In Memoriam
Isaac Hayes
August 20, 1942 – August 10, 2008 · aged 65
Soul · Funk · R&B
Isaac Hayes was a towering figure in the evolution of soul music, celebrated for his deeply resonant baritone voice and his lush, cinematic production style. Born in Tennessee in 1942, Hayes initially made his mark as a brilliant songwriter and producer for Stax Records, co-writing hits like 'Soul Man.' In 1969, he revolutionized the genre with his solo album 'Hot Buttered Soul,' abandoning the standard three-minute pop format in favor of sprawling, symphonic soul epics featuring extended spoken monologues. His crowning achievement came in 1971 with the soundtrack for the film 'Shaft.' The iconic, wah-wah guitar-driven 'Theme from Shaft' earned him an Academy Award, making him the first Black artist to win an Oscar in a non-acting category. Later introducing himself to a new generation as the voice of Chef on 'South Park,' Hayes died of a stroke on August 10, 2008, at the age of 65. He remains the ultimate symbol of symphonic soul.
Milestones
Theme from Shaft, Walk On By, Hot Buttered Soul
Also remembered in 2008
- Bo Diddley (1928–2008)
- Eartha Kitt (1927–2008)
- Mitch Mitchell (1946–2008)
- Richard Wright (1943–2008)