While both Daryl Hall and John Oates are respected for their individual songwriting talents, no one can deny that their magic is strongest when the pop music duo’s powers are combined. They met one another at Philadelphia’s Temple University in 1967 during a battle of the bands competition. Though each was contending in a different group, a gang fight broke out, and both musicians ran for cover in the same location. It was in that service elevator that a lasting friendship and musical partnership was born.

Hailed as one of the greatest pop duos of all time, Hall & Oates created a signiture “rock ‘n soul” sound, a fusion of rock and roll with rhythm and blues. In total, the act boasted thirty-four singles on the Billboard 100, including six hits which achieved #1 status. Songs like “Rich Girl,” their first Number One tune in 1977, escalated the duo to pop stardom. “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do)” became one of the only songs by a white act to chart at Number One on both the pop and R&B charts. With seven platinum and six gold albums to their credit, it was an expected honor that the two were voted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2003.

While still touring and performing 40 years after their formation, their legacy continues to live on in other ways as well. Their barrage of infamous pop hooks has seen resurgence in recent years with sampling by hip-hop artists including the Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Wu-Tang Clan, and Kanye West.