Isaac Hayes Dies at 65

The well-known voice of South Parks 'Chef', Isaac Hayes, has died at the age of sixty-five. Isaac Hayes was a legendary musical artist. He has been credited for beginning the disco revolution and was rapping long before rap was a popular genre.

A family member found a unresponsive Isaac Hayes by his treadmill, earlier today. He was pronounced dead at a Memphis hospital an hour later. His cause of death has not yet been reported.

Isaac Hayes was elected into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. In the 1970's Isaac Hayes provided the groundwork for what soon became the disco craze. Women swooned at his deep and sultry tone. Men marveled at his ability to incorporate rap into his music. Hayes' 1969 album 'Hot Buttered Soul' incorporated a form of music that had coolness and diversity. The album marked a new kind of musical creation for African Americans.

In 1971, Isaac Hayes won a multitude of new fans with his number hit song from the movie Shaft. Later that year, Hayes performed the 'Theme from Shaft' at the Oscars, receiving a standing ovation.

What made Hayes even more of a musical genius was his self-taught style. He wrote his own lyrics, in a time when many of the number one artists could not play one instrument, or write one line of their own songs. He was a soul singer whose career spanned over four generations. Hayes was known for his soul, sass, and his funk.

Isaac Hayes made headlines again as the voice of Chef in the controversial animated show South Park. After nine years on the show, Hayes quit in 2006. Hayes told reporters he was tired of mocking Scientology, a religious movement Isaac Hayes believed in deeply. The producers of the show called him a hypocrite, saying Hayes had cashed many checks while Christianity was being mocked. Chef was one of the most loved characters on South Park. The character was more colorful because of his sultry voice and sexy singing, and love for the ladies.

Isaac Hayes paved the way for artist such as Barry White to be appreciated for a new style of music. He also allowed rap to begin its long journey into mainstream America. Hayes leaves behind a long and dedicated career and a legacy of core musical creativity and passion.