Published: Monday - August 11, 2008
Words by Allen Starbury
Isaac Hayes (Photo: AP)
Legendary soul singer Isaac Hayes died Sunday afternoon (August 10) after collapsing at his home in Memphis, Tennessee.
According to local news channel WMC-TV, a relative found Hayes unconscious on the floor near a treadmill inside his home, after which he was taken to Baptist East Hospital in Memphis, where he was pronounced dead at 2:08 p.m.
"Our emergency room team's efforts to resuscitate him were not successful, and our hearts go out to his family and legion of fans worldwide," said Baptist Memorial spokesperson Valerie Robilio told WMC-TV.
While there is an investigation into his death, police believe there was no foul play involved.
Hayes was set to begin work on a new album, and recently completed a movie where he plays himself called "Soul Men," starring Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac.
He released his first solo album in 1967, and in sophomore album followed in 1969 called Hot Buttered Soul, which went on to become certified platinum.
He was also known for creating the theme for "Shaft" in 1971, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and won an Academy Award for best original theme song, and won Grammy awards for best original score and movie theme.
During the 90s, up until 2006, he was the voice of "Chef" for Comedy Central's animated series "South Park."
In 2002, Hayes was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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