MEMPHIS, Tenn. Aug., 10, 2008

Oscar-Winning Singer Isaac Hayes Dead

"Hot Buttered Soul" Made Him Famous Four Decades Ago, "Theme From Shaft" Won Prestigious Awards

  • In this early 1970s file photo, Isaac Hayes is shown. Hayes, the pioneering singer, songwriter and musician whose relentless Photo

    In this early 1970s file photo, Isaac Hayes is shown. Hayes, the pioneering singer, songwriter and musician whose relentless "Theme From Shaft" won Academy and Grammy awards, has been found dead at home. He was 65. The Shelby County Sheriff's Office says a family member found Hayes unresponsive near a treadmill on Aug. 10, 2008.  (AP PHOTO)

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(AP)  Isaac Hayes, the pioneering singer, songwriter and musician whose relentless "Theme From Shaft" won Academy and Grammy awards, died Sunday, the Shelby County Sheriff's Office said. He was 65.

A family member found Hayes unresponsive near a treadmill and he was pronounced dead about an hour later at Baptist East Hospital in Memphis, according to the sheriff's office. The cause of death was not immediately known.

In the early 1970s, Hayes laid the groundwork for disco, for what became known as urban-contemporary music and for romantic crooners like Barry White. And he was rapping before there was rap.

His career hit another high in 1997 when he became the voice of Chef, the sensible school cook and devoted ladies man on the animated TV show "South Park."

The album "Hot Buttered Soul" made Hayes a star in 1969. His shaven head, gold chains and sunglasses gave him a compelling visual image.

"Hot Buttered Soul" was groundbreaking in several ways: He sang in a "cool" style unlike the usual histrionics of big-time soul singers. He prefaced the song with "raps," and the numbers ran longer than three minutes with lush arrangements.

"Jocks would play it at night," Hayes recalled in a 1999 Associated Press interview. "They could go to the bathroom, they could get a sandwich, or whatever."

Next came "Theme From Shaft," a No. 1 hit in 1971 from the film "Shaft" starring Richard Roundtree.

"That was like the shot heard round the world," Hayes said in the 1999 interview.

At the Oscar ceremony in 1972, Hayes performed the song wearing an eye-popping amount of gold and received a standing ovation. TV Guide later chose it as No. 18 in its list of television's 25 most memorable moments. He won an Academy Award for the song and was nominated for another one for the score. The song and score also won him two Grammys.

"The rappers have gone in and created a lot of hit music based upon my influence," he said. "And they'll tell you if you ask."

Hayes was elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.

"I knew nothing about the business, or trends and things like that," he said. "I think it was a matter of timing. I didn't know what was unfolding."

A self-taught musician, he was hired in 1964 by Stax Records of Memphis as a backup pianist, working as a session musician for Otis Redding and others. He also played saxophone.

He began writing songs, establishing a songwriting partnership with David Porter, and in the 1960s they wrote such hits for Sam and Dave as "Hold On, I'm Coming" and "Soul Man."

All this led to his recording contract.

In 1972, he won another Grammy for his album "Black Moses" and earned a nickname he reluctantly embraced. Hayes composed film scores for "Tough Guys" and "Truck Turner" besides "Shaft." He also did the song "Two Cool Guys" on the "Beavis and Butt-Head Do America" movie soundtrack in 1996.

Additionally, he was the voice of Nickelodeon's "Nick at Nite" and had radio shows in New York City (1996 to 2002) and then in Memphis.

He was in several movies, including "It Could Happen to You" with Nicolas Cage, "Ninth Street" with Martin Sheen, "Reindeer Games" starring Ben Affleck and the blaxploitation parody "I'm Gonna Git You, Sucka."

In the 1999 interview, Hayes described the South Park cook as "a person that speaks his mind; he's sensitive enough to care for children; he's wise enough to not be put into the 'whack' category like everybody else in town - and he l-o-o-o-o-ves the ladies."

But Hayes angrily quit the show in 2006 after an episode mocked his Scientology religion. "There is a place in this world for satire, but there is a time when satire ends and intolerance and bigotry towards religious beliefs of others begins," he said.

Co-creator creators Matt Stone responded that Hayes "has no problem - and he's cashed plenty of checks - with our show making fun of Christians." A subsequent episode of the show seemingly killed off the Chef character.

Hayes was born in 1942 in a tin shack in Covington, Tenn., about 40 miles north of Memphis. He was raised by his maternal grandparents after his mother died and his father took off when he was 1½. The family moved to Memphis when he was 6.

Hayes wanted to be a doctor, but got redirected when he won a talent contest in ninth grade by singing Nat King Cole's "Looking Back."

He held down various low-paying jobs, including shining shoes on the legendary Beale Street in Memphis. He also played gigs in rural Southern juke joints where at times he had to hit the floor because someone began shooting.

© MMVIII The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Add a Comment See all 46 Comments
by timdgrim August 10, 2008 7:57 PM EDT
What a Iconic voice. Thanks for the memories Issac.
Reply to this comment
by omega39-2009 August 10, 2008 8:10 PM EDT
I always kind of wished he could have made it back to Southpark.
Reply to this comment
by txgrouch2006 August 10, 2008 8:16 PM EDT
I really liked his theme for "Sanford and Son."

That was tasty.
Reply to this comment
by txgrouch2006 August 10, 2008 8:19 PM EDT
He was GREAT as the voice of the man-eating flower in the "Little Shop of Horrors." Although I think he was a little too rough on the poor kid who raised him.
Reply to this comment
by misspp-2009 August 10, 2008 8:20 PM EDT
I love you, Isaac. Rest in peace.
Reply to this comment
by duke284 August 10, 2008 8:21 PM EDT
RIP Isaac Hayes. My regards to your family and close friends.

This just goes to show you that life is too short and we must hold true and be dear to ever moment we have on Earth.
Reply to this comment
by pvperson August 10, 2008 8:39 PM EDT
Yeah, Scientology lost one of isn''t most nutworthy.
Reply to this comment
by thcarson-2009 August 10, 2008 8:47 PM EDT
Say hi to Xenu!!
Reply to this comment
by charlieot August 10, 2008 8:52 PM EDT
RIP...

He played one of my all-time favorite tv roles, Gandy in "The Rockford Files." The character that perfectly fit the voice and physical presence of the man.
Reply to this comment
by soshljustic August 10, 2008 9:00 PM EDT
Now that he is in the giant space ship in the sky, maybe the scientologists will reocde his engrams so that he can come back and work on South Park again, reurrect his character, and then he can learn to accept money in laughter at the etic of his own belief systems, as long as his engrams tell him its ok to do towards anothers belief systems
Reply to this comment
by rodnacious August 10, 2008 9:00 PM EDT
Two of the best in the Entertainment Business have left us this week. I thank God for having been apart of the eras of both men - May God bless them and welcome them.
Reply to this comment
by haoli25 August 10, 2008 9:04 PM EDT
So long, "I Stand Accused''.
Reply to this comment
by dirtyharry02 August 10, 2008 9:29 PM EDT
RIP Isaac. "How much for an order of ribs, boy I sure am hugry" He played a great role opposite Chris Rock in, "I''m Gonna Get You Sucker". He was also a great artist. You left too soon, Isaac. God Bless you and your family.
Reply to this comment
by kamsack50 August 10, 2008 9:30 PM EDT
I never thought but, yeah, he may have been the guy or one of the guys who started that 70s cool, over-the-top black ego trip. It was a bit much and the white entertainment industry was layin'' everything at their feet. But in a sad way, it marked the end for the blues, whose tradition and even memory has been further killed off by rap and hip-hop.
But I don''t really attribute (blame) Hayes for intro''ing rap. Sure, he talked, but so did a lot of black singers.
Anyway, Hayes did do memorable smooth takes on songs like By the Time I Get To Phoenix and Walk On By that you could really get into. And that whole 70s era of afros and flared jeans and Angela Davis can look pretty sweet from where we are now.
Reply to this comment
by dakotaclark August 10, 2008 10:01 PM EDT
Hmmm...

While exercising on a treadmill at home, yet another entertainment legend gets his last promotion to a higher calling...

Isaac Hayes was a magician; by the wasy he could translate lyrics or the printed word to something that could catch peoples'' ears and attention.

When people heard his voice, they would listen.

He also served as an inspiration to many others.

Thank you for being who you were; and, good luck on your next journey.

Reply to this comment
by brianbwb-2009 August 10, 2008 10:15 PM EDT
Among the great works of this great man is a song sung by Dionne warwick, "Deja Vu", a song with otherworldly beauty and elegance, both in lyric and music, one of my personal favorites.

Mr Hayes did indeed shape the direction of modern music as only a few have been able to do, and the world is truly emptier without him.

RIP Mr Hayes, and thank you for the beauty you contributed to the world.
Reply to this comment
by antepamfe200 August 10, 2008 10:58 PM EDT
Issac, may God give your family and friends the peace that only he can give at this time of sorrow. Issac, may you rest in the loving arms of God.
Reply to this comment
by sparkbox August 10, 2008 10:58 PM EDT
I wonder if Matt and Trey will attend the funeral?
"I''m gonna make love to ya woman...."
Reply to this comment
by jenny1233-2009 August 10, 2008 11:05 PM EDT


I am a former utility analyst and chief analyst of a large bank.

Who pays for nuclear power plants?

We do. The Public Utilities float a bond issue ...we pay the principal and interest on the 5 billion dollar bond issued for each plant even while the plants are being constructed over 3-5 years. Mc Cain wants to build 45 nuclear power plants. 45 times 5 equals 225 billion if there are no cost over-runs for delayed construction (dream on). The public consumers will pay for these plants.


We will pay with much higher utility rates. Oh and the government will also contribute some of our tax dollars possibly or especially if there are cost over-runs.




Reply to this comment
by jenny1233-2009 August 10, 2008 11:09 PM EDT
Thank You Isaac for all of your beautiful music. May God rest your soul.

I am so sorry, I just accidentally posted a note about Mc Cain on this comment zone.

I apologize to the fans and family and friends of Mr. Hayes.

Thank you Isaac for all of your beautiful music.
Reply to this comment
by downtowner97 August 10, 2008 11:20 PM EDT
His E meter readings are zero, his thetans are gone, and he is with Lord Xenu now. And to think it only cost him a few million dollars.
Reply to this comment
by idnnsg August 10, 2008 11:47 PM EDT
I don''t exactly know why, but I always liked Isaac Hayes. I was very sad to hear that he lost his mind and became an antiScience-ologist. I am no less sad today, but I agree with the general sentiment that the world is better off with one less of those brainwashed e-meter addicts. May their numbers continue to dwindle until nobody will ever go to another Tom Cruise or Johnny Revolting or Will Smith movie and David Miscavige''s coffers are emptied!
Reply to this comment
by meinnv August 11, 2008 12:49 AM EDT
My god, another one. Gone too soon. I will always remember the theme song from "Shaft" and his role as a reporter in "It Can Happen to You". May God bless his family at this time.
Reply to this comment
by tiellex August 11, 2008 1:50 AM EDT
May your beautiful "hot buttered soul" rest in peace Mr. Hayes...
Reply to this comment
by spadeisspade August 11, 2008 2:06 AM EDT
May Isaac Hayes rest in peace in the big UFO in the sky...you know..the one behind the comet and all.
Reply to this comment
by tbweb August 11, 2008 3:23 AM EDT
Heaven just acquired another talented entertainer.
Reply to this comment
by puritan9 August 11, 2008 4:24 AM EDT
One of the best musicians ever!
Reply to this comment
by downtowner97 August 11, 2008 4:51 AM EDT
Stan: "They killed Chef!"
Kyle: "You basstards!"
Kenny: "Aff leaff iph wathn me"
Reply to this comment
by brianbwb-2009 August 11, 2008 4:56 AM EDT
"Hold On, I''m Comin"
"When Something Is Wrong With My Baby"
"Deja Vu"
"Theme from Shaft"
"Walk On By"
"I Stand Accused"
"By the Time I Get To Phoenix"
"Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalamistic"
"Do Your Thing"
"Theme from Bumpy''s Bar"

Just some of the superlative-defying contributions this man gave the world.

Thank you, Mr Hayes, and good night.

BTW, walshsmith1 is a hater who lies, and claims the lie as from AP. Whether anit "Black", anti Scientologist, or just anti sanity, you have issues...
Reply to this comment
by abmitus August 11, 2008 5:39 AM EDT
IDNNSG

You stupid inbreed ***!!!

ESADMF!!!!!!
Reply to this comment
by abmitus August 11, 2008 5:39 AM EDT
IDNNSG

You stupid inbreed ***!!!

ESADMF!!!!!!
Reply to this comment
by mick7744 August 11, 2008 7:36 AM EDT
He was GREAT as the voice of the man-eating flower in the "Little Shop of Horrors."
Posted by txgrouch2006

True...Issac Hayes was a great performer/writer and a major influence on today''s music...he was a rapper long before there was rap, but I believe credit for playing Audrey II in, ''Little Shop of Horrors''should in all fairness go to Levi Stubbs of The Four Topps.

An easy mistake for anyone to make.
Reply to this comment
by slim1h2o August 11, 2008 8:16 AM EDT
He was GREAT as the voice of the man-eating flower in the "Little Shop of Horrors."
Posted by txgrouch2006

Sorry,,,that was Levi Stubbs, of the 4 Tops that did the voice of the plant.
Reply to this comment
by oneworldusa August 11, 2008 9:16 AM EDT
Heaven has been collecting legends lately... :(
Reply to this comment
by impeach__w August 11, 2008 10:39 AM EDT
With all the stuff going on in the world this was the worst news all week. So much talent. GoodBye Issac
Reply to this comment
by thewarning2 August 11, 2008 11:03 AM EDT
RIP Isaac Hayes!!!!
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by carlylaine August 11, 2008 11:53 AM EDT
I did not agree with his ''chosen'' religion'', but then I don''t like any of the religions-they''re all man-made...the point is he was iconic and fantastic and it''s sad when someone of his remarkable caliber BITES THE BIG ONE.

Reply to this comment
by sfden August 11, 2008 3:00 PM EDT
The whole "church" business notwithstanding, he was as cool as cool gets - RIP, Baby
Reply to this comment
by bretster7 August 11, 2008 7:53 PM EDT
txgrouch said,
I really liked his theme for "Sanford and Son."

That was tasty.





That was Quincy Jones.
Reply to this comment
by inventagod2 August 11, 2008 8:56 PM EDT

Now, THAT man was cool!
Reply to this comment
by barbaraf4 August 11, 2008 10:40 PM EDT
I was just stepping off of my own treadmill when I heard that Mr. Hayes had been found unconscious next to his still-running treadmill. Obviously Mr. Hayes did not wear his key/clip designed to shut off the treadmill if you fall. I don''t wear mine either. Someday you will read that I was found unconscious next to my still-running treadmill.
Reply to this comment
by Syndicate August 11, 2008 10:45 PM EDT
The south park stuff actually gets spooky. Rumor has it that Hayes suffered a massive stroke and could no longer do Chef. The church of Scientology got involved and used his leaving the show for health reasons as a way to attack the show. Of course Hayes was in no condition after the stroke to do anything or say anything about it.
Reply to this comment
by Syndicate August 11, 2008 11:04 PM EDT
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,401321,00.html

This is the article talking about the cult influence.
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by isabel36-2009 August 12, 2008 1:16 AM EDT
It''s too bad that so many cannot recognize him for the forerunner of rap and the icon that he was. Instead, I read about his influence on some cartoon show.

RIP, Isaac!
Reply to this comment
by tootsie1963 August 12, 2008 11:50 AM EDT
I HAD THE CHANCE TO MEET ISAAC IN VEGAS JUST PASSING THROUGH THE FLAMINGO...HE WAS A VERY NICE MAN
Reply to this comment
by meanbiker August 12, 2008 1:48 PM EDT
Listening to Isaac on Pandora.com Thanks for the memories Isaac.. What GREAT MUSIC YOU MADE.. RIP..
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