Isaac Hayes was an American singer, songwriter, actor, and producer, born on August 20, 1942, in Covington, Tennessee. He was raised by his grandparents after the death of his mother and the abandonment by his father. Growing up in a poor family, Hayes worked on farms during his youth. Despite the challenging circumstances, he developed a deep interest in music, teaching himself to play the piano, Hammond organ, flute, and saxophone.

In the early 1960s, Hayes began working as a session musician for Stax Records in Memphis, Tennessee. He quickly made a name for himself as a talented keyboardist and songwriter, co-writing numerous hits with David Porter for artists like Sam & Dave. Some of their most famous compositions include "Soul Man" and "Hold On, I'm Comin'." These songs played a crucial role in shaping the sound of Southern soul music.

Hayes's solo career took off with the release of his debut album, *Presenting Isaac Hayes*, in 1968, though it was not a commercial success. His breakthrough came with the 1969 album *Hot Buttered Soul*, which featured lengthy tracks and lush orchestration, establishing Hayes as a pioneer of the "progressive soul" genre. The album was a critical and commercial success, leading to a series of hit albums throughout the 1970s.

In 1971, Hayes won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for his work on the theme song for the movie *Shaft*. The song, with its distinctive wah-wah guitar and orchestral arrangement, became an iconic piece of film music and solidified Hayes's reputation as a major figure in the music industry. This success was further recognized with multiple Grammy Awards and his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Hayes's influence extended beyond music; he was also an actor, appearing in films such as *Escape from New York* and *I'm Gonna Git You Sucka*. In the late 1990s, he gained a new generation of fans through his role as the voice of Chef on the animated television series *South Park*. However, Hayes left the show in 2006 due to his religious beliefs as a Scientologist, which conflicted with the show's satirical portrayal of religion.

Despite facing financial difficulties and health issues later in life, Hayes remained a beloved figure in the music world until his death on August 10, 2008, in Memphis, Tennessee. His contributions to music, especially in the soul and funk genres, have left a lasting legacy, and he is remembered as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.

REFERENCE:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Hayes