Isaac Hayes, “the hot buttered soul” master
The legendary composer, producer and performer was born on this day in 1942
Isaac Hayes, “the hot buttered soul” master
During the 1960’s he was the main creative force behind the Southern soul music label Stax Records, where he served both as an in-house songwriter and as a session musician and record producer, Influenced by Percy Mayfield, James Brown, Sam Cooke, Fats Domino, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, and psychedelic soul groups like The Chambers Brothers and Sly and the Family Stone, Hayes quickly caught the attention of music fans worldwide and the mainstream after the release of his album “Hot Buttered Soul” in 1969 and the also critically acclaimed “Black Moses” in 1971 and reached the pinnacle of his career with the Academy Awarded theme song of the film “Shaft”
Creative, talented and controversial, one of the biggest Southern Soul masters, Isaac Hayes was born on August 20, 1942, in Covington, Tennessee. Hayes grew up in a poor, rural community and was raised by his grandparents after his parents passed away. Hayes developed a passion for music early on, learning to play the piano, organ, and saxophone. After moving to Memphis, Tennessee, Hayes began his career as a session musician for Stax Records in the early 1960s. He quickly became a key figure at the label, co-writing and producing hits for artists like Sam & Dave, including classics like “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’.”
In 1967, Hayes released his debut album, Presenting Isaac Hayes, but it was his 1969 album Hot Buttered Soul that catapulted him to stardom. The album featured long, orchestrated tracks with lush arrangements, including a 12-minute version of “Walk on By” and the epic “By the Time I Get to Phoenix.” The success of Hot Buttered Soul established Hayes as a groundbreaking artist who challenged the conventions of soul music.
Hayes reached the pinnacle of his career in 1971 with the release of the soundtrack for the film Shaft. The title track, “Theme from Shaft,” became a worldwide hit, earning Hayes an Academy Award for Best Original Song, making him the first African American to win an Oscar in a non-acting category and the third African American, after Sidney Poitier and Hattie McDaniel, to win an Academy Award in any competitive field covered by Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The soundtrack’s blend of funk, soul, and orchestral elements became a defining moment in Hayes’ career and a cornerstone of 1970s music. That same year, he was also given his third Grammy for his 1971 also critically acclaimed album “Black Moses.”
Throughout the 1970s, Hayes continued to release successful albums and expand his influence in the music industry. His deep voice, coupled with his innovative use of strings and horns, became his signature sound, influencing countless artists and shaping the direction of soul and funk music.
In addition to his music career, Hayes also ventured into acting, appearing in films such as Truck Turner (1974) and later providing the voice of Chef on the popular animated series South Park from 1997 to 2006. His role on South Park introduced him to a new generation of fans, further cementing his status as a cultural icon.
Hayes was married several times and had 12 children. Hayes was also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in promoting education and civil rights. In the 1990s, he became a prominent member of the Church of Scientology, which became a significant part of his life until his death.
Isaac Hayes passed away on August 10, 2008, at the age of 65. He was found unresponsive at his home in Memphis, Tennessee, after suffering a stroke. His death marked the end of an era for Soul music but Hayes’ innovative approach to music and his ability to blend genres laid the groundwork for future generations of musicians. His work, particularly the Shaft soundtrack, remains a benchmark in the world of soul and funk music.
Watch Isaac Hayes performing “Theme from Shaft” live in 1973
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