Isaac Hayes Biography

Fast Facts

• Found the most recording industry fame after writing and performing the theme from "Shaft" in 1971 for which he would go on to win both an Academy Award and Grammy
• Often donated time and money to several human rights organizations which would eventually land him the title of honorary chief of Ada, Ghana in 1992
• Despite dropping out of high school, he returned to complete his diploma at the age of 21
• Quote: "(Regarding his reasoning for quitting 'South Park') "There is a place in this world for satire, but there is a time when satire ends and intolerence and bigotry towards religious beliefs of others begins․""
• Quote: "(After his life-changing experience in Ghana with the royal family) "I went back on speaking engagements and encouraged African-Americans to go to Africa [to] interact socially, culturally and/or economically․""
• Started his music career after signing with Stax Records in the early '60s and writing songs for other artists under the label which included titles such as "Soul Man" and other popular favorites
• Gained fame with younger fans after signing on to voice Chef for "South Park" which he did from 1997 to 2005
• Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 and later the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005
• Taught himself to play the piano, saxaphone, flute and organ as a teenager and began performing in the late 1950s
• Reportedly quit "South Park" after the show spoofed Scientology, something he had been a supporter of for more than a decade