R.I.P. - Isaac Hayes 1942 - 2008

Today the world lost a true musical genius.

This post really doesn't have anything to do with Brazil but it's my blog and Isaac Hayes was a hero of mine. I really don't even know what to say though about a man of his stature that contibuted so much to the world of funk and soul music and, well, to the world in general. And to be honest, I'm feeling a little too choked up to even write much...but I'll try.

Mr. Hayes began his career as a writer, arranger and producer for the legendary Stax label from Memphis, Tennessee. Without him, Sam & Dave wouldn't have been the same soul men that they were and Otis would have never sounded the same. Along with David Porter, Mr. Hayes was responsible for penning some of Stax Records biggest hits, which is to say Soul Music's biggest hits. From his early jazz influenced material to his sound track to the film Shaft to his unforgettable appearance in an outfit of solid gold chains at the Wattstax concert in LA in 1973, the man could not be touched.

The world will be a different place without him. I'll leave you with his moving rendition of 'Stormy Monday'. For those that knew him and loved him and his music, there won't be much sunshine tomorrow. Rest in peace, Black Moses.



*UPDATE* Please go the comments section of this post to find a download link to an incredible tribute mix of Mr. Hayes' music put together by one Dj Haylow. Download this essential mix now before it is gone. If you love soul music, this is something you will want to own forever. Thanks to my boy Grainger for posting the link in the comments, thanks to 4oneFunk for originally posting this on their myspace account, thanks to Haylow for putting this mix together, and of course, thanks to Isaac Hayes for leaving us with so much beautiful music!