Sure, he'll always be remembered for the shaved head, the chains, the bad attitude that sold his theme song for Shaft, but Isaac Hayes was largely responsible for shaping the sound of the South in the 1960s. Working with his partner David Porter, Hayes turned out some landmark songs for Sam & Dave – as well as some of the others who recorded for Stax and Atlantic Records – and helped pioneer a sound that was a saltier rival to what Motown was turning out.
Along with James Brown, Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown and a handful of other high-profile African-American stars of the '60s, Hayes also played a huge role in creating a new, proud image for the black U.S. male. No quarter asked, none given.
Soul man, indeed.
2 comments:
Thank you for the Isaac Hayes tribute. I've been remembering his appearance on an Academy Awards presentation from the early 70s. I suppose a number of baby boomers recall this. He was bare-chested with a chain vest, dancers, probably smoke, performing SHAFT. It was the most astonishing thing I'd ever seen on TV. Up until the Olympics opening from Beijing last Friday, maybe the best thing I've ever seen on TV. You've encapsulated succinctly his effect, influence and sense of fun.
Thank you for the Isaac Hayes tribute. I've been remembering his appearance on an Academy Awards presentation from the early 70s. I suppose a number of baby boomers recall this. He was bare-chested with a chain vest, dancers, probably smoke, performing SHAFT. It was the most astonishing thing I'd ever seen on TV. Up until the Olympics opening from Beijing last Friday, maybe the best thing I've ever seen on TV. You've encapsulated succinctly his effect, influence and sense of fun.
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