A legendary soul and R&B musician, known for his smooth, deep voice and iconic theme song for the movie "Shaft".
Isaac Hayes was a multifaceted talent, renowned for his soulful voice, masterful songwriting, and iconic scores that redefined the music industry. He is best known for his work as a songwriter, composer, and actor, with his timeless classic "Theme from Shaft" winning him an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1972.
Hayes was an integral part of the legendary Stax Records label, where he worked as an in-house songwriter, session musician, and record producer. Alongside his partner David Porter, he penned scores of hits for legendary artists like Sam & Dave, Carla Thomas, and more. This dynamic duo was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005, solidifying their status as one of the most influential songwriting teams in music history.
Hayes' solo career took off in the late 1960s, with albums like Hot Buttered Soul (1969) and Black Moses (1971) showcasing his velvety smooth voice and genre-bending style. These albums cemented his place as a soul music icon, with Black Moses earning him a Grammy Award in 1972.
Hayes' work extended beyond music to the world of film, where he composed scores for movies like Shaft (1971) and Trouble Man (1972). His innovative scores added a new dimension to these films, earning him widespread critical acclaim.
In 1992, Hayes was crowned honorary king of the Ada region of Ghana in recognition of his humanitarian work in the area. This honor underscored his commitment to giving back to the community and making a positive impact on the world.
Hayes also had a successful acting career, appearing in films like Truck Turner (1974), Escape from New York (1981), and I'm Gonna Git You Sucka (1988). He also had a memorable role as Gandolf "Gandy" Fitch in the popular TV series The Rockford Files (1974).
Isaac Hayes' incredible talent, versatility, and humanitarian spirit have left an indelible mark on the music and film industries. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists, ensuring that his soulful sound and timeless classics will remain an integral part of our cultural heritage.
83 Years Old
Legendary songwriter, musician, and producer behind iconic soul and R&B hits, crafting timeless classics with Sam & Dave and Aretha Franklin.
90 Years Old
Legendary soul singer-songwriter behind iconic hits like "Soul Man" and "Hold On, I'm Comin'", known for his powerful, soulful voice and classic duets with Dave Prater.
46 Years Old
A multi-talented artist renowned for soulful voice, poignant songwriting, and versatile acting skills, blending genres like R&B, pop, and hip-hop. He's a household name with numerous Grammy Awards and iconic hits like "All of Me" and "Ordinary People".
79 Years Old
A legendary soul singer, songwriter, and producer who created iconic hits like "Let's Stay Together" and "Tired of Being Alone", blending gospel and R&B to create a unique sound.
83 Years Old
The "Queen of Soul" was a legendary vocalist, songwriter, and pianist who revolutionized music with her powerful, soulful voice and classic hits like "Respect" and "Think".
84 Years Old
Soulful voice and heartfelt songwriting defined the iconic sound of a legendary musician, whose tragic death at 26 cemented his legacy as a rock and roll pioneer.
84 Years Old
A soulful voice behind classic hits like "In the Midnight Hour" and "Land of 1000 Dances", this legendary singer-songwriter brought energetic and passionate performances to the forefront of 1960s soul and R&B music.
88 Years Old
A legendary soul singer-songwriter behind iconic hits like "Knock on Wood" and "634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.)", known for his smooth, soulful voice and songwriting skills that helped shape the sound of Stax Records.
