♫Echoes of Doo-wop, Philly Soul & Motown♫

The legendary 80s were amazing...the hair, the clothes and especially the music. Just awesome! New musical styles emerged as electronic instruments became mainstream amid the 80s Music Mania. It was during this time when a musical duo could do no wrong and the release of Rock 'n Soul became a snapshot of the duo at their finest.

Today in Music History: January 30

Welcome into the Spotlight...

Daryl Hall (left) and John Oates (right) 

Hall and Oates: Blending genres of soul, rock and pop to create a uniquely catchy brand of sound 

When Darly Hall and John Oates harmonize, out come angelic echoes of doo-wop, Philly soul and Motown – three defining influences on the duo from early boyhood to the present day. During the mid-eights, they were declared the most successful duo in rock history. Their ability to cross stylistic boundaries has allowed them to be respected for decades by various artists. In the US the American duo has sold a certified 13 million albums and 6 million singles (Hall & Oates discography).

1982 Hall and Oates went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'I Can't Go For That, (No Can Do)' the duo's fourth US No.1, a No.8 hit in the UK. This bridged the gap between the black and white charts, which is a rare achievement for a white act. It hit #1 on the R&B charts as well as the US Pop charts.

Songfacts: John Oates elaborated on the song's theme of individuality and personal choice in a Billboard interview: "The theme is sort of ongoing with us, that people should think for themselves, do what they believe. They shouldn't act or do things just because other people do, or because the government says to do it or because their fathers and mothers say this is the right thing. People have to be able to assess each situation, based on their own beliefs, and not just follow along."

No.1 singles on this day...
[Click on the No.1 image and select a year to visit or click the year below for all the songs that hit number one on the charts in the US during that year.]

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  1943 Tommy Dorsey - There Are Such Things
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  1958 Danny and the Juniors - At The Hop
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  1961 Shirelles - Will You Love Me Tomorrow 

  The Shirelles became the first girl group to have the number one song on the US chart when 'Will You Love Me Tomorrow?' reached the top. The song peaked at No.4 in the UK.

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  1973 Elton John - Crocodile Rock
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  2001 Lady Gaga feat. Colby O'Donis - Just Dance

No. 1 Single + Album on this Day...

1999 After spending 11 weeks on the chart Britney Spears started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with '...Baby One More Time.' Britney's debut album also went to No.1 on the US chart on the same day.  

2013 Mick Jagger was named the most stylish rock star of all time by lifestyle website Complex. Jagger lead their top 50 list ahead of Prince, David Bowie, Kurt Cobain, Sid Vicious and Keith Richards. Complex stated “Even today, he wears silk scarves and suits with more rakish appeal than most men – and he’ll reach 73 summer of 2016.”

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...