How a Shocking Encounter Inspired Hall & Oates’ #1 Hit Maneater

Coming up next, icon John Oates tells the surprising story of the classic Maneater. This all-time hit came to John after he sat next to a famous actress in a restaurant and she began to cuss like a sailor telling dirty joke after dirty joke… Oates was no prude, but he was SHOCKED. All of a sudden, one of the most familiar lyrics of the 80s came into his head, and within a few minutes, he was jotting down Maneater… His musical collaborator Daryl Hall made some tweaks the next day and they recorded it. It became a #1 smash. Who was the actress and what was the change that made this a hit? Find out next on Professor of Rock. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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The ultimate rock music history podcast for fans of the greatest era of music. If you’ve ever wondered about the true stories behind your favorite songs, or wanted to hear directly from the legends who made them, Professor of Rock is your new go-to podcast. Hosted by music historian and superfan Adam Reader, this show brings the golden era of music back to life with exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and deep dives into the songs that shaped our lives. This podcast uncovers how timeless tracks were made, the creative breakthroughs, the near-breakups, and the powerful moments that defined music history. Each episode is a masterclass in rock culture and nostalgia—whether it's a chart-topping ‘80s anthem, a one-hit wonder with a wild backstory, or a candid conversation with the legends themselves. Hear the Stories. Relive the Music. Only on Professor of Rock.