Isaac Hayes, the pioneering singer, songwriter and musician whose relentless Theme From Shaft won Academy and Grammy awards, was found dead at home in Memphis, Tenn. on Sunday. He was 65.
In the early 1970s, Hayes laid the groundwork for disco, what became known as urban-contemporary music and for romantic crooners such as Barry White. And he was rapping before there was rap.
The album Hot Buttered Soul made Hayes a star in 1969. His shaven head, gold chains and sunglasses gave him a compelling visual image.
Hot Buttered Soul was groundbreaking in several ways: He sang in a "cool" style unlike the usual histrionics of big-time soul singers. He prefaced the song with "raps," and the numbers ran longer than three minutes with lush arrangements. MORE
What did Isaac Hayes' music mean to you?
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In the early 1970s, Hayes laid the groundwork for disco, what became known as urban-contemporary music and for romantic crooners such as Barry White. And he was rapping before there was rap.
The album Hot Buttered Soul made Hayes a star in 1969. His shaven head, gold chains and sunglasses gave him a compelling visual image.
Hot Buttered Soul was groundbreaking in several ways: He sang in a "cool" style unlike the usual histrionics of big-time soul singers. He prefaced the song with "raps," and the numbers ran longer than three minutes with lush arrangements. MORE
What did Isaac Hayes' music mean to you?
More...
