The music world has lost one of the true greats.
I know I’m very late with this, but I have been away, and I couldn’t let this pass without saying something. Isaac Hayes, who passed away on Sunday, will be sorely missed. Most people are talking about the theme from Shaft, and Chef in South Park, but neither of these were even close to his best work. Check out 1969′s Hot Buttered Soul if you haven’t already.
The photo above was taken when I had the honour of seeing him appear, briefly, at the Stax 50th Anniversary Soul Revue at SXSW 2007. He didn’t look too well then, and had to be helped on and off stage. He only co-sang one song, Sitting on the Dock of the Bay, in tribute to Otis, but before any of the artists played, Isaac appeared on stage and said a few words about Stax and soul music. That voice gave me goosebumps. It was a night I’ll never forget.
So rest in peace, Isaac, you will be sorely missed.
