Isaac Hayes, Legendary Singer-Songwriter, Dies at 65
Isaac Hayes, the legendary soul singer and songwriter who won an Academy Award for the theme from Shaft and voiced the character of Chef on the animated show South Park, has died, authorities said Sunday. He was 65.Hayes' wife found him unresponsive near a treadmill in his Tennessee home and he was later pronounced dead at a Memphis hospital, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office said. The cause of death was not known and no foul play was suspected.The self-taught musician was a pioneer in the 1960s, writing hit songs with David Porter for Sam and Dave, such as “Hold On, I’m Coming” and “Soul Man.” In the 1970s, he laid the groundwork for disco. His “Theme from Shaft” hit the top of the charts in 1971, earning him two Grammys and an Oscar for best original theme song. Hayes performed the song at the 1972 Oscar ceremony, wearing an eye-popping amount of gold and received a standing ovation. TV Guide later chose it as No. 18 in its list of televisi...
Mon, Aug 11, 2008
