Isaac Hayes dies

The American funk-soul legend has died

11 August 2008 - The Academy Award winning singer was found dead at his home in Memphis, Tennessee on Sunday 10 August.

The 65 year-old was found at 1.00pm by family members lying on the floor of his bedroom next to a treadmill that was still on.

Hayes, a singer songwriter and composer, who won an Oscar back in 1972 for Best Original Song for his theme from the film Shaft – had already suffered a stroke in 2006.

The star had also written a self-help book during his career titled The Way to Happiness .
 
Tim Samson, the Director of Communications at the Stax Museum Of American Soul Music in Memphis, speaks of Hayes’ legacy.

He said: “If you go back and listen to some of his earlier recordings like Hot Buttered Soul, he basically revolutionised the record industry and changed it forever was his 16/17 minute long songs.

“Isaac Hayes actually changed the way America and the world listen to music. Everyone thought he was crazy at the time but when they came out, they were a huge success.”

Reflecting on how he will be remembered, Samson said: “I think as one of the most important figures in the music industry, as one of the most philanthropic people in the music industry, and as one of the nicest people that I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.”

"He basically revolutionised the record industry and changed it forever was his 16/17 minute long songs."

In 1993, the star was crowned king of a small community in Ghana, and subsequently started the Isaac Hayes Foundation, returning there and opening an education centre in 2000.

There wasn’t much Hayes did not lend his hand to, running two restaurants in more recent years, masterminding a best-selling cookbook and top secret barbecue sauces.

The multi-talented Hayes had been married four times and leaves 11 children, as well as his most recent wife Adjowa, with whom he had one child.

Tricky, Portishead, Dr.Dre, Snoop Dogg and Destiny's Child are among those artists who have sampled Hayes' music.

Georgie Rogers