Biography
Isaac Hayes (1942-2008), born Isaac Lee Hayes Jr., was an American singer, songwriter, composer, producer and musician, and one of the most important figures in soul and funk music.He was born on August 20, 1942, in Covington, Tennessee, and was raised by his grandparents. From an early age, he sang in church and taught himself to play piano, organ and saxophone.
In the early 1960s, Hayes joined Stax Records as a session musician and began his celebrated partnership with David Porter. The duo wrote more than 200 songs, including classics such as "Soul Man", "Hold On, I'm Comin'" and "When Something Is Wrong with My Baby" for Sam & Dave. Their work helped define the Memphis soul sound.
In 1969, Hayes released Hot Buttered Soul, a groundbreaking album that expanded the boundaries of soul through extended compositions, rich orchestration and his distinctive deep voice. In 1971, he composed and performed the music for the film Shaft. The "Theme from Shaft" became a major hit and earned him the Academy Award for Best Original Song, as well as Grammy Awards.
Hayes also worked as an actor and became an active supporter of social and humanitarian causes. His music had a profound influence on soul, funk and later hip-hop, and he became one of the most influential artists in modern music. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005.
Isaac Hayes died on August 10, 2008, in Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 65.