The 1966 PIAA District I wrestling championships at Cheltenham High School led to the creation of “The Temptones”, a musical group featuring Cheltenham High School’s Paul Jerome Fogel and to-be Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Daryl Hall.

According to local historian Chuck Langerman, reaching the semifinals of the 127-pound weight class in the tournament was two-time Bux-Mont League and sectional champion John Oates of North Penn High in Lansdale. Oates, who was also a musician, matriculated at Temple University where he met fellow Temple student Daryl Hohl (later changed to Hall) at a gig in a Philly theater. 

Hall, a 1964 graduate of Owen J. Roberts High in Pottstown, was in a blue-eyed soul group “The Temptones” with 1964 Cheltenham High School graduate Paul Jerome Fogel. Fogel, who was a star gymnast at Cheltenham, co-founded “The Temptones” with Hall, Brian Utain, and Ken Halpern. The group lasted until 1967.

Eventually, Daryl Hall and John Oates bonded, forming their own group called “Hall & Oates.” The group rocketed to superstardom with mega hits like “Wait for Me,” “Sara Smile,” “Rich Girl,” “Maneater,” and “Private Eyes.” They have sold over 40 million records, making them one of the best-selling duos in music history.

For a full discography and “The Story of the Temptones” by Dave Brown in October 1995, you can click here. Fogel left the group to join the U.S. Air Force in early 1966. He went on to become a podiatrist, from which he is now retired. From his Facebook page:

My singing name has been Paul Jerome since 1985 . It was then, that I sang in Air Force bands and decided to not use “FOGEL“.

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Photos: Fogel’s Facebook page, HallandOates.de