Black Moses

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Isaac Hayes, the baldheaded, baritone-voiced soul crooner who laid the groundwork for disco and whose "Theme From Shaft" won both Academy and Grammy awards, died Sunday afternoon after he collapsed near a treadmill, authorities said. He was 65.

A self-taught musician, he was hired in 1964 by Stax Records of Memphis as a backup pianist, working as a session musician for Otis Redding and others. He also played saxophone.
He began writing songs, establishing a songwriting partnership with David Porter, and in the 1960s they wrote such hits for Sam and Dave as "Hold On, I'm Coming" and "Soul Man."

Learn more about his times at Stax with Soulsville USA at 781.643 Bowman or watch Respect Yourself- Stax Records Story on DVD.

For the music lover we have Soul Come Home- Celebration of Memphis Soul Music on DVD and on CD- Stax 50th Anniversary. Issac appears in the DVD concert Wattstax also available at the Reedsburg Library.

Watch for an Issac Hayes picture with signature in our fall auction.