Isaac Hayes
Isaac Hayes
Isaac Lee Hayes, Jr.was an American soul singer, songwriter, actor, producer and voice artist. Hayes was one of the creative forces behind the southern soul music label Stax Records, where he served both as an in-house songwriter and as a session musician and record producer, teaming with his partner David Porter during the mid-1960s. Hayes and Porter, along with Bill Withers, the Sherman Brothers, Steve Cropper, and John Fogerty were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005 in...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionSoul Singer
Date of Birth20 August 1942
CityCovington, TN
CountryUnited States of America
I'd been hearing things in my head for a long time, but I'd been restricted, ... Now I did what I felt. ... When I had the opportunity to do my own thing, that's when I thought about strings and different chords.
I like to see how people responded, ... I liked that. It was a big validation.
I'm delighted to be a part of this national celebration. Rock 'n' roll began in Memphis, and the city continues to be a focal point of enormous musical creativity today.
There's always hurdles. So I just keep moving, just constantly redefining myself. That's how you stay in the race.
I was a pop freak. I love music. Of course, I knew soul because I grew up in it. Writing it and everything. I love soul. But I love a tune that has some meat in it. Something I could hang my hat on. Because music is universal. Therefore, I felt no boundaries.
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 realised the origins of the old Negro spirituals I grew up with in the South.
Guys in slavery sang praises to the Lord to deliver them from bondage.
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.
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.
I don't sit back and count up what I've done. There's just always something else to do. There's always a challenge ahead.
Religious beliefs are sacred to people, and at all times should be respected and honoured.
Don't slip into the traps, and don't forget about your 'hood, the kids in the 'hood. Remember, you're disposable, so take advantage while you can.
I think the kids today need to hear more about morals and values.
The rappers have gone in and created a lot of hit music based upon my influence. And theyll tell you if you ask.