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Isaac Hayes, the iconic Grammy and Academy Award-winning singer songwriter with the buttery soul baritone voice, died this afternoon at his Memphis home. Hayes was one of the most important musical artists of the late 1960s and early to late 1970s, ushering in the new disco movement and branding the Memphis sound with the legendary Stax Records. The New York Times.
With his muscular build, shiny head and sunglasses, Hayes cut a striking figure at a time when most of his contemporaries were sporting Afros. His music, which came to be known as urban-contemporary, paved the way for disco as well as romantic crooners like Barry White.
And in his spoken-word introductions and interludes, Hayes was essentially 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.''
''Isaac Hayes embodies everything that's soul music,'' Collin Stanback, an A&R executive at Stax, told The Associated Press on Sunday. ''When you think of soul music you think of Isaac Hayes -- the expression ... the sound and the creativity that goes along with it.''
Hayes was currently working on a new album for Stax. The legendary singer had just finished work on a movie called Soul Men, in which he played himself, starring Samuel Jackson and Bernie Mac, who, unfortunately also died this weekend.
The YouTube below is Isaac Hayes' most excellent version of the Burt Bacharach classic "Walk On By." It's from his 1969's LP Hot Buttered Soul, one of our favorite tracks, and, perfectly embodies the layered texture of Hayes' sound. If you prefer to remember Isaac Hayes by listening to his Oscar-winning "Theme From Shaft", that is here. True disco aficionados will enjoy the YouTube of Hayes' fierce "I Can't Turn Around" from 1975's Chocolate Chip. If you're not familiar with the track, crank up the volume at the break that begins at about 2:40, turn down the lights, imagine a reverb and smoke machine, a few hundred shirtless high school and college-aged boys. This was how "house" music began at the old Warehouse and Powerplant in Chicago in the early and mid eighties.
Isaac Hayes' passing is very sad news. As a little boy growing up in the late seventies, I remember Hayes' iconic Live At The Sahara Tahoe was one of my& ; mom's fave albums. This was a double album, those were quite rare then, and it pulled out into a poster. IIRC, the liner notes were embossed on the reverse. When music was music. What memories.
Isaac Hayes was 65.
This is very sad. First Bernie Mac, then Isaac Hayes. Who is next?
Posted by: Charles Wilson | 10 August 2008 at 20:12
Hey Rod welcome back and thanks for the walk down memory lane. Isaac Hayes voice was incomparable and he certainly was an icon. I am very familiar with much of his work but did not know he had such an influence on disco. Oh, and I Can't Turn Around has a masterful break.
Posted by: Alan T | 10 August 2008 at 20:16
Isaac Hayes RIP. Your music and talents will be missed.
Posted by: Anderson | 10 August 2008 at 20:17
Sad and shocking ...
Posted by: S. Flemming | 10 August 2008 at 21:03
Wow. I thought I was the only one who loved 'Walk On By.' What an incredibly talented voice. Even his voice overs on South Park were genius.
Posted by: Davey | 10 August 2008 at 21:09
I also was a huge Isaac Hayes fan and am clearly saddened by his loss. His music was magical Didn't know you were also a fan Rod.
Posted by: Albert | 11 August 2008 at 00:29
Was it a coincidence that you take a few days off after questioning the integrity of a major black gay HIV organization? Now you return and ignore Bernie Mac's death and focus on Isaac Hayes.
I will no longer support this site.
Posted by: Not a Fan | 11 August 2008 at 00:34
As I said, the ballroom queens are saying this in every post since that POCC drama. What does that have to do with Isaac Hayes? And why can't the man take a few days off. Stop trolling and ruining the memory of this gifted singer.
Posted by: A. Ronald | 11 August 2008 at 01:04
I will forever remember the legacy and great music of Black Moses. Hayes was indeed a pioneer, a legend and a genius of music. His fine works found on the albums Hot Buttered Soul, To Be Continued, The Isaac Hayes Movement and Black Moses literally revolultionized how we listen to music today. I pray today's generation will take a hold to the beautiful creative works of Hayes...thanks for posting Rod. As I told you before, you know your ol' skool.
Im glad you mentioned the Live at Sahara Throne album...a definite moment in lounge soul music. And we talkin' bout neo-soul like it's a new thang! LOL. Definitely loved his goregous rendition of "Windows of the World." Legendary!!!
Rest in peace Ike!
Posted by: J Matt | 11 August 2008 at 05:13
"I Can't Turn Around," had the whole club screaming and sweating many nights back in the days of Catacombs in Philly. Thank you Brother Hayes.
Posted by: freeleo | 11 August 2008 at 10:20
As with a lot of our greats that pass on, I pull out there music and just listen. Quite simply, Issac Hayes changed music. He made it possible for black music to be expansive. If it weren't for Hot Buttered Soul (which I'm listening to now) we would not have What's Going On, Talking Book, or Extensions Of A Man. And Freelo, "Can't Turn Around"? That was House music before there was a word for it!
Posted by: Dluv | 11 August 2008 at 10:57
WELCOME BACK MY FRIEND. I HOPE YOU RESTED AND ARE READY FOR THE NEXT LEVEL!
THANKS FOR THIS POIGNANT PIECE ON "BLACK MOSES!" I REMEMBER SO MUCH OF HIS GREAT WORK, BUT MY FAVORITE IS HIS STUNNING 16:50 VERSION OF "BY THE TIME I GET TO PHOENIX!" IT'S SEXY, STIRRING AND HE TAKES HIS TIME WITH THIS STORY LIKE NOTHING ELSE THAT HAS EVER BEEN RECORDED. THANK YOU FOR PAYING TRIBUTE.
WHAT A WEEKEND OF LOSS AND STEVE HARVEY DID A GREAT SHOW TODAY, COMPLETELY DEDICATED TO BERNIE MAC, NOT A DISRESPECT TO ISAAC'S UNTIMELY DEATH, BUT IN REVERENCE TO HIS FRIEND. ROD ALWAYS FOCUSES ON MUSIC AND ISAAC'S PASSING IS MORE TO HIS CONTENT, WHILE BERNIE MAC, WHILE EQUALLY TRAGIC, HAPPENED DAYS AGO AND WOULD HAVE SEEMED LATE AND OUT OF SORTS.
I AM JUST LAUGHING, WITH SOMBER TEARS, AT THE RIDICULOUS LEVEL OF HATERADE THAT SOME OF THESE PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO DRINK ON THIS PAGE. IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO SUPPORT THE BROTHER, WHEN LEAVE...QUIETLY. WE ARE READING HERE.
LOVE.
Posted by: TheRevKev | 11 August 2008 at 15:16
Preach on reverend!
Everything you said was 100% on target.
Posted by: ATL Kid | 11 August 2008 at 16:21
I'm not trying to be nit-picky but Bernie passed away on Saturday, just two days ago while Isaac Hayes died just yesterday. Two prominent black successful legends in their own right were taken from us. In addition, both these men worked together in a movie that is coming out in the fall titled "Soul Men".
Rest in Peace Bernie and Isaac...we'll miss you. :(
Posted by: Fred | 11 August 2008 at 18:57
Rod, I didn't mean any disrespect. :)
Posted by: Fred | 11 August 2008 at 20:06
Fred, let me apologize.
That came out wrong. You probably didn't realize that I took a few days off. Several people have been sniping at the story content, but you were not. Your original comments stands as is. Sorry and thanks.
Posted by: ROD MC | 11 August 2008 at 20:39