Sunday, August 10, 2008

Funk legend Isaac Hayes dead at 65

Funk legend Isaac Hayes, best known for his music in the 1971 movie Shaft, has passed away today at the age of 65.

He was found at his home in Memphis by family next to a running treadmill. He was pronounced dead at Baptist East Hospital after 2PM.

In recent years, Hayes was best known for his voice work as Chef on South Park, though he left the show in 2006 after the show's creators poked fun at scientology which is Hayes religion.

I never had a chance to see Hayes perform but I did visit his restaurant/nightclub once in Memphis which is quite nice. He will always be remembered for his funkalicious music and that deep voice.

1 comment:

cycledork said...

The Soul Music Hall of Fame has one of his stage outfits. At least it did in 1997. The outfit was one of the most spectacular, breath-taking ensembles I have ever seen in my life. Pardon me — I have to listen to Soul Finger again.