Make My Dreams» (with Sara Allen & Daryl Hall), «She's Gone» (with Daryl Hall), «I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)» (with Sara Allen & Daryl Hall), «Maneater» (with Sara Allen & Daryl Hall), «Out of Touch» (with Daryl Hall), «Everytime You Go Away» (with Daryl Hall — as covered by Paul Young) and «Adult Education» (with Daryl Hall & Sara Allen). He also sang lead vocals and has written or co‑written a few less popular singles that did not make it to the Billboard's Top 10 such as: «How Does It Feel to Be Back», «You've Lost That Loving Feeling» and «Possession Obsession» (with Sara Allen & Daryl Hall). In addition to his work with Hall, Oates co‑wrote and sang back‑up on the song «Electric Blue» by the band Icehouse which was a Billboard Top Ten hit.