Isaac Hayes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Isaac Hayes
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Isaac Hayes performs at the International Amphitheater in Chicago as part of the annual PUSH Black Expo, October 1973
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Isaac Lee Hayes, Jr. |
| Born | August 20, 1942 Covington, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | August 10, 2008 (aged 65) Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Genres | R&B, funk, soul, disco |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, arranger, record producer, and actor |
| Instruments | Piano, keyboards, vocals, saxophone |
| Years active | 1962–2008 |
| Labels | Enterprise/Stax, ABC, Columbia Records, Pointblank |
| Associated acts | David Porter, Booker T. & the MGs, The Bar-Kays |
Isaac Lee Hayes Jr. (born August 20, 1942 – died August 10, 2008) was an American singer, songwriter, and actor. He was also a voice actor and music producer.
He became very famous for his music in the 1971 movie Shaft. His song "Theme from Shaft" won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1972. This made him one of the first African-Americans to win an Academy Award. He also won two Grammy Awards that year. Later, he won a third Grammy for his album Black Moses.
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Early Life and Music Beginnings
Isaac Lee Hayes Jr. was born in Covington, Tennessee. His mother died young, and his father left the family. Isaac was raised by his grandparents. He grew up working on farms in Tennessee.
When he was five, Isaac started singing at his church. He taught himself to play the piano, organ, flute, and saxophone. He left high school for a while but later finished his diploma at age 21. He turned down college music scholarships to help his family. He worked at a meat-packing plant during the day. At night, he played music in clubs in Memphis and Mississippi.
Music Career and Achievements
Hayes started his music career in the early 1960s. He was a musician for Stax Records in Memphis. He then began writing hit songs with his partner, David Porter.
In 2005, Hayes and Porter were added to the Songwriters Hall of Fame. This was for writing many songs for themselves and other artists. In 2002, Isaac Hayes was also added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The song "Soul Man" was written by Hayes and Porter. It was first sung by Sam & Dave. This song is known as one of the most important songs of the last 50 years. It has been honored by the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In the late 1960s, Hayes also started releasing his own music. He had popular soul albums like Hot Buttered Soul (1969) and Black Moses (1971). Besides popular music, he also wrote music for movies.
Acting and Humanitarian Work
Isaac Hayes acted in many movies and TV shows. He was in films like Truck Turner and I'm Gonna Git You Sucka. He also played Gandolf "Gandy" Fitch in the TV series The Rockford Files. From 1997 to 2005, he was the voice of the character Chef in the animated show South Park.
In 1992, Hayes was made an honorary king in Ada, Ghana. This was to honor his work helping people there. He started The Isaac Hayes Foundation in 1999. He also supported groups like Youth for Human Rights International and the One Campaign. These groups work to protect human rights.
In 2003, Hayes was honored as a BMI Icon. This award recognized his lasting impact on music. His songs have been performed over 12 million times.
Personal Life and Passing
Isaac Hayes had a large family. He had 14 children, 14 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
He passed away on August 10, 2008, at his home. He died from a stroke.
Legacy and Honors
In 2010, the state of Tennessee honored Isaac Hayes. A part of Interstate 40 in Shelby County was named the "Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway." This was made official on his birthday in August 2010.
Awards and Recognition
Isaac Hayes won many awards for his music and acting.
- In 1972, he won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Theme from Shaft."
- He also won two Grammy Awards in 1972 for his work on the Shaft soundtrack.
- In 1973, he won another Grammy Award for his album Black Moses.
- He received a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score for Shaft.
Images for kids
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Hayes performing in 2007
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Hayes's Cadillac at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis, Tennessee
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See also
In Spanish: Isaac Hayes para niños
