Isaac Lee Hayes, Jr. (August 20, 1942 – August 10, 2008) was perhaps one of the most influential black musicians of the late 20th century. Providing entertainment through his songwriting, his singing, his acting, and later as the voice of South Park’s infamous ladies’ man Chef, Hayes kept us dancing, singing, laughing and generally feeling good throughout his diverse career. He died at home today, aged 65.
Hayes has been a Scientologist for a long time, and he often performed at major international gatherings. In 2005 I was lucky enough to be at Saint Hill in West Sussex, England, the headquarters of the Church of Scientology in the UK. Every year, around October 7th, Scientologists and their friends from around the world gather at Saint Hill to mark the anniversary of the International Association of Scientologists. As a Church staff member, I attended the Charity Concert evening on the weekend of the event, and Hayes was one of the performers.
Stepping onto the stage in a gold sequin jacket, accompanied by a troupe of female dancers and supported by the Church’s Golden Era Musicians, Hayes performed what will likely be remembered as his all-time most famous song, the theme from Shaft. His energy was tremendous and he really got the audience going. Being as it was a charity function, there were a lot of civic leaders, businessmen and others, whether or not they were Scientologists, and this kind of audience takes some cracking! This is the only time I recall seeing Hayes live, but I have seen recorded live performances he’s done at other Scientology events and he always managed to put a smile on my face.
As the media reported, he was rapping before there were rappers and he laid the groundwork for disco, for what became known as ‘urban-contemporary music,’ and for romantic crooners like Barry White. Before making his début as a solo artist in 1967, Hayes was writing and arranging for the likes of Otis Redding and Sam and Dave, even writing the classic soul hit, Soul Man with songwriting partner David Porter.
As a Scientologist, Hayes was involved in human rights advocacy and activism for religious freedom. In addition, in 2001 he collaborated with fellow Scientologist Doug E. Fresh on the album The Joy of Creating – The Golden Era Musicians And Friends Play L. Ron Hubbard, an album I hear played very often in Scientologists’ homes, in Churches of Scientology, and as the best hold music you’ll ever hear! (At the Church of Scientology International.)
All in all the man was a legend, and while I’m as shocked and surprised at his passing as anyone else, I know he achieved much in his lifetime and made a difference to the lives of many people in various ways. I hope the memory of what he has done lives on through his art, and I encourage others to celebrate what he did rather than mourn his loss, for here was an example of a great being.
A civilization is only as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists.—L. Ron Hubbard, The Science of Survival (1951).