Isaac Hayes, winner of a Grammy for his role in “Shaft” died 2 days ago, aged 65 from an apparent stroke. According to the Shelby County's sheriff's office, a family member found Hayes unconscious near a treadmill in his home and he was pronounced dead at Memorial Hospital rough 1 hour later.
Hayes may have died from the effects of a stroke, but this is still being investigated. He made a name for himself in the "70s when he started performing disco. His career really took off in 1997 when he became the voice of “Chef”, a sensible school cook and ladies man in “South Park”.
Reacting to Hayes" death, the Rev. Al Sharpton remarked that “I am deeply saddened by the loss of Isaac Hayes, a true historic world music figure. Isaac Hayes was the first African-American to win an Oscar for a music score but never lost sight of his commitment to his community and the betterment of mankind. He was more than an artist he was a trailblazer, He was an innovator. He was a creative genius. I shall never forget how in the height of his career he still had time to work and lend his celebrity to those of us much younger and at that time who were totally unknown. Even in his later years he never hesitated to appear for a cause or endorse something that he felt was for the good of mankind. He will be sorely missed”.
Hayes is survived by his fourth wife, Adjowa, 12 children, 14 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
