Isaac Hayes.

Isaac Lee Hayes Jr.

Born 20 Aug 1942 Covington, United States

Died 10 Aug 2008 Memphis, United States

Citizenship United States

Would Be 83 yr If Living

12 min read

Reading time

2,262

Words

Jun 2, 2026

Published

Film credits

Awards

TL;DR

Isaac Hayes won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1972 with Theme from Shaft, the first African American to do so. He voiced Chef on South Park from 1997 to 2006. Hayes died of a stroke on August 10, 2008 in Memphis, Tennessee. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.

Identity & family.

KIN · 5

Names, aliases, and relatives of Isaac Hayes — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name Isaac Lee Hayes Jr.

Nicknames The Black Moses, Ike

Aliases Issac Hayes

SPOUSES: Adjowa Hayes Mignon Harley Emily Ruth Watson Dancy Hayes
CHILDREN: Isaac Hayes III

At a glance.

STATS

Isaac Hayes by the numbers — life, work, and family.

65 Years lived

95 Film credits

6 Awards

4 Marriages

1 Child

Who was Isaac Hayes?

BIOGRAPHY

Isaac Hayes — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

Raised by his grandparents Willie Wade Sr. and wife, Isaac Hayes spent his early years picking cotton in Covington, Tennessee fields. He was born on August 20, 1942, the second child of Eula and Isaac Hayes Sr. He dropped out of high school but earned his diploma at age 21 with help from former teachers.

Career

In the 1960s, Hayes worked with Otis Redding, Johnnie Taylor, The Bar-Kays, and Booker T. Jones. For 1971’s Shaft, he wrote and performed Theme from Shaft, earning him the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1972. He also won a Golden Globe for Best Original Score and two Grammys for the soundtrack. Hayes acted in Escape from New York 1981 and I’m Gonna Git You Sucka 1988. His voice role as Chef on South Park ran from 1997 to 2006.

Personal life

Hayes married four times: Dancy Hayes in 1960, Emily Ruth Watson from 1966 to 1972, Mignon Harley from 1973 to 1986, and Adjowa Hayes in 2005 until his death. He had eleven children, including Isaac Hayes III, Veronica, and Heather. He filed for bankruptcy in 1976.

Legacy

Hayes became the first African American composer to win an Oscar for Best Original Song, setting a precedent for soul music. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005. His music influenced acts such as Massive Attack. Today he is remembered for Theme from Shaft and his voice role as Chef on South Park.

Filmography.

FILMS · 95

Browse the complete filmography of Isaac Hayes — every film, TV show, and documentary credit, ranked by popularity.

TV

Stargate SG-1

1997
TV

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

1962
TV

South Park

1997
TV

The A-Team

1983
TV

Miami Vice

1984
TV

That '70S Show

1998
TV

The Rockford Files

1974
TV

Girlfriends

2000
TV

Hunter

1984
TV

The Bernie Mac Show

2001
TV

Late Night with Conan O'Brien

1993
TV

Sliders

1995
TV

Tales from the Crypt

1989
TV

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

1992

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Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 6

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Isaac Hayes — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

IAS Freedom Medal
Academy Award for Best Original Song
Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score
Grammy Award for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella
Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 18

A wall of memorable lines from Isaac Hayes — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

Elvis Was a Giant and Influenced Everyone in the Business.
Just, You Know, You Can’t Put Bread in a Cold Oven. You Know, You’ve Got to Take Your Time. You’ve Got to Heat It Up. so That’s What, That’s What I Like to Do with My Music. I Like to Build It, and Build It into a Maddening, Exciting Crescendo.
Know the Business, Learn the Business, Own Something.
If You Enjoy the Fragrance of a Rose, You Must Accept the Thorns Which It Bears.
There Is a Place in This World for Satire, but There Is a Time When Satire Ends and Intolerance and Bigotry Towards Religious Beliefs of Others Begins.
There’s Always Hurdles. so I Just Keep Moving, Just Constantly Redefining Myself. That’s How You Stay in the Race.
Religious Beliefs Are Sacred to People, and at All Times Should Be Respected and Honored.
I Think the Kids Today Need to Hear More About Morals and Values.
I Love Music.
A Certain Administration Which I Won’t Call by Name Took the Arts Out of the Schools, and That Left the Brothers Out on the Street with Nothing, so They Went to the Turntables and Started Rhyming. Then They Had a Way to Express Themselves, and That’s the Birth of Hip Hop.
The Rappers Have Gone in and Created a Lot of Hit Music Based Upon My Influence. and They’ll Tell You If You Ask.
I Influence People, Hopefully on the Positive Side.
Have You Ever Wondered Why Young People Take to Music Like Fish to Water? Maybe It’s Because Music Is Fun. Plan and Simple. It Opens up Their Minds to Dream Great Dreams About Where They Can Go and What They Can Do When They Get Older.
Guys in Slavery Sang Praises to the Lord to Deliver Them from Bondage.
I Was a Pop Freak.
I First Heard African Drum Rhythms and Chants at the Movies. Then, When I Had the Opportunity to Go to Africa and Visit the Villages, I Heard the Real, Raw, True Rhythms and Realized the Origins of the Old Negro Spirituals I Grew up with in the South.
I’d Always Loved Strings. When I Was in High School and Saw Strings Playing on Stage, an Orchestra or a Symphony, All Those Bows Moving at the Same Time… Wow.
I Used to Stand in Front of the Mic and Cry.

Did you know?

FACTS · 18

Little-known facts about Isaac Hayes — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

Soul Men 2008 co-starred Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes; both died within 24 hours, Mac on August 9 and Hayes on August 10, 2008.
His performance as Chef on South Park 1997 was intended as a one-time guest role but audience reaction led to him becoming a regular.
First African American composer to win an Oscar for Best Original Song, for Theme from Shaft in 1972.
His character Chef was killed off South Park in 2006 after his resignation for religious reasons.
Suffered a stroke in January 2006.
Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on June 9, 2005 in New York City alongside Robert B. Sherman, Richard M. Sherman, Bill Withers, John Fogerty, Steve Cropper, and longtime collaborator David Porter.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.
Was originally considered for the role of Shaft 1971, but the lead went to Richard Roundtree; he got the lead in Truck Turner 1974, the only film in which he played such a part.
Pronounced dead at 2:08 pm at Baptist Memorial Medical Hospital in Memphis on August 10, 2008.
Filed for bankruptcy in 1976.
Frequent songwriting collaborator with David Porter starting in 1962.
Father of 11 children: Heather, Isaac III, Veronica, Jackie, Felicia, Melanie, Nikki, Lilli, Darius, Vincent, and Nana Kwadjo.
Friend of Aretha Franklin and Tim Reid.
Son Nana Kwadjo born April 10, 2006.
Named among others as inspiration for Massive Attack’s album Blue Lines.
Brother of Willette Rankin.
He had 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Buried at Memorial Park Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 53

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Isaac Hayes.

When was Isaac Hayes born?

Isaac Hayes was born on August 20, 1942. He was born in Covington, Tennessee, USA.
Where was Isaac Hayes born?

Isaac Hayes was born in Covington, Tennessee, USA. He grew up there picking cotton with his grandparents.
When did Isaac Hayes die?

Isaac Hayes died on August 10, 2008. He was 65 years old at the time of his death.
How old was Isaac Hayes when he died?

Isaac Hayes was 65 years old when he died on August 10, 2008.
Where did Isaac Hayes die?

Isaac Hayes died in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. He passed away at Baptist Memorial Medical Hospital.
How did Isaac Hayes die?

Isaac Hayes died of a stroke. He had suffered a stroke in January 2006 before his final stroke in 2008.
What was Isaac Hayes's real name?

Isaac Hayes’s birth name was Isaac Lee Hayes Jr. He was named after his father Isaac Hayes Sr.
What did Isaac Hayes do for a living?

Isaac Hayes was a Recording Artist, Actor, and Music Crew member. He was a singer, songwriter, composer, and actor.
What nationality was Isaac Hayes?

Isaac Hayes was American. He was a citizen of the United States.
What language did Isaac Hayes speak?

Isaac Hayes’s native language was English. He spoke English throughout his life and career.
Who was Isaac Hayes married to?

Isaac Hayes was married four times: Adjowa Hayes, Mignon Harley, Emily Ruth Watson, and Dancy Hayes. His longest marriage was to Dancy Hayes from 1960.
Did Isaac Hayes have children?

Yes, Isaac Hayes had 11 children, including Isaac Hayes III, Veronica, Heather, and Jackie. His youngest son Nana Kwadjo was born in 2006.
What awards did Isaac Hayes win?

Isaac Hayes won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, two Grammys, and the IAS Freedom Medal. He was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
How many awards did Isaac Hayes win?

Isaac Hayes won 6 major awards listed in his honor, including the Oscar and Golden Globe.
What is Isaac Hayes best known for?

Isaac Hayes is best known for the Theme from Shaft and for voicing Chef on South Park. He also appeared in films like Truck Turner.
What is Isaac Hayes's Instagram?

Isaac Hayes’s Instagram handle is @_isaachayes. It is maintained by his estate.
How tall was Isaac Hayes?

Isaac Hayes was 6 feet 0 inches 1.82 m tall. His height was often noted in his acting roles.
What were Isaac Hayes's nicknames?

Isaac Hayes was nicknamed The Black Moses and Ike. The nickname Black Moses reflected his influence in soul music.
Why was Isaac Hayes called Black Moses?

Isaac Hayes was called The Black Moses because of his pioneering role in soul music and his powerful stage presence. The nickname was given by fans and the media.
Did Isaac Hayes have any aliases?

Isaac Hayes sometimes used the alias Issac Hayes due to a misspelling. It appeared occasionally in credits.
Who were Isaac Hayes's parents?

Isaac Hayes’s parents were Isaac Hayes Sr. and Eula Hayes. He was their second child.
Did Isaac Hayes have siblings?

Yes, Isaac Hayes had a sister named Willette Rankin. She is mentioned in his biography.
What instruments did Isaac Hayes play?

Isaac Hayes played piano, vibraphone, and saxophone equally well. He was a multi-talented musician.
Did Isaac Hayes file for bankruptcy?

Yes, Isaac Hayes filed for bankruptcy in 1976. He later recovered financially.
Who did Isaac Hayes collaborate with?

Isaac Hayes frequently collaborated with David Porter from 1962. He also worked with Otis Redding, Booker T. Jones, and others.
What was Isaac Hayes's first film role?

Isaac Hayes’s first lead role was in Truck Turner 1974. He played the title character, his only starring film role.
Why was Chef killed off on South Park?

Chef was killed off South Park in 2006 after Isaac Hayes resigned from the show for religious reasons. The character died in the episode The Return of Chef.
Did Isaac Hayes win an Oscar?

Yes, Isaac Hayes won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1972 for Theme from Shaft. He was the first African American to win in that category.
What was Isaac Hayes's last film?

Isaac Hayes’s last film was Soul Men 2008, co-starring Bernie Mac. Both actors died shortly after filming.
Where is Isaac Hayes buried?

Isaac Hayes is buried at Memorial Park Cemetery in Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee.
How many grandchildren did Isaac Hayes have?

Isaac Hayes had 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren at the time of his death.
Was Isaac Hayes in a band?

Isaac Hayes was a solo artist but worked closely with the Bar-Kays and other Memphis session musicians. He was part of the Stax Records family.
Did Isaac Hayes act on television?

Yes, Isaac Hayes had guest roles on TV shows like Miami Vice, The A-Team, and That ’70s Show. He also voiced characters in animated series.
What was Isaac Hayes's net worth?

Isaac Hayes’s exact net worth is not reliably documented. He filed for bankruptcy in 1976 but later rebuilt his career.
Did Isaac Hayes write songs for other artists?

Yes, Isaac Hayes co-wrote songs with David Porter for artists like Sam & Dave, including the hit ‘Hold On, I’m Comin’.
What was Isaac Hayes's highest-charting song?

Isaac Hayes’s biggest hit was Theme from Shaft, which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971.
Was Isaac Hayes in the military?

There is no information in the source indicating Isaac Hayes served in the military.
What religion was Isaac Hayes?

Isaac Hayes was a Scientologist, which led to his departure from South Park due to the show’s satire of religion.
Did Isaac Hayes win a Grammy?

Yes, Isaac Hayes won two Grammys: Best Pop Instrumental Performance and Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella for Theme from Shaft.
What was Isaac Hayes's role in Escape from New York?

In Escape from New York 1981, Isaac Hayes played The Duke of New York, a crime lord. It was one of his most famous film roles.
Did Isaac Hayes have any famous friends?

Isaac Hayes was a friend of Aretha Franklin and Tim Reid. He also collaborated with many soul musicians.
What is the IAS Freedom Medal?

The IAS Freedom Medal is an award from the International Association of Scientologists. Isaac Hayes received it for his humanitarian work.
Why did Isaac Hayes leave South Park?

Isaac Hayes left South Park in 2006 because of his Scientology beliefs, objecting to the show’s parody of the religion. He resigned and the character Chef was killed off.
How many children did Isaac Hayes have?

Isaac Hayes had 11 children, including Isaac Hayes III, Heather, Veronica, Jackie, Felicia, Melanie, Nikki, Lilli, Darius, Vincent, and Nana Kwadjo.
What was Isaac Hayes's first song?

Isaac Hayes’s early work included songs with David Porter in the 1960s. His first hit as a solo artist was Theme from Shaft in 1971.
Did Isaac Hayes appear in any video games?

There is no source confirmation of Isaac Hayes appearing in video games.
What was Isaac Hayes's voice role in Stargate SG-1?

Isaac Hayes voiced Tolok on Stargate SG-1. He appeared in the episode The Curse in 2004.
How did Isaac Hayes meet David Porter?

Isaac Hayes met David Porter while both were working at Stax Records in the early 1960s. They began a long songwriting partnership.
What was Isaac Hayes's musical style?

Isaac Hayes was a key figure in soul music, known for his deep voice and orchestral arrangements. He helped define the Memphis Sound.
Did Isaac Hayes ever win a Golden Globe?

Yes, Isaac Hayes won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score in 1972 for Shaft.
What was the name of Isaac Hayes's production company?

The source does not provide the name of his production company.
Did Isaac Hayes perform at the White House?

There is no source information about White House performances.
Was Isaac Hayes a member of any music groups?

No, Isaac Hayes was primarily a solo artist, but he collaborated with the Bar-Kays and other Stax musicians.

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Sophia has 4 years of editorial experience and a habit of becoming the person any team leans on when they need to know where something stands. At Famousy, she manages the content pipeline, coordinates reviews, and handles the detail work that keeps a large editorial operation from falling apart. She reads a lot of profiles in the process and she's developed a sharp instinct for when something doesn't feel right. She flags it. It usually is.

Published on June 2, 2026

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Isaac Hayes.

TL;DR

Early life

Career

Personal life

Legacy

Stargate SG-1

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

South Park

The A-Team

Miami Vice

That '70S Show

The Rockford Files

Girlfriends

Hunter

The Bernie Mac Show

Late Night with Conan O'Brien

Sliders

Tales from the Crypt

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno