Daryl Halls blasts 'naive' cultural appropriation debate: 'The music that you listened to when you grew up is your music'

'It isn’t even an issue to discuss'

Daryl Hall, one half of Hall & Oates, has made his feelings clear about the cultural appropriation debate in music, asserting that American culture is intrinsically a “blend” and anyone who says otherwise is a “dangerous fool”.

“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,” he told Salon.

“It is not about being black or white. That is the most naïve 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.”


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When the interviewer said that they agree with him, Hall jumped in: “I’m glad that you do, because anyone who says that should shut the fuck up.”

Various artists have been criticised in the media for using motifs from other cultures in their songs and music videos, and not just white ones, with Beyonce having come in for a substantial amount with her Desi culture references in the video for 'Hymn for the Weekend'.

Hall however thinks that culture is hybrid by its very nature.

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