Born today in 1942: a true soul man, Isaac Hayes! Before his multi-platinum singing career as a psychedelic gospel-soul-jazz artist who would bring Burt Bacharach songs into the extended length stetched-out mind-trip format, he was a crucial foundational member of the Stax operation. He wrote or co-wrote, produced and/or played on many '60s hits for Sam & Dave, Carla Thomas, Johnnie Taylor, The Soul Children, Judy Clay, Rufus Thomas, Otis Redding, The Mar-Keys, William Bell and others, often times in collaboration with David Porter and Booker T & the MGs. Of particular note are "Soul Man", "Hold On I'm Coming", "Wrap It Up" and "When Something Is Wrong With My Baby".
With his smash hit albums Hot Buttered Soul and Shaft he entered into the realm of superstardom and helped rebuild Stax after Atlantic's corporate pilfering of their catalog. He did a lot of soundtrack composing, as well as acting in several movies and TV shows.
A multi-instrumentalist, he played piano & keyboards, saxophone and organ. He has also collaborated with Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, Dionne Warwick, Millie Jackson, Alicia Keys and others. He is no doubt one of the most important figures in the history of Memphis music.