Isaac Hayes was a musical icon whose impact on the industry cannot be overstated. With his deep, silky voice and impeccable songwriting skills, he revolutionized soul music in the 1960s and 1970s, earning the nickname “Black Moses” and becoming a cultural icon in his own right.
Born in 1942 in Covington, Tennessee, Hayes grew up in poverty and faced numerous challenges throughout his childhood. Despite this, he discovered his love of music early on and began playing the piano and singing in his local church. He eventually moved to Memphis and became a session musician at Stax Records, where he worked with legendary artists like Otis Redding and Sam & Dave.
Hayes’ big break came in 1969, when he released his debut album “Hot Buttered Soul,” which showcased his signature blend of soul, funk, and orchestral music. The album was a critical and commercial success, and its epic, lengthy tracks set a new standard for soul music.
Over the course of his career, Hayes released numerous albums and singles, including the classic theme song for the film “Shaft,” which won him an Academy Award and cemented his place in music history. He also made a name for himself as an actor, appearing in films like “Escape from New York” and “Hustle & Flow.”
Hayes’ legacy lives on today, as his music continues to inspire and influence artists across genres. In this article, we will take a closer look at the life and career of this musical icon, exploring his impact on soul music and the wider cultural landscape.
1. Shaft
“Shaft” is a classic theme song by Isaac Hayes, written for the 1971 film of the same name. The song features a funky, driving beat, punctuated by the unmistakable sound of a wah-wah guitar. Hayes’ smooth, deep vocals glide over the music, delivering lyrics that celebrate the film’s titular character, a tough private detective played by Richard Roundtree.
The song’s iconic opening notes immediately conjure up images of the film’s gritty, urban setting, and its catchy melody has made it a beloved classic for decades. The instrumental sections of the song feature intricate horn arrangements and the distinctive sound of Hayes’ electric piano, adding to its unique flavor.
“Shaft” was a massive hit upon its release, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and winning Hayes an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Its success helped to establish Hayes as one of the leading voices in soul and funk music, and cemented the song’s place in popular culture.
To this day, “Shaft” remains a beloved classic, regularly featured in movies, television shows, and commercials, and continuing to inspire new generations of musicians and fans.
2. Don’t Let Go
“Don’t Let Go” is a classic soul and R&B song originally written and recorded by Jesse Stone in 1958. The song has been covered by a number of artists over the years, including Isaac Hayes, whose version became a hit in 1979.
The song features a smooth, mid-tempo groove, with a steady beat and lush, sweeping strings. Hayes’ rich, deep voice brings a sense of longing and passion to the lyrics, which speak of a desire to hold onto a love that seems to be slipping away.
Hayes’ version of “Don’t Let Go” features his trademark mix of soul, funk, and orchestral music, with the addition of his own spoken-word interlude that adds to the song’s emotional intensity.
The song’s popularity helped to cement Hayes’ status as one of the greatest soul singers of his generation, and its enduring appeal has made it a favorite among fans of classic R&B and soul music.
3. Joy
“Joy” is a soulful and uplifting song by Isaac Hayes, released on his 1973 album “Joy.” The song is characterized by a lush, orchestral arrangement and Hayes’ deep, rich voice, which conveys a sense of warmth and sincerity.
The song’s lyrics speak of finding joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as the love of family and friends, and the beauty of nature. Hayes’ emotive delivery adds an extra layer of depth to the lyrics, making them feel especially poignant.
The instrumentation on “Joy” is both soulful and intricate, featuring a mix of horns, strings, and Hayes’ own signature electric piano playing. The song’s chorus features a gospel-inspired call-and-response, adding to its joyful, celebratory feel.
“Joy” remains one of Hayes’ most beloved songs, and has been covered by a number of artists over the years. Its message of finding joy in the midst of life’s struggles and hardships continues to resonate with listeners today.
4. Walk On By
“Walk On By” is a classic soul song originally recorded by Dionne Warwick in 1964, but it was Isaac Hayes’ version that became the most famous. Hayes released his rendition of the song in 1969 as a part of his album “Hot Buttered Soul.”
Hayes’ version of “Walk On By” is characterized by its smooth, mellow groove and lush orchestration, with a slow, deliberate pace that allows the song to build in intensity as it progresses. Hayes’ deep, velvety voice delivers the lyrics with a sense of world-weary longing, adding an extra layer of emotion to the already poignant lyrics.
The song’s instrumentation is both soulful and cinematic, with a full orchestra, horns, and Hayes’ own signature piano playing. The song’s extended instrumental sections showcase the musicianship of the band, adding to the song’s timeless appeal.
Hayes’ version of “Walk On By” became a hit in its own right, earning him a spot in the pantheon of soul and R&B greats. The song remains a beloved classic, regularly covered by a wide range of artists and continuing to inspire new generations of listeners.
5. The Look of Love
“The Look of Love” is a classic song from the 1960s, originally written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David for the James Bond film “Casino Royale.” The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Isaac Hayes, who released his own version in 1970.
Hayes’ rendition of “The Look of Love” is characterized by a slow, sultry groove and his signature deep, rich voice. The song’s instrumentation is lush and cinematic, with a full orchestra and the addition of Hayes’ own electric piano playing.
Hayes’ version of the song is notable for its extended instrumental section, which showcases the virtuosity of the musicians and adds an extra layer of depth and complexity to the song.
“The Look of Love” remains a beloved classic, regularly featured in movies and television shows and continuing to inspire new generations of listeners. Hayes’ version of the song is considered one of the definitive versions, and stands as a testament to his talent as a soul singer and musician.
6. Never Can Say Goodbye
“Never Can Say Goodbye” is a classic soul and disco song originally recorded by the Jackson 5 in 1971, but it was Isaac Hayes’ version that became the most famous. Hayes released his rendition of the song in 1971 as a part of his album “Black Moses.”
Hayes’ version of “Never Can Say Goodbye” features a smooth, groovy rhythm and his signature deep, rich voice. The song’s instrumentation is characterized by the use of strings, horns, and a funky bassline, which give the song its distinctive sound.
The song’s lyrics speak of the difficulty of letting go of a past love, and Hayes’ emotive delivery adds an extra layer of emotion to the already poignant words. The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain of “never can say goodbye,” has become one of the most recognizable in soul and disco music.
Hayes’ version of “Never Can Say Goodbye” became a hit in its own right, earning him a spot in the pantheon of soul and R&B greats. The song remains a beloved classic, regularly covered by a wide range of artists and continuing to inspire new generations of listeners.
7. Let’s Stay Together
“Let’s Stay Together” is a classic soul and R&B song originally recorded by Al Green in 1971, but it was Isaac Hayes’ version that became a hit in 1972. Hayes released his rendition of the song as a part of his album “Black Moses.”
Hayes’ version of “Let’s Stay Together” features a slow, sensual groove and his signature deep, rich voice. The song’s instrumentation is characterized by the use of strings and horns, which give the song its lush and romantic sound.
The song’s lyrics speak of the desire to stay together with a loved one, and Hayes’ emotive delivery adds an extra layer of emotion to the already powerful words. The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Let’s stay together,” has become one of the most iconic in soul and R&B music.
Hayes’ version of “Let’s Stay Together” became a hit, earning him a spot in the pantheon of soul and R&B greats. The song remains a beloved classic, regularly covered by a wide range of artists and continuing to inspire new generations of listeners.
8. Feels Like The Firts Time
“Feels Like The First Time” is a classic rock song originally recorded by the band Foreigner in 1977, known for their energetic and catchy songs. The song was written by the band’s guitarist Mick Jones and became one of their biggest hits.
The song’s upbeat tempo, catchy guitar riffs, and soaring vocals create a sense of excitement and nostalgia. The lyrics speak of the thrill and anticipation of falling in love and experiencing new things, capturing the essence of youthful exuberance and passion.
“Feels Like The First Time” is a beloved classic of the rock genre, regularly played on classic rock radio stations and still resonating with listeners today. Its catchy chorus and memorable guitar riffs have made it an enduring favorite among fans of classic rock and those who appreciate great songwriting and musicianship.
9. Going In Circles
“Going in Circles” is a soulful and contemplative song originally recorded by The Friends of Distinction in 1969, but it was the version by Isaac Hayes in 1971 that became a hit. The song features a slow, introspective groove and poignant lyrics that speak to the struggles of life and love.
Hayes’ version of “Going in Circles” features his signature deep, rich voice and soulful delivery, and the instrumentation is characterized by the use of strings, horns, and a groovy bassline. The song’s melody and rhythm create a sense of melancholy and introspection, making it a perfect soundtrack for late-night reflection.
The song’s lyrics speak of the cyclical nature of life, and the frustration of being caught in a pattern of repeating mistakes and going through the same struggles over and over again. Hayes’ emotive delivery adds an extra layer of depth and emotion to the already poignant words, making “Going in Circles” a timeless classic of the soul genre.
10. I Want To Make Love To You So Bad
“I Want To Make Love To You So Bad” is a soulful and sultry song recorded by Isaac Hayes in 1976. The song features a slow, sensuous groove and Hayes’ signature deep, rich voice that creates a sense of intimacy and desire.
The song’s instrumentation is characterized by the use of strings, horns, and a groovy bassline that give the song a smooth and romantic sound. The lyrics speak of the desire to be close to a loved one and to share a physical and emotional connection.
Hayes’ emotive delivery adds an extra layer of passion and intensity to the already steamy lyrics, making “I Want To Make Love To You So Bad” a classic of the soul and R&B genres. The song remains a beloved favorite of fans of Hayes’ music and is still played on soul and R&B radio stations today.
April Johnson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
