John Oates is one half of the best-selling duo of all time Hall & Oates, as well as an accomplished solo artist. In addition to their numerous American Music awards, MTV awards, and multiple Grammy nominations, in 2005 they were inducted into the American Songwriters Hall of Fame. In May of 2008, they were also presented the prestigious BMI Icon Award for their outstanding career achievement in songwriting. In April 2014, Hall & Oates was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

After completing an extensive book promotion tour  for his memoir Change of Seasons co-written with Chris Epting and published by St. Martin’s Press in the spring of 2017, Oates resumed work on an important music project that represents the next exciting phase in his burgeoning solo roots music career. The project is entitled Arkansas and is set for release in 2018. Originally inspired by the music and legacy of the legendary Mississippi John Hurt, the project grew to encompass other artists and styles that represent the dawn of American popular music. Stylistically diverse and eclectic, the collection features a full band that was put together specially to bring the full range and flavors of classic American musical styles to life. Oates crafted a number of original songs for the Arkansas album; selections actually inspired by the process of digging deep into the sonic soil of authentic roots music. “I really believe this is the most vital and satisfying solo project I’ve ever embarked upon,” Oates says of Arkansas. “Of all the music I have ever made with anyone, for me this album sits right up there.”