BREAKING NEWS! Isaac Hayes Has Died

"The Insider" has confirmed that rhythm and blues singer Isaac Hayes died today. Shelby County Police say the Oscar and Grammy winner was found by relatives unconscious next to a running treadmill in the basement of his Memphis home. Attempts to revive him with CPR were unsuccessful and he died shortly after 2 p.m. He was 65 years old.

 

The hospital tells us: "Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis is saddened to announce the death of Memphis legend and music icon Isaac Hayes at 2:08 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10. 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."

Sadly, the famed crooner recently finished shooting the movie 'Soul Men,' along with comic Bernie Mac, who also just passed away Saturday morning.

Isaac was best known for his sultry baritone, which he used to great effect on the theme song for the movie 'Shaft.' The anthem won Oscars for Best Original Song and Best Original Score in 1972. He followed that up with hits "Never Can Say Goodbye" and "Don't Let Go." 

"Isaac Hayes was a true renaissance man -- singer, songwriter, producer, session musician, actor, activist and more," Neil Portnow, president and CEO of the Recording Academy told "The Insider." "The world has lost a true creative genius and a passionate humanitarian, but his indelible legacy will remain ever present. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends and all who were inspired by the man and his music."

He liked to have fun with his tough guy image in movies such as 'Escape from New York,' 'I'm Gonna Git You Sucka,' and 'CB4.' More recently, TV fans treasured his voice-overs as "South Park"'s lovable, gruff-voiced Chef. However, his character was killed off the animated series after his resignation from the show for religious reasons.

Published 8/10/08.

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