Isaac Hayes

American singer, keyboardist, producer, songwriter, and actor.

Born: 20 August 1942 in Covington, Tennessee, USA.

Died: 10 August 2008 in Memphis, Tennessee, USA (aged 65).

Signed to the Stax record label during the 1960s and 1970s, Hayes played an important role in shaping the Memphis sound. First active for the label as musician and later songwriter/producer (usually teaming up with David Porter), he enjoyed his biggest success as a solo artist in 1971 with the soundtrack of the movie Shaft. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 (Performer).

As an actor, he is best known as the voice of Chef (4) on the animated TV series South Park (1997-–2006). He also played the role of the Duke in John Carpenter's 1981 movie "Escape From New York", along with Kurt Russell, Ernest Borgnine, and others.

Isaac Hayes is the father of Isaac Hayes III.