Happy birthday to Isaac Hayes, born on this day in 1942!
A cornerstone of the Stax Records sound, Hayes co-wrote classics for Sam & Dave (“Soul Man,” “Hold On, I’m Comin’”) before stepping into the spotlight himself with his deep baritone voice and lush, orchestral arrangements.
His soundtrack for Shaft (1971) won him an Academy Award, making him the first Black composer to take home an Oscar in that category — and cementing him as a cultural trailblazer.
From grooves to gravitas, Hayes brought soul to another level.