Aug 11 2008
Oscar Winner Isaac Hayes Dies At Age 65
The entertainment industry was rocked today by another unexpected death. Singer, sonwriter Isaac Hayes died today at a Memphis hospital after being found unconscious at his home by family members. His death came one day after the surprise death of comedian Bernie Mac, who died yesterday from complications of pneumonia.
Hayes’ career spanned nearly 50 years, but is best know for winning an Academy Award for his monumental work in producing the soundtrack for the Gordon Parks film, “Shaft”. He won the award for Best Original Song, becoming the frist African American to win an oscar in an non-acting catagory, and only the fourth African American to ever be honored by the academy.
Isaac Lee Hayes was born in Covington, Tennessee on August 20, 1942. He was raised by his grandparents, after both parents dies while he was still a young child. He learned to sing and play the piano at a local church, but turned pro after moving to Memphis and working as a writer and session player for the legendary Stax Records.
In his eary professional career, he worked with Otis Redding and Sam and Dave, co-writing their hit “Soul Man”. His accolades include Grammy Awards for: Best Instrumental Arrangement, “Theme From Shaft” (arranged with Johnny Allen) in 1971. Best Original Score Written For A Motion Picture Or A Television Special,”Theme From Shaft” in 1971. And Best Pop Instrumental Performance By An Arranger, Composer, Orchestra and/or Choral Leader, “Black Moses” in 1972.
Most recently, he starred as the voice for Chef in the animated series, ”South Park”. He had also recently completed filming a movie with Bernie Mac and Samuel L. Jackson, “Soulmen”, which is scheduled for release later this year.
Bernie Mac, Isaac Hayes, and Samuel L. Jackson in scene from “Soulmen”
