Isaac Hayes, the soulful, baritone-voiced singer, keyboardist, and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2002) who gained international fame with his No. 1 megahit “Theme From Shaft,” died at his home in Memphis, Tenn., over the weekend. The cause of his death was not immediately reported.
Hayes, who was 65, was found unconscious Sunday near a treadmill by a family member and rushed to Baptist East Hospital in Memphis where he was pronounced dead, according to the Shelby County Sheriff’s office.
Hayes’ “Theme From Shaft” was the lead song from the 1971 movie Shaft, which starred Richard Roundtree. The song took home the Academy Award for best song, and won two Grammy Awards for best song and score. His career was somewhat resurrected in 1997 when he became the voice of South Park’s Chef, a role he continued until he left the show in 2006.
His first album, 1969’s Hot Buttered Soul, made Hayes a star, and he continued making music while also making a name for himself in Hollywood as an actor. He played numerous roles over the years in both movies and television, including his recurring role as Gandy Fitch on The Rockford Files, and the Duke in 1981’s cult classic Escape From New York.
Hayes was reportedly about to begin work on an album of new material for Stax, the legendary record label he helped build. He was born in Covington, Tenn., in 1942, and was raised by his maternal grandparents after his mother died and his father took off when he was barely two years old.
Check back later Tuesday for a more in-depth retrospective of this great artist.—Gabriel J. Hernandez