RIP: Isaac Hayes

Legendary singer and songwriter Isaac Hayes was found dead at his Memphis home yesterday, aged 65.

Hayes, who had suffered a stroke in 2006, was found unconscious on the floor near a treadmill that was still on. Early reports suggest Hayes suffered a heart attack and another stroke simultaneously.

The deep-voiced crooner won an Oscar in 1971 for composing the now iconic theme to the classic action film Shaft. Though he appeared in several films like It Could Happen to You and Ninth Street, he's known to a whole generation as the voice of the soul-singing, amorous Chef on the animated comedy series South Park.

Hayes hit the top of the charts again with the song Chocolate Salty Balls which he created for the show became a huge international hit, but he left the show in 2006 after it lampooned his own religion, the Church of Scientology.

Hayes, who was married four times and has twelve children, also made guest appearances on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The A Team and Stargate SG-1.

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