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August 11, 2008

Isaac Hayes, 1942-2008

Posted: 11:46 AM ET

Of course all the Isaac Hayes obituaries are leading with “Theme from ‘Shaft,’ ” the No. 1 song that won Hayes an Oscar and Grammy and became his most famous hit.

Isaac Hayes was an accomplished writer, producer and singer.

And then they mention his performance as Chef in “South Park,” which earned Hayes a whole new generation of fans (many of whom can recite the lyrics to “Chocolate Salty Balls” from memory).

But let’s not forget about Hayes’ other contributions: writer, producer, and - yes - fashion plate.

Through his involvement with Stax Records, the Memphis label that was home to Sam and Dave, Otis Redding, Carla Thomas and Booker T. and the MGs, Hayes - with partner David Porter - created some of the most indelible soul classics: “Soul Man,” “Hold On, I’m Comin’ ” (which, legend has it, was inspired by a bathroom break), “I Thank You.”

He then expanded the genre with his 1969 album “Hot Buttered Soul,” which consisted of four songs - one of them a monumental 18-minute version of Jimmy Webb’s “By the Time I Get to Phoenix.” “With the release of this album, Motown suddenly seemed manufactured and James Brown a bit too theatrical,” writes Allmusic.com’s Jason Birchmeier.

And the Hayes look? Unforgettable: proudly bald, heavily jeweled, wearing flowing outfits befitting an African king. “It was almost as if he was made to be a musical god,” writes The Associated Press’ Nekesa Mumbi Moody.

We can dig it.

– Todd Leopold, CNN.com Entertainment Producer

Filed under: Uncategorized


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Frank   August 11th, 2008 12:33 pm ET

The DUKE of NEW YORK IS STILL A#1!!

Ben   August 11th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Since he is in fact a scientologist, where does his spirit go?

Chilly, Dallas Tx.   August 11th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

"Black Moses" I have met this man and one of the coolet people you'll ever meet, back in the day if it wasn't Motown it was Stax, real, uncut, concetrated SOUL, a Icon a Legend, and will definetley be missed.

R.I.P.

LaShawn , Pensacola FL   August 11th, 2008 12:46 pm ET

Bernie Mac died on Saturday and Isaac Hayes on Sunday. This was one sad weekend. Not to mention the death of John Edwards political career. Man, this really puts things in perspective. that why we have to value our relationships. we never know when people will be taken away form us. What a tragedy and also a wake-up call.

Steve, Arizona   August 11th, 2008 12:50 pm ET

No where is the media mentioning Issac Hayes' appearances as Gandy Fitch in "The Rockford Files." He was the epitome of cool.

Jon   August 11th, 2008 12:56 pm ET

Good nite Black Moses

James   August 11th, 2008 12:59 pm ET

Ike the Ripper will forever live in his accomplishments. Amen Frank! He's still A#1.

Michele, Missouri   August 11th, 2008 1:02 pm ET

Just the mention of his name, music or acting brings back so many teenage memories for me. He will be missed but never forgotten!

Jeanne   August 11th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

His 'Hot Buttered Soul' album is a masterpiece! Issac Hayes will most definitely be missed.

Travis Cowsill   August 11th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

It really is too bad that "fruity little club scrambled his brains".

Well, now that he's got the answers to what happens after one dies, I'm sure he's shaking his after-worldly head saying, "Scientology?... what the hell was I thinking, Childrens?!

Bye Chef.
we'll miss you...for real this time.

Jeremy   August 11th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

The man is still a hypocrite for leaving the South Park show over that episode. I still believe strongly the church of scientology had something to do with that decision.

I wonder if they saved hit pituitary gland so they could ressurect him later in the future??

Ebony H   August 11th, 2008 1:16 pm ET

wow what a weekend I am just trying to accept Bernie amc and now Isaac Hayes.??????????? Rip

joyce   August 11th, 2008 1:17 pm ET

Issac was Mr. Hot Buttered Soul himself. He will be truly missed.

Patricia, Indianapolis   August 11th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

A legendary icon that will be truly missed but his music, movies and true character will allways be remembered. I had the opportunity to eat at his resturant in Memphis and it was great and feeling like his music. No one but God knew you were going to join Bernie Mac this weekend. May you both keep the angels laughing and singing to the highest note. My condolences to your families.

A Scientologist   August 11th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

Issac Hayes was without a doubt a huge contribution to pop culture up and down the generation scale. His accomplishments are inspiring and deserving for the humble man he was.

I personally, will never forget him and praise him for being open about his "controversial" religious philosophy that is always somehow on the defensive side when it comes to the media.

To answer your question Ben, his spirit will go through reincarnation where another body will be blessed to have such a great mind relived.

Not all of us are like the zealous Tom Cruise. In fact, most of us keep our views under wraps because, well you know, we believe in Ailiens or whatever.

Goodbye Isaac and thank you for all your contributions. Truly a blessing.

Kate   August 11th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

Rest In Peace.

My sympathies to his family and friends.

Gigi   August 11th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

Black Moses. In fashionable African outfits, Isaac showed us to be proud Black Kings. A Sultry voice, Musical Genius, Icon. RIP; Job well done!

Rochea Richardson   August 11th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

I wont to express my condolences to his family. He was quite the man It truly hurt me to hear that he had passed on. He will truly be missed.

Chef   August 11th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

Suck on my chocolate, salty balls. Put 'em in your mouth (*put 'em in your mouth), and suck 'em and suck 'em and suck 'em....

Lorrene   August 11th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

The world has truly lost two icons. Rest in Peace The Original King of Comedy (Bernie Mac) and Black Moses. You both will be missed, but not forgotten.

shirley henfield   August 11th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

Hayes was a true icon. His music brought back beautiful childhood memories. They don't make music like anymore , what shame. Rest in peace, you will be missed.

F.B. Jordan   August 11th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes are up in heaven; Bernie Mac telling jokes and Isaac Hayes singing and playing. Heaven has been rocking and laughing for the past few days.

Kevin   August 11th, 2008 2:00 pm ET

I had the Black Moses poster on the wall in my room as a teenager. It was inspirational. I listened to his albums regularly back then and have all of them on my IPOD today. I will think of him as his songs shuffle through. He was truly unique. RIP, Black Moses.

Brenda, Louisiana   August 11th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

I still believe that every woman in America wants to meet the man who makes her feel that these words (as only Isaac Hayes could sing them) are true____ "I stand accused of loving you too much, and I hope, I hope it's not a crime-because I'm GUILTY of loving you...."
He was a talent conglomerate all by himself.

Shon P. Connors   August 11th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

Isaac Hayes will be truly missed, I love his performance in Robin Hood: Men in Tights! Send my sympathy to his family and friends.

Shon P. Connors

Isaac Hayes and Bernie Mac Dead « Beats & Bombs Weblog   August 11th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

[...] Isaac Hayes, 1942-2008 [...]

Denise a/k/a/nise   August 11th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

I truly Love me some Bernie Mac- when that man comes out on stage
you will laugh from beginning to end and I did because I could totally relate to where he was coming from- I am so shocked, last but not least Issac Hayes – I was born in 59 and I was hip to his Hot buttered soul album- I was only ten and I loved him way back then – he is a true Shaft- you'll both will be missed.

Tuco Ramirez   August 11th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

RIP, Isaac. See you on the other side.

Vee   August 11th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

This was indeed a truly unforgetable weekend. Sincerest condolences to the family of Bernie Mac and Isac Hayes. Two great talents that will be forever missed.

DarkGem   August 11th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

The world has lost yet another talented figure. First Bo diddley, Bernie Mac, and now Mr. Isaac hayes. You all will be missed dearly. May your families find peace and comfort in these times.

Erick P.   August 11th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

Isaac Hayes was truly an icon for the ages. His music inspired many generations. He was well respected in the music industry, and will always be remembered.

Sun   August 11th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

Man...Im only 22 years old, but I can remember when I was growing up and my mom would wake us up to clean the house early saturday morning...Isaac Hayes blasting through the house...I sure do miss those days.

jerry harrison   August 11th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

Thirty years ago, I worked with Isaac Hayes on a show I created and produced called "the Roots of Rock 'n' Roll" and interviewing him fo for the show I tried to get him to laugh (on camera) and take him away from his tough guy image...he was a soft hearted guy in real life.

During a break on the show I asked Barry White if he wanted to go down the street to have some Japanese food he did and I then asked Isaac to join us. Trying to think of something to get him laughing out loud..as we walked, with me in the middle of Isaac and Barry..both a foot taller than I..I turned to Isaac and simply said "do you know what i feel like now?" He said in his deep voice, "what'?...I replied "A walking Oreo cookie"...he laughed for blocks. A laugh I will never forget.. a great great guy.
Jerry Harrison

Johnnie Shields   August 11th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

Yes, He and Bernie Mac were truly Icon's, and they both will be missed very much, my prayers go out to their famlies. I can just vision them two in heaven having an soulful time, joking and singing. God bless them both. Amen

richard monroe   August 11th, 2008 3:08 pm ET

let's not forget the years on the Rockford files

Delise Means   August 11th, 2008 3:11 pm ET

Words cannot express the sadness I feel in my heart for Isaac Hayes and Bernie Mac. Though I never met these men, I enjoyed watching Bernie Mac and I listen to Isaac Hayes music at least 4 to 5 times a month. They will be missed but not forgotten.

Delise Means

VJF   August 11th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

I can remember going to see Isaac Hayes back in the day with his chairs-he was great! There's another angel, first Bernie and now Isaac.....having a great time together just as thery were making that movie that's going to be released in November. Now it has to be a blockbuster!

EDL   August 11th, 2008 4:25 pm ET

I met the man in the mid '90s. It was a brief meeting, but enough to realize his coolness factor was out the roof, and he was a down to earth man and caring man. He will be missed.

Debbie   August 11th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

When I lived in Panama at the ripe old age of 13, I would listen to his album. My favortie song then and now is "I just don't know what to do with myself" I managed to get a copy about 5 or 6 ago and still until this day, play it. Through the good and the bad days. He and Bernie Mac will be missed.

Allan Ware   August 11th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

Mr. Hayes, im gonna miss you dearly because the music you made really touched soul REST IN PEACE (JOHN SHAFT)

30yr music professional   August 11th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

There is only 1 Isaac Hayes. There will never be another. He set a standard that many have followed in music, music for film and television. He cannot be replaced nor should he be.

mary of kenner   August 11th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

i truly will miss da both of them. i watch bernie mac show everytime it airs and i listens to issac every time me and my girls sit at the round table having cocktails.

Diane from Irving, Texas   August 11th, 2008 5:32 pm ET

What a loss for all of us who lived through the 70s and 80s, Issac's music rocked us good; and Bernie Mac's humor will be missed, both were very good entertainers, my prayers extended to their families.

Sheri   August 11th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

My Blessing go out to the family and many friends and family of Mr. Issac Hayes. I will forever have memories through movies and music a true Legend never dies. Rest in Peace.

janice martin   August 11th, 2008 5:52 pm ET

To a man that will truely be miss by all old and new fans,we can'r say enough about this man R.I.P. love always

mechelle   August 11th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

Some of you need to thank God as well as Isaac...cause you may have been made to his music if you know what I mean. I know my neice was.

Tom   August 11th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

I will never forget listening to "Black Moses" & "Hot Buttered Soul" while trying to work on calculus theorems in college and drinking lots of coffee. Many fond memories memories of my early adulthood include Isaac--one in a generation, for sure. God Bless & rest in peace, Brother.

Frank Luna   August 11th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

...as it was told by my elders:, Enjoy your company for you never know when they are called home. From his early writings on music (Hold on I'm Comin, & Soul Man), I've admired Mr. Hayes works & my most favorite is the MPST – Shaft. My favorite cut was (and still is) "Cafe Regios" So long as his music is played be it from a record or a CD, and reruns of South Park are aired, Issac Hayes will live forever. First is was Bernie Mac, and now, Issac Hayes. R.I.P. !!

Ms. Leo   August 11th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

Isaac Hayes made being bald sexy! It wasn't a "look" before him. It was something that happen to men of a certain age. Isaac Hayes changed that. It wasn't just a bald head ...it was sexy! The muscles, the leather and the chain vest at the ward show change forever they way men were viewed. Men might have did the bald thing after that but he set the standard. He made it OK and he made it "Cool".

Nick Affolter, Spring Valley, San Diego CA   August 11th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

SHAFT, TRUCK TURNER, THREE TOUGH GUYS.... they are all real legends in the Blackexploitation-movie scene and it is really fair, more than deserved, that Mr. Isaac Hayes won that golden statue called Oscar back in the days of 1971/1972!
Songs like Soulsville (O.S.T. Shaft) or the instumental golden gem of The Pursuit of the Pimpmobile are already true legends in the history of music.
I just want to say thank you so much, Isaac, for every tone, for every hearable sound you gave us during your life and when Richard Roundtree or Samuel L. Jackson are still walking around as Shaft on the screens, your spirit will be around us and please, dear Isaac, help us here on earth to dig it!
ISAAC HAYES – It's HOT, it's HIP, it's HAYES!
(FOREVER)

Bumpy   August 11th, 2008 7:37 pm ET

They say this cat Ike was a bad mutha....

John   August 11th, 2008 7:54 pm ET

A true performer and a true individual to himself. Chef, the duke of NY, and the musical Shaft will be missed.

Tirrone Lillie   August 11th, 2008 8:25 pm ET

On behalf of all those that I have encountered over the last few days...We love you B Mac and Sir Hayes. To the families, my condolences.

Ruth   August 11th, 2008 8:51 pm ET

This great man's songs shall always ring in my heart I grew up with "walk on By". His words to all these songs are true to form forever.

Craig   August 11th, 2008 9:03 pm ET

A few months ago, I asked some of the thirty something guys in my dept. if they knew who Black Moses was. They had no idea. They had to turn in their brother cards. I Told them to look for the Hot Buttered Soul Cd. and to get them back. BLACK MOSES, you will be missed by us all.

NadineBee   August 11th, 2008 9:32 pm ET

I agree with the posting on Isaac's reason for leaving South Park. I believe scientology was behind his departure. He was far too cool and laidback to have left just over one episode. I bet Tiny Tom went personally to their even Tinier leader d asked him to make the "call" to Isaac.
Mr. Hayes was cool, dark, bald, dressed to kill and super cool.

davie   August 11th, 2008 10:04 pm ET

He could laugh at everyone else's belief except his own. A hypocrite to the end. May he enjoy his spaceship. But seriously, he will be missed.

katie   August 11th, 2008 10:52 pm ET

Was very surprise to hear the passing of two great brothers, Isaac and Bernie, who will truly be missed.

Dede   August 12th, 2008 1:31 am ET

A successful Academy Award/Grammy songwriter, actor and presenter, Black Moses will be missed AND never forgotten.

My condolences to the Hayes Family on their unsensible loss.

Tammy Ivey   August 12th, 2008 4:48 am ET

In my house hold you grew up with Issac Hayes as a child. It was like he was part of the family. We always watched Shaft with Richard Roundtree. It is so hard to believe that he left. See you on the other side Black Moses rest in peace.

Geraldyne   August 12th, 2008 6:26 am ET

My prayers go out to the family of Isaac Hayes at this time. I loved his music and now he is in heaven singing "Shaft" and being simply cool. Rest in Peace.

Liz from Kenya   August 12th, 2008 6:52 am ET

What a shock to hear about the passing on of Isaac Hayes and Bernie Mac. I grew up on Isaac Hayes "By the time I get to Phoenix". Didn't know where the hell Phoenix was but I loved the song. May his soul rest in in eternal peace.

Bernie Mac was too young to die. His show still runs everyweek here in Kenya. I am sure he will be tickling everyone's ribs in heaven. Rest in peace.

Ari   August 12th, 2008 7:43 am ET

R.I.P.

Cannot forget the wah guitar effect on 'Shaft' and thats your finger print.

Thanks for your music.

Ari, Kosovo

Njema wa Mutura   August 12th, 2008 7:49 am ET

One of the greatest. As to his religious beliefs, they should be of interest to only him and his God. RIP.

nancy   August 12th, 2008 8:33 am ET

i will mac he was a great

Jonny D   August 18th, 2008 12:33 pm ET

ISAAC WILL FOREVER BE A#1, THE DUKE OF NEW YORK (Kurt Russell and The Mayor be damned)...

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