RIP Isaac Hayes
Trailblazing composer, songwriter, singer and musician Isaac Hayes was found dead in his Tennessee home Sunday afternoon. He was 65.
The Associated Press reports that Hayes’ wife, son and wife’s cousin found him lying unresponsive near a treadmill; he was pronounced dead an hour later at Baptist East Hospital in Memphis, according to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. The cause of death was not immediately known.
According to the AP, Hayes was born in 1942 in a tin shack in Covington, Tenn., and was raised by his maternal grandparents after his mother died and his father left when he was 1 1/2. His family moved to Memphis when he was 6.
The self-taught musician started down his career path when he won a talent contest in ninth grade, and in 1964, he went to work for legendary Stax Records as a session pianist who also played saxophone. He also began writing songs with David Porter, and they penned the ’60s hits “Hold On, I’m Coming” and “Soul Man” for Sam and Dave.
His own star began to rise in 1969 with his ”Hot Buttered Soul.” With his shaven head, gold chains and sunglasses, he looked like a star, and his music sounded much different from established soul singers. He even used raps.
But his career-defining moment came in 1971, when the unforgettable ”Theme From Shaft,” from the film “Shaft” starring Richard Roundtree, hit No. 1.
Hayes received a standing ovation when he performed the song at the 1972 Oscars. He won an Academy of Award for song of the year and was nominated for best score. He won two Grammys for the song and score.
In 1972, he won another Grammy for his album “Black Moses.”
Along with composed scores for the films “Tough Guys” and “Truck Turner,” he appeared in several movies, including “It Could Happen to You,” “Ninth Street,” ”Reindeer Games,” “I’m Gonna Git You, Sucka” and “Hustle & Flow.”
For younger generations, Hayes was best known as the voice of Chef on the animated TV show “South Park.” He took the voiceover role in 1997, playing the common-sense though crazily amorous school cook.
He quit the show in 2006 after an episode skewering Tom Cruise and Scientology, Hayes’ religion.
Hayes was named to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.
The New York Times reports that Hayes had a part in the upcoming movie “Soul Men,” starring Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac, the comic/actor who died Saturday.
Hayes, who was on his fourth marriage, is survived his wife, Adjowa; their son, Nana; and 11 other children, according to the New York Times obituary.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends and fans.
-BAM
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