Not a good weekend. He passed away at 65.

Another great performer passes too soon. He was far more influential than he's often given credit for. I remember my parents having his poster on our basement pool room wall and how cool he was in our eyes in the 70's. Along with other greats like James Brown, he helped to shape my and many other young black kids identity coming out of the 60's when we didn't have many role models or high self esteem as a race. He was a big part of the Black Pride movement and he'll be missed.

Sounds like he died after he had exercised.


Recently known for being the voice of "Chef" on South Park.


A colorful character, who was able to keep working and remain "current" for many years.


For some reason I actually remember him from a guest spot on a 70's TV show called the "Rockford Files," which starred James Garner.





http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gsCUwiqAHCNIbxD6oePjCg1RToZQD92FOTRO0

The ultimate in cool, RIP

Got to chip in with my favorite Hayes song. I still remember hearing this as a kid.

Really gives you that late 70's feel. Enjoy...

"Don't let go."

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4286440414606120816&ei=eLyhSISnMoSG2QLK4uW8Bw&q=isaac+hayes+don%27t+let+go&vt=lf&hl=en

Brother Hayes, you will be sorely missed. Thanks for the memories.

EMS

I have in my basement an original album of Shaft framed as one of my favorites. Not that album, but hot buttered soul. I have one of his live albums and it stays in my shelf and I play it once in a while. He was doing that BaRRY White kind of smooth talking on some tracks that really dated, but done well enough as the arrangements are strong. Great backing band.

Great career, very varied. much success, and a few misses. He took chances. Being on southpark I thought was a hoot.

If anyone can, try to get a clip of him playing shaft at one of the Oscar shows, I think 1969. He came out with a full band, sang the song with his bald head, rare at the time, and wearing a shirt made of large gold chains. A very strong statement. Sammy Davis Jr. came out after the performance and cracked that his shirt was bought at a hardware store. It was a good line at that moment.