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Isaac Hayes Obituary
Hayes was pronounced dead at Baptist East Hospital in Memphis an hour after he was found by a family member, the Shelby County Sheriff's Office said. The cause of death was not immediately known.
In his spoken-word introductions and interludes, Hayes was essentially rapping before there was rap. His career hit another high in 1997 when he became the voice of Chef, the sensible school cook and devoted ladies' man on the animated TV show "South Park."
Hayes was about to begin work on a new album for Stax, the soul record label he helped build.
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The album "Hot Buttered Soul" made Hayes a star in 1969. Next came "Theme From Shaft," a No. 1 hit in 1971 from the film "Shaft" starring Richard Roundtree. He won an Academy Award for the song and was nominated for another one for the score. The song and score also won him two Grammys.
Hayes was elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.
Hayes was born in 1942 in a tin shack in Covington, Tenn., about 40 miles north of Memphis. He was raised by his maternal grandparents after his mother died and his father took off when he was 1 1/2.
Hayes wanted to be a doctor but got redirected when he won a talent contest in ninth grade by singing Nat King Cole's "Looking Back."
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
2644 Entries
vic/terry tillinghast
May 4, 2024
Isaac: r I p
November 5, 2017
Great soul, live forever.
Stas Atman
October 4, 2017
love you so much have a great jorney
Romania loves you Isaac
Renee Reece
July 16, 2017
You will be missed. You were so talented. There will never be another you I stand accused of being a lifelong fan.
How you can show support
cathy dixon
June 28, 2017
You will forever be missed
big fan
March 27, 2017
My deepest condolences. To family. From big fan thankyou for your music you are not forgotten that's for sure.Rest in Peace
S W
March 19, 2017
Thank you Isaac Hayes for the memories it's good to have those.Soon all the pain and suffering that we face, will be crushed by God.Revelation21:3,4
Nazarene Mckinney
January 30, 2017
By The Time I Get To Phoenix! Truly loved your rendition!
Charmaine Smith
October 13, 2016
I enjoyed your music.Truly missed rest in peace. CHARMAINE S.
Valenda Newell
June 30, 2016
Thanks , for your contribution to the music industry not just as a singer but also as a writer. SHAFT got you an OSCAR for the best music score, that was a proud moment. GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.....MANY BLESSINGS
cindy c
March 31, 2016
Always my favorite soul singer and writer. Wow what a talent...
Veronica Shackelford
March 23, 2016
I use to listen to your music all the time when I was a child and as an adult. May you rest in large
Deputy Dog
March 22, 2016
Hope things are going well up there and people stll enjoy your music Bro!
jacki Titchenor
November 2, 2015
Thank you for sharing your gift with the world you were a consumant musician who will be missed may god bless you and your family,
Jackie titchenor
November 2, 2015
thank you for sharing your music with us you were the ultimate entertainer we miss you we love you god bless you and God bless your family
Harry Simpson
August 10, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
david braxton
July 18, 2015
Your music made me a better man. Not only entertaining, but moving. May god welcome your soul.
Martin Rehder
July 8, 2015
I Love your music always and forever.
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
June 2, 2015
In God's care rest in peace
March 2, 2015
You brought love with your voice. I Stand Accuse...
Michaelle
February 23, 2015
gifted and his music is timeless
ms absolutely fabulous
Bestelle Cooper
December 9, 2014
Your music is absolutely outstanding, I fell in love with I stand accused when I was very young. Your hot buttered soul album is also magnificent. May your soul rest in peace and God bless you and your entire family.
Bestelle Cooper. Omaha, Ne
Warren Martin
December 7, 2014
Thank you for the music, film and your giving! R.I.P.
November 10, 2014
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
michael murphy
November 8, 2014
May God bless your soul RIP ISAAC HAYES
Amin. J Abdullah
September 10, 2014
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Wing Tam
April 18, 2014
Great musician !!!
albert bedward
January 15, 2014
Spent the last week listening to his Medley with Dionne Warwick - By the time I get to Phoeninx / Say a little Prayer for Me, and the 17:39 minute rendition of Aint No sunshine and I have been singing ever since. Gone are the days when artist like Isaac Hayes sings from the depth of their soul and play for the love of music, their audience. He lives in his music, for which I am thankful.
Albert
December 29, 2013
RIP ISAAC HAYES we never met my brother but enjoyed your music and movies and did get to see you in concert at the overton shell lived around the corner from you in old Longview heights neighborhood
Tom Beck
November 26, 2013
You was a brilliant actor and singer plus you had many other talents. God bless and R.I.P
Peter Wollaston
September 17, 2013
I never had the pleasure of seeing Isaac live but even now I am overawed by his music and meaning of the music. Isaac, you are sorely missed. God bless you
Patrick Clark
August 21, 2013
I had the pleasure seeing you in concert at the Shepherds Bush Empire,London.A brilliant concert.
Thank you
Thank you
Sharon Desmond
August 10, 2013
You left us way too soon!
I REMEMBER you every day and remain thankful for the time and love we shared.
I missed you for a long time and wish I could have seen you before God called you home - not meant to be then...but someday.
Until then...
Rest soulfully!
I love you always, my friend.
jeanise ratcliff
August 5, 2013
I just stopped by to say you are still missed and always will be thought of, you were and always will be the Black Moses. thank you for all the wonderful music.
Ozmar Aragón
April 20, 2013
Desde Méxcio mi padre y yo esperamos que tu familia este bien y les deseamos lo mejor! Issac Gracias por toda tu hermosa música! Saludos desde Querétaro México!! :D
Charles Hayes
March 21, 2013
Love Ya Chef, you truly were the "Black Moses" !!!
Barbara Brown
January 25, 2013
May God keep Blessing your family and friends We Love and miss U always RIP BRO. HAYS
Shaun Dennis
December 16, 2012
Isaac's music was pure soul which made him unique in every way. He and his music live on both sides of life. Shaun Dennis, Medium.
Louie Duvall
November 25, 2012
I'm from a part of french-speaking part of Canada, where no one really knows what soul music was really about.
I'm a white guy whose been raised in the USA at the age of 5 to 12, that was enough in 1969 to discover Isaac's music. He's been a guide to me and many friends of mine along the road, and I tahnk God for that.
My first girlfriend at school was black, and we'd enjoyed listening soul-funk music, and it still on, thanks for everything.
Alexandria
May 29, 2012
Love you even though I never got to meet you, Uncle.
David Mackenzie
May 18, 2012
Nearly four years have past.A fan since the age of 11.By the time ..... is a masterpiece.Will miss you forever.
Memphis (DeiDi) Queen
May 10, 2012
Isaac my heart goes out 2 ur family I know they miss spending special moments. U really impacted your peers. When u played "Shaft" & you sang the theme song to the .movie track in the 70's when "Super Fly" was the Hot look. U had men wanting 2 be Fly & Unforgettable like you. Isaac you Impacted so many people. I was a little girl during that period but u were "The Man" & I was glad U & Bernie Mac made a movie 2gether cause he was the "Other Man" May U & Bernie 4/Ever Be LEGENDS..I know y'all are Chillin' 2Gether U Both are missed on Earth.
Dei'Di Williams
May 10, 2012
Isaac which derives from Isiah you were a Legend in ur time. Like U & some others U paved a road in this World for others 2 follow & have opportunities that wasn't available when u were in ur youth. I hear u loved 2 party & have fun back N the day (1960-70) when Staxx was boom'g & u lived ur life 2 the fullest. My mother went 2 school with u & she's told me stories of some of the parties & how much fun all the teenagers or young adults would have. People use 2 have FUN & everything was geniuan from young people. U are a LEGEND that will never b/4 gotten. I feel proud 2 say I was born in the same city that u grew up & lived your life. There will never be another Isaac Hayes. People don't realize that GOD put Angels here in different forms 2 entertain us. The Bibles tell us "we will be entertained by Angels". U have earned ur Full Wings now so its time 2 go 2 ur next level. "May ur body RIP but ur Soul will Sore like a bird....to a place that never ENDS"! Hope 2 see u again in the next Dimension.
Kimberly Edwards
May 7, 2012
Although you is gone you will never be forgotten
Donna
January 28, 2012
Although you are gone you will never be forgotten.
Julius Pace
September 25, 2011
RIP Soul Brotha Isaac. Loved your music especially the Shaft soundtrack 1971.
Nick
May 28, 2011
Who da man ...
Lucius Wang
May 25, 2011
Miss you, chef...
Brenda Johnson
January 17, 2011
I sincerely offer my condolence for Isaac Hayes. Times like this cause us sadness. When a loved one dies it brings us face-to-face with the fact they are gone too soon. So when we lose someone in death, no matter who we are it is painful. Jesus said “Do not two sparrows sell for a coin of small value? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. . . . You are worth more than many sparrows.”(Matthew 10:29, 31). He knows your sorrow and pain. “Happy are those who mourn, since they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4) Yet, celebrate the unforgettable memories you shared with Isaac. May you find strength and peace.
Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow,
May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.
~Author Unknown
K L
September 8, 2010
Isaac you were a musician for the ages. Your legacy will live on through time. We shouldnt grieve for your passing, instead we should feel sorrowful that we couldnt join you on that amazing journey to be with that spirit in the sky. Your words and music have brought sunshine and tears to the world and may GOD BLESS YOU as you bring the song to heaven! Thank You Mr. Hayes.
Rosa H. Black
June 23, 2010
Mr. Hayes you are,truly, admired for your strength, courage and perserverance, thank God for you and so
many others,true pioneers,that made a
differrence. Your life, legacy and music lives on within our hearts. My, sincere, condolences to your love ones,
may God continue to bless and keep them
in His care. Your nickname,BLACK MOSES,
says it all. RIP-Mr.Hayes
Regina C
April 14, 2010
You are always in my heart through your music and voice. I will always love you for the gifts you shared with the world. God bless you today and always.
In gratitude,
Regina C
March 17, 2010
For Isaac...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
March 11, 2010
Mr. Isaac Hayes, still can't believe that you are gone, Thank God, I have your music, you are still with us, your music proves that. My condolences to the Hayes family.
Cynthia, Liverpool, NY
March 10, 2010
Who's the MAN!!!!
March 9, 2010
MR. ISAAC HAYES, U WILL TRULY B MISS!!!I Have Been Listening 2 U Since I Was A Little Girl And Look At Every Movie U Have Made And Will Continue 2 Keep U Alive And My Heart And Soul Until I C U Again. And 2 The Hayes Family My Heart Goes Out 2 U, God Bless U! R.I.P MY FRIEND!!!
NAOLA HOPSON-BOX
March 9, 2010
GONE, BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN. THANKS FOR THE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC.
GOD BLESS THE FAMILY.
March 4, 2010
For Isaac...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
Carol
February 26, 2010
May you have peace in knowing that the God of comfort will sustain you.
Felix Turner
February 25, 2010
It's a shame we lost such an amazing man, Mr. Isaac Hayes. You will always be remembered, and you will always hold a place in my heart.
Dennis Willis
January 31, 2010
Gog Bless you and keep you I will forever listin to your music as I do now. May the family know that God is still in charge.
Barbara Ann King
January 27, 2010
To The Hayes Family: I am so sorry he is no longer here with us, but do know that he is still here with us in spirit. I pray that you all will be comforted by these words:
Try to remember that a GOOD man never dies; You will see him many times.
You will feel him in all things that are here out of love, and for love.
The person of a man may leave or be taken away, but the best part of a GOOD man stays. It stays FOREVER!
Kathey Parris & Family
January 18, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
A Guest
January 15, 2010
To the Family ~ Those we love left us with gifts in the form of memories that no one can take away. They gave us wisdom that we can still recall, companionship when we were alone, comfort when we needed it, and memories of their laughter and smile. These are gifts of love that are ours to keep. Though I do not know the family, I would like to extend my condolences. May the tender mercy that God has always shown be with your family now so that you will know that you are not alone. And may the prayers of others help in some small way to bring you strength, comfort and courage each day. Many words will be expressed, yet we know God can express and provide to you and your family everything that is needed to care and sustain your hearts at this sad time. - Isaiah 41:10 & 13.
Rosemary Rivera
January 14, 2010
Time stops for no one. But you made an imprint on us all.
December 29, 2009
Time may pass but our hearts may still hang heavy for our love one. So may the words of Psalms 147:3 bring you some comfort.
your family will continue to be in my prayers
Celebrating Dad's 60th Birthday
December 8, 2009
Me & Dad at The Blues Ball
December 8, 2009
Rishi Gandhi
October 23, 2009
Miss you man, you were so great
Nameless
October 16, 2009
I know what you meant now Isaac, peace be with you.
winston mcfarlane
August 30, 2009
miss you much
winston mcfarlane
August 30, 2009
miss you mucj
Bitsy Walters
August 19, 2009
Mr. Issac Hayes -
A Magnanimous Icon & a musical mastermind.
That deep deep voice will be missed.
1 Corinthians 15:26 & Acts 24:15
Pamela Brooks English
August 19, 2009
Words can never express the memories that I have...I thank God for allowing me to be a part of your world...
Thank you Isaac for being my friend...
Peace,
Randy Kingery
August 18, 2009
RIP Chef
pascual martinez
July 5, 2009
Tu música ha sido impresionante y has sabido ponerla en cada época,esto sólo lo pueden hacer personas con mucho talento como tú.Has cumplido tu tarea con nota de sobresaliente.Gracias hermano Isaac.
Veronica Hayes
June 5, 2009
This week last year was a very memorable one for me because my father and I spent the majority of his time together. This year has been a difficult one without him, but it's comforting to know and read all of the beautiful messages his fans continue to send. RIP dad... We love and miss you.
Jérôme Freymond
May 29, 2009
I was shocked about Isaac's passing. I just stared at my computer monitor and read the line "Singer Isaac Hayes died aged 65". He was my favorite singer of all-time and I love him like a father. Thank you for the music, Ike
I love you
Jérôme
Maurice Meminger
May 1, 2009
Another giant of black/Memphis Soul artist gone. You had so much immense talent, most R & B/Soul artist of today can't even play an instrument. Let alone sing. But Mr. Hayes, you provide inspiration to many of them that look to the pioneers of black music. RIP Mr. Hayes
matt & tray
April 11, 2009
peace be with you brother
adam ali
April 11, 2009
gonna miss you chef
BERNICE LOADHOLT
March 30, 2009
I LOVED ISSAC HAYES SO MUCH IT ISSUCH A TRAGEDY TO HEAR A GREAT MAN HAS GONE HOME I REALLY ENJOYED HIS MUSIC AND ACTING HE WAS AND STILL IS A GREAT PERSON HE AND BERNIE MAC ARE BEING TWO CLOWNS IN HEAVEN MAKING PEOPLE LAUGH RIP MY TWO BROTHERS
March 26, 2009
Isaac Hayes was 1 of the most talented artists of the old days. I love his music today and will cherish the serenity it gives me when I listen to it. I will miss him and his music. May he rest in peace.
Alex
March 24, 2009
I love you forever Isaac.
Joe Thomas
March 23, 2009
good guy
Jacquelyne Woodson
March 9, 2009
There will never be another,you were God's one and only and He called you home.You will be truly missed with much love.
Michael Mckinney
March 2, 2009
I loved your music, The songs you wrote are timeless classics and will always remind me of the wonderful times of my youth. To your family:At John 11:25 Jesus said:I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life.
Damita
February 20, 2009
To the family of Mr. Isaac Hayes, I too grew up listening to his music and enjoying such talent. I'm writing to offer my heartfelt condolences in the death of your dear loved one. I've also taken this opportunity to share some encouraging words from the Bible that provide a real hope for the future. May you find comfort in God's words at John 5:28 and 29 that read "Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out." Yes, God promises in the very near future, a resurrection right here on a Paradise Earth (a clean earth) with no one being sick and no more people dying. (Isaiah 25:8; Isaiah 33:24; Luke 23:43; 2 Peter 3:13)__ And we can believe these words because of what Titus 1:2 says that "God Does Not Lie." Whatever he promises will come true according to Isaiah 55:8-11.____ At Revelation 21:3, 4, there is described the earth as God promises it will be. Yes, he promises an end to mournful tears, pain, suffering and death. Verse 5 adds that God will "Make All Things New." Truly the meek shall inherit the earth as Jesus Christ promised in the Sermon on the Mount. (Matthew 5:5) May the resurrection hope sustain you all, knowing that soon you'll be able to see your loved one again, but under better conditions. (Perfect-Conditions) So to God in Heaven, Mr. Hayes is sleep waiting to be reunited with his family and friends, back here on earth the way God purposed it to be before Adam and Eve disobeyed him. (Genesis 1:26-29; Genesis 2:15-17; Genesis 3:1-6) Yes, on this Beautiful Paradise Earth in the very near future, we can look forward to no more crime, violence or wars according to Psalms 37:9-11 and verse 29; Psalm 46:9. I hope your family find these words to be a real source of comfort during such a difficult time in your lives. May you draw close to the God of all comfort (Exodus 6:3; Psalm 83:18) in prayer, and the Bible promises that "he himself will sustain you."---Psalm 55:22________________________________ Sincerely,
Marios Karydis
February 14, 2009
Your songwriting and your soulful voice changed my life Ike! Thank you, forever!
bye isaac hayes
January 15, 2009
daniel lamas
January 15, 2009
had such an amazing voice.
i will never forget his voice which was one of a kind
i also will never forget the scene in im gonna get you sucka when you started singing in the car
- never forget you isaac hayes R.I.P.
Robert & Cheryle Harper
January 12, 2009
My husband and I loved your music and acting. We will never forget the impact that you had on Americans and the world with you voice. To the family, be strong, for GOD never makes mistakes. Be strong in the LORD and the power of his might. We'll miss you ISSAC.
Diahann Stevens
January 9, 2009
To a soul that God blessed come from the other side of Ether One
with vibrations and tones that kept our hearts loving him.
Mr. Isaac Hayes I loved your music since I was a child and your musical prowess may it continue to bless this planet and those who loved you.
Alpha and Omega
AMEN.
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