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August 11th, 2008
11:46 AM ET
Isaac Hayes, 1942-2008Of 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
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ISAAC WILL FOREVER BE A#1, THE DUKE OF NEW YORK (Kurt Russell and The Mayor be damned)...
i will mac he was a great
One of the greatest. As to his religious beliefs, they should be of interest to only him and his God. RIP.
R.I.P.
Cannot forget the wah guitar effect on 'Shaft' and thats your finger print.
Thanks for your music.
Ari, Kosovo
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.
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.
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.
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.
Was very surprise to hear the passing of two great brothers, Isaac and Bernie, who will truly be missed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A true performer and a true individual to himself. Chef, the duke of NY, and the musical Shaft will be missed.
They say this cat Ike was a bad mutha....
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)
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".
...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. !!
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mr. Hayes, im gonna miss you dearly because the music you made really touched soul REST IN PEACE (JOHN SHAFT)
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.
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.
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!
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
let's not forget the years on the Rockford files
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
RIP, Isaac. See you on the other side.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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....
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.
Black Moses. In fashionable African outfits, Isaac showed us to be proud Black Kings. A Sultry voice, Musical Genius, Icon. RIP; Job well done!
Rest In Peace.
My sympathies to his family and friends.
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.
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.
Issac was Mr. Hot Buttered Soul himself. He will be truly missed.
wow what a weekend I am just trying to accept Bernie amc and now Isaac Hayes.??????????? Rip
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??
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.
His 'Hot Buttered Soul' album is a masterpiece! Issac Hayes will most definitely be missed.
Just the mention of his name, music or acting brings back so many teenage memories for me. He will be missed but never forgotten!
Ike the Ripper will forever live in his accomplishments. Amen Frank! He's still A#1.
Good nite Black Moses
No where is the media mentioning Issac Hayes' appearances as Gandy Fitch in "The Rockford Files." He was the epitome of cool.
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.
"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.
Since he is in fact a scientologist, where does his spirit go?
The DUKE of NEW YORK IS STILL A#1!!