Isaac Hayes Passes On

He was so much more than just a singer. He was a voice--for early American hip-hop, for good old fashioned laughter, and for the biggest, baddest cop in cinematic history. Isaac Hayes passed away earlier today at his home in Memphis, Tennessee. He was only sixty-five.

Originally hired as a session musician for the great Otis Redding, Isaac soon began writing his own songs and eventually burst onto the scene with “Hot Buttered Soul.” Two years later his ascendancy to immortality was completed with the still popular theme song to 1971’s Shaft. The track netted him an Academy Award and a standing ovation from all those attending the star-studded ceremony.

Two decades later, Trey Parker and Matt Stone offered him the role of Chef on South Park, introducing him for the first time to millions not even alive when Shaft was released. Also a noted humanitarian, he was anointed an honorary king of Ghana in 1992.

A devoted Scientologist, Hayes released an album devoted to L. Ron Hubbard and eventually left South Park due to Parker and Stone’s lampooning of his faith. Regardless of your views on his controversial exit, the entire landscape of music would be different without Hayes’ trademark, soulful voice. He was a true original down to his last day, and the world just won’t be the same without him.

Cinema Blend sends out its well wishes to all those affected by his passing, including his family, friends, and millions of devoted fans.

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