Hall & Oates are facing the possibility of a court battle over their joint company, Whole Oats Enterprises. Daryl Hall filed a lawsuit and a restraining order on November 16th against his longtime partner John Oates, accusing him of breaching their contract by agreeing to sell his half of the business to Primary Wave, a music publishing and management firm.
Hall claims that Oates' decision would jeopardize their artistic and financial interests, and that he has the right of first refusal to buy Oates' shares. He is seeking to stop the sale and to maintain control over their catalog of hits, which includes classics like "Rich Girl", "Kiss on My List" and "Private Eyes".
The suit was initially sealed, but some documents were unsealed by a Nashville chancery court judge, revealing the details of the dispute. The irony in all this is that Hall himself sold a "significant interest" in their music in 2006, which he later regretted. In 2021, he said, "It got sold off for me and I didn’t get the money. I have a bit of my publishing, but a lot of bad business was done in the early days – I’m a real rock and roll story when it comes to that kind of thing. Never sell your publishing — maybe if you’re, you know, 80 years old and you decided to retire, then you can sell your publishing, but I wouldn’t even suggest it then. I don’t believe in that concept. It’s all you have is that.”
Primary Wave, which has acquired the rights to songs by Bob Marley, Whitney Houston and Smokey Robinson, among others, also owns the copyrights for about 70 songs written by sisters Sara and Janna Allen, who collaborated with Hall & Oates on “Maneater,” “You Make My Dreams” and “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do).”
Hall & Oates have not commented publicly on the case, but Oates posted a message on social media last week, saying, "During this time of communal reflection and connection with loved ones, let's not forget those experiencing challenges globally. As we come together, consider reaching out to support those in need — whether through local charities or international humanitarian initiatives. May our collective efforts contribute to a more compassionate and supportive world."
A hearing in the case will be held on Thursday, where the fate of one of the most successful musical partnerships in history will be decided.
[Source: Classic Hits Today]