Black Moses Descends From His Mountaintop | written by Steve Fox

Isaac Lee Hayes, iconic Worldwide and Memphis Soul Legend, descended from his illustrious musical mountain on Sunday, August 10th, 2008. Isaac was born the second child of Isaac Sr. and Eula Hayes, but was raised by his grandparents , Mr. and Mrs. Willie Wade Sr. Like so many other Black children born during that era, Ike grew up the child of a very poor family, picking cotton in the fields of Covington, Tennessee. Although he was a high school dropout, he did not let that discourage him. He eventually received his H.S. diploma at the age of 21 and went on to work with the likes of Otis Redding, Johnnie Taylor, The Bar-Kays, and Booker T. Jones of Booker T. & the M.G.’s.


He won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for a Motion Picture of “The Theme of Shaft” and was nominated for Best Original Dramatic Score of Shaft. (1972). Mr. Hayes was also the first African American to win an Oscar of Best Original Song (1972) for “The Theme of Shaft.” Other notables: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee (2002); Songwriter’s Hall of Fame (June 9, 2005).


Isaac Hayes aka Ike aka Black Moses was a self taught musician who worked his way from the bottom to the top of the mountain. His music embodies the soul, passion and rhythm that people still groove and move to today and the essence of him will never be forgotten. His musical spirit lives on in the Memphises, Covingtons, movies and the soundtracks of the world. Most importantly, OUR Isaac Hayes lives on in our hearts. Rest In Peace Black Moses and we’ll always obey the commandments that you gave to us from the top of the mountain.

Steve Fox
neosoulville.com