John William Oates is an American rock, R&B and soul guitarist, musician, songwriter and producer best known as half of the rock and soul duo, Hall & Oates. Although Oates's main role in the duo was guitarist, he also co-wrote many of the Top 10 songs that they recorded, including: "Sara Smile", "She's Gone", and "Out of Touch", as well as: "You Make My Dreams", "I Can't Go for That", "Maneater", and "Adult Education". He also sang lead vocals on several more singles in the Hot 100, such as "How Does It Feel to Be Back", "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'", on which Oates shared lead vocals with Hall, and "Possession Obsession". Oates also co-wrote and sang backup on the song "Electric Blue", recorded by the band Icehouse, which was a Billboard Top Ten hit. He also co-wrote, produced and sang duet with the Canadian group The Parachute Club on the 1987 song "Love is Fire" which was a Top 30 hit in Canada. 

April 7th, 1949 in New York City (Age 75)