Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

August 20, 1942 in Covington, TN

Death

:

August 10, 2008 in Memphis, TN

Genre

:

Film

 

Isaac Hayes was an American singer, songwriter, and composer who was born on August 20, 1942, in Covington, Tennessee. He was the second child of Eula and Isaac Hayes Sr. His parents were sharecroppers, and they moved to Memphis when Hayes was a young boy. Hayes grew up in a poor neighborhood, and he was exposed to music at an early age. He started singing in church and learned to play the piano by ear. Hayes attended Manassas High School in Memphis, where he was a member of the school's band. He also sang in the school's choir and was a member of the school's drama club. After graduating from high school, Hayes worked as a dishwasher and a short-order cook. He also played in local bands and wrote songs. In 1962, Hayes met David Porter, who was a songwriter and producer for Stax Records. Porter was impressed with Hayes's songwriting skills and hired him as a session musician. Hayes played piano and saxophone on many of Stax's recordings, including those by Otis Redding and Sam & Dave. In 1967, Hayes released his first solo album, "Presenting Isaac Hayes." The album was a mix of soul and jazz, and it received critical acclaim. However, it was his second album, "Hot Buttered Soul," that made him a star. The album was a departure from traditional soul music, with songs that were longer and more complex than what was typically heard on the radio. The album's centerpiece was a 18-minute version of the Burt Bacharach/Hal David song "Walk On By." The album was a commercial success, and it established Hayes as a major force in music. Hayes continued to release successful albums throughout the 1970s, including "Black Moses," "Joy," and "Chocolate Chip." He also wrote and produced music for other artists, including the theme song for the movie "Shaft." The song, which Hayes also performed, became a hit and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song. In addition to his music career, Hayes was also an actor. He appeared in several movies, including "Escape from New York" and "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka." He also provided the voice of Chef on the animated television show "South Park." Hayes's music was known for its lush arrangements, deep grooves, and socially conscious lyrics. He was influenced by jazz, soul, and funk, and he incorporated those genres into his music. His songs often dealt with themes of love, politics, and social justice. Hayes's music has been sampled by many hip-hop artists, including Public Enemy, Ice Cube, and Dr. Dre. His influence can be heard in the music of contemporary artists such as Kendrick Lamar and Anderson .Paak. Hayes died on August 10, 2008, at the age of 65. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. His music continues to be celebrated and appreciated by fans around the world.

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