The legendary soul singer, Isaac Hayes, Jr., who began life in a tenement in Covington, Tennessee but later went on to win an Oscar and multiple Grammys, died suddenly today at his home near Memphis, Tenn.
Best known for the theme song from the 1971 movie Shaft, Hayes started his music career as an untrained musician. He wanted to become a doctor until he realized his musical talents during a ninth-grade talent show. As he developed as a musician so did his rich, baritone voice. His trademark sound and look (bald head and gold chains) was captured on his hit album "Hot Buttered Soul", which later became the name of his radio program during his stint as a radio personality.
Hayes was a gifted singer and songwriter. He penned memorable songs for notable singers, like "Hold On, I'm Comin'" for Same & Dave.
Hayes, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, was pronounced dead at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis in Memphis, Tenn., after collapsing Sunday afternoon near a treadmill in his home nearby.
This weekend has been simply awful. We've lost two iconic personalities -- Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes -- in less than 48 hours. Both men were still quite young and had so much to offer. Now we'll never hear the new comedy routine Bernie was working on. And we'll never know the genius of another Isaac Hayes.
When I first moved to Memphis, I had the great pleasure of meeting Mr. Hayes. He was very gracious and personable, and reminded me much of my own Dad. His sense of humor was off the chain and he couldn't resist looking at a pretty woman, at least that's what he said when a friend snapped our picture -- just me and Black Moses.
I will always cherish that photograph.
As my thoughts and prayers turn to his family, and Bernie Mac's family, I am comforted by knowing that the time these two genuine spirits spent here on earth is forever memorialized on wax, television, videos, Cd's, film, and in our hearts.
R.I.P.
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