Isaac Hayes has died.

[mark12]

With its riveting orchestration, definitive guitar play and signature sensual baritone vocals, Isaac Hayes' theme song for the 1971 movie "Shaft" not only became one of pop music's iconic songs, but also the defining work of Hayes' career.

Yet the "Theme from Shaft," which would earn both Grammys and an Oscar, was just a snippet of the groundbreaking music for which Hayes — who died Sunday at age 65 — was responsible.

He penned soul classics like "Hold On I'm Comin'" for Sam & Dave, helped usher in the era of disco and was a goldmine for countless hip-hop and R&B artists who used his illustrious arrangements as the focal point for their songs decades later.

"Isaac Hayes embodies everything that's soul music," Collin Stanback, an A&R executive at Stax, told The Associated Press on Sunday. "When you think of soul music you think of Isaac Hayes — the expression ... the sound and the creativity that goes along with it."

His influence also extended beyond music. His trademarked bald head, full beard and muscular frame, often adorned with a multitude of gold chains, made him a fashion trendsetter at a time when most of his contemporaries were sporting blowout Afros. He was also a symbol of black pride, and an activist for civil rights.

The Rev. Al Sharpton called Hayes a "creative genius" and added, "even in his later years he never hesitated to appear for a cause or endorse something that he felt was for the good of mankind. He will be sorely missed."

Liked his version of "By the time I get to Phoenix". He made some really good late night listening music. RIP soul man.

[mark12]

Mod please fix the title for me. A little late and the y is by the t in Hayes. Looks bad and don't want anyone to think I was being funny.

[captaincapper]

Best known as "Chef" on Southpark where he sang the classic song, "Chocolate Salty Balls". Sadly left the show because they made fun of Tom Cruise and Scientology. Rest in peace "Chef" and say hello to Xenu.

[mark12]

Originally Posted by captaincapper

Best known as "Chef" on Southpark where he sang the classic song, "Chocolate Salty Balls". Sadly left the show because they made fun of Tom Cruise and Scientology. Rest in peace "Chef" and say hello to Xenu.

Yeah and it looks like the R6 implant got Bernie Mac. He just got too close.

[skippy]

Originally Posted by mark12

With its riveting orchestration, definitive guitar play and signature sensual baritone vocals, Isaac Hayes' theme song for the 1971 movie "Shaft" not only became one of pop music's iconic songs, but also the defining work of Hayes' career.

Yet the "Theme from Shaft," which would earn both Grammys and an Oscar, was just a snippet of the groundbreaking music for which Hayes — who died Sunday at age 65 — was responsible.

He penned soul classics like "Hold On I'm Comin'" for Sam & Dave, helped usher in the era of disco and was a goldmine for countless hip-hop and R&B artists who used his illustrious arrangements as the focal point for their songs decades later.

"Isaac Hayes embodies everything that's soul music," Collin Stanback, an A&R executive at Stax, told The Associated Press on Sunday. "When you think of soul music you think of Isaac Hayes — the expression ... the sound and the creativity that goes along with it."

His influence also extended beyond music. His trademarked bald head, full beard and muscular frame, often adorned with a multitude of gold chains, made him a fashion trendsetter at a time when most of his contemporaries were sporting blowout Afros. He was also a symbol of black pride, and an activist for civil rights.

The Rev. Al Sharpton called Hayes a "creative genius" and added, "even in his later years he never hesitated to appear for a cause or endorse something that he felt was for the good of mankind. He will be sorely missed."

Liked his version of "By the time I get to Phoenix". He made some really good late night listening music. RIP soul man.

He was a bad mother.....shut your mouth.

[Gerk]

He also had a recurring role as Gandolph Finch in one of the most underrated shows ever in "The Rockford Files".

RIP Issac