We’ve lost another soul legend with the passing of Isaac Hayes today. In his early years Hayes and songwriting partner David Porter were the force behind many Stax soul hits, including several of Sam & Dave’s greatest hits (“Soul Man” and “Hold On I’m Coming” to name just two).
Hayes launched a solo career in 1969 and soared to the top of the charts with his theme and soundtrack to the 1971 movie “Shaft.” The soundtrack earned Hayes both an Oscar and a Grammy.
In 1997 Hayes was introduced to a new audience as the voice of “Chef” in the highly successful animated tv series “South Park.”
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.