Isaac Hayes

Date of Birth: August 20, 1942

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: August 10, 2008

Biography

Isaac Lee Hayes Jr. was an American musician, singer, songwriter, actor, and producer. Born on August 20, 1942, in Covington, Tennessee, Hayes rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s as a pivotal figure in the development of soul music. He was one of the creative forces behind the Southern soul music label Stax Records, where he was both a session musician and a songwriter. Hayes co-wrote the hit song “Soul Man” for Sam & Dave, which became a defining track for the genre. In 1969, Hayes released his breakthrough album “Hot Buttered Soul,” which featured long, elaborate tracks that challenged the norms of the traditional soul format. His deep voice and lush orchestration became his signature sound. Hayes achieved his greatest commercial success and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for the theme from the 1971 film “Shaft.” He also provided the voice for the character Chef on the animated TV series “South Park.” Hayes continued to have an influential career in music and entertainment until his death on August 10, 2008, in Memphis, Tennessee.

5 Interesting Facts about Isaac Hayes

1. Isaac Hayes was the third African American to win an Academy Award, following Sidney Poitier and Hattie McDaniel.

2. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.

3. Hayes was a self-taught musician, learning to play the piano, organ, flute, and saxophone.

4. He was also a successful restaurateur, opening a chain of “Isaac Hayes Music-Food-Passion” restaurants.

5. Hayes had a notable role in the 1998 blaxploitation parody film “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Isaac Hayes

1. “There is a place in this world for satire, but there is a time when satire ends and intolerance and bigotry towards religious beliefs of others begins.”

2. “If you enjoy the fragrance of a rose, you must accept the thorns which it bears.”

3. “Know the business, learn the business, own something.”

4. “There’s a responsibility – not just as an entertainer but as a person – to reflect the times and the situation we live in.”

5. “The end result of kindness is that it draws people to you.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Isaac Hayes had an estimated net worth of $12 million.

Children

Isaac Hayes had 12 children: seven daughters and five sons. Among them are Isaac Hayes III, known as Ike Dirty, who is a music producer and voice-over artist, and Heather Hayes, a singer and dancer.