Singer Daryl Hall Has Sharp Response To Question About 'Cultural Appropriation'

Boasting a musical career that spans over four decades, singer-songwriter Daryl Hall of the duo Hall and Oates is still performing.

Oates recently was interviewed by David Masciotra of Salon and was open and candid with his answers.

Masciotra pointed out that Hall and his longtime friend and partner, John Oates, have compiled an impressive list of songs over the years. He went on to say that even today, some of their fans can still recall where they were when they first heard songs like “I Can’t Go For That” or “Rich Girl.”

Hall was asked about his program “Live From Daryl’s House,” which he began in 2007 as an internet show and now airs on MTV Live. The show features Hall performing with his band and guest artists, including Cee Lo Green, Cheap Trick, Aaron Neville and Shelby Lynne.

Masciotra asked, “When you first started ‘Live From Daryl’s House,’ what kind of ambition did you have for it, and did you envision that it would be such a success?”

Calling the evolution of the show “natural,” Hall said his challenge is in keeping things loose and not too formulaic. He added, “It needs to feel like it is still just an internet show – the way it was back in the day.”

Later in the interview, Masciotra brought up the debate over “cultural appropriation,” which he described as “the idea that white people should not appropriate the culture of ethnic and racial minorities.”

“I know that you don’t like the term ‘blue-eyed soul.’ Have you followed this conversation?” Masciotra asked.

Hall replied, “Are you trying to say that I don’t own the style of music that I grew up with and sing? I grew up with this music. It is not about being black or white. That is the most naive attitude I’ve ever heard in my life. That is so far in the past, I hope, for everyone’s sake. It isn’t even an issue to discuss. The music that you listened to when you grew up is your music. It has nothing to do with ‘cultural appropriation.'”

The interviewed agreed with Hall’s assessment, to which Hall said, “I’m glad that you do, because anyone who says that should shut the f— up.”

He went on to say, “We live in America. That’s our entire culture. Our culture is a blend. It isn’t split up into groups. Anyone who says otherwise is a fool – worse than a fool – a dangerous fool.”

The successful careers of Hall and Oates have earned them a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

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