There are few words that describe Daryl Hall and John Oates better than "perseverance." Since forming Hall & Oates in 1970, the Philadelphia songwriters have carved out a sound that's now their signature, a playful twist of jazz, rock, and blue eyed soul that's as catchy as it is genre-bending. In those years, the pair has also toured the world incessantly behind their 18 (!!) studio albums. This year, Daryl and John launched yet anther major tour, which continues to make its way around the country this summer and fall.

In this episode of Set List, we caught up with the duo in New York to talk about the story (and songwriter) behind their hit "Sara Smile," and go deep about some of their (many) acclaimed hits, like "She's Gone" and "Maneater." In the clip, the bandmates thoughtfully look back on their humble, formative beginnings. "We've always felt like strangers at the party," explains Hall. "It wasn't about fame or fortune, it was just about expressing yourself."