08/11/2008
The Rhythm & Blues Foundation shares the sadness of family, friends, and fans in the passing of Isaac Hayes
If you only knew Isaac Hayes as a radio personality, and the voice of “Chef” in “South Park”, you didn’t know half of the talent and history that was lost yesterday when he passed, too young, at the age of 65. A talented musician and composer, Isaac Hayes was an accomplished hitmaker even before he won multiple Grammies and an Oscar for his seminal soundtrack to “Shaft” in 1972. He had already teamed with co-writer David Porter to write songs that stand today among the greatest to come from the era, among them “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’”. And, as a solo artist, he had already become a major success with his LP, “Hot Buttered Soul”, which featured an 18-minute version of Jimmy Webb’s “By The Time I Get to Phoenix” that became known for Isaac’s extended “rap”. “Phoenix” became a late-night staple of the free-form FM radio that had become popular in the late 60’s, and this underground hit launched a solo career that would span 40 years. Truly a Pioneer, Isaac Hayes was honored as such by the Foundation in 1999. We, along with all of you, honor his memory and mourn his passing.
http://www.rhythm-n-blues.org/news.php