Hall & Oates’ ‘Rich Girl’ Wasn’t About A Girl
You're forgiven to have believed that 'Rich Girl' became the first of six No. 1 songs for Hall and Oates on the strength of its snarky put-downs toward a particularly haughty girlfriend. But John Oates says that's not even close, as Daryl Hall had another inspiration entirely.
"It was written about a guy who was the heir to a fast-food fortune," Oates tells a reporter for TMZ (embedded above). "Obviously, because Daryl is really smart, he realized that 'Rich Girl' sounded better than 'Rich Guy.' That's the truth. He had too much money, and too many drugs -- and he just kind of burned out. He came over to visit one time, and after he left, Daryl just came up with the idea."
TMZ reports that the subject was Victor Walker, an ex-boyfriend of Hall and Oates writing partner Sara Allen -- the inspiration for another hit, 'Sara Smile.' Walker's father owned the Walker Bros. Original Pancake House in Chicago and also owned 15 KFC franchises.
Hall and Oates, meanwhile, are headed to induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April. Before that, they'll start a new tour together on Feb. 23.