The news hit Songspeak early today that Issac Hayes is dead at age 65. He was found collapsed near a treadmill in his Memphis, Tennessee home by his wife, young son, and cousin after they returned home from the grocery store.

Hayes was most famous for 1971’s “Theme From Shaft” for the movie, Shaft, but was also part of John Singleton’s 2000 version of Shaft, starring Samuel L. Jackson and also Bernie Mac, who also died suddenly recently.

Shaft was originally released in 1971. Here’s the 2000 version of Theme From Shaft, with clips of the movie:

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Issac Hayes, who also brilliantly provided the voice for Chef on South Park for many seasons. He provided much wisdom to the children of South Park before leaving the show after Matt Stone and Trey Parker’s episode poking fun at Scientology.

One of our favorite Chef song is probably Chocolate Salty Balls. Classic.

Tags: 00s movies, 70s movies, age 65, bernie mac, chef, chocolate salty balls, dead, issac hayes, john singleton, samuel l. jackson, shaft, south park, sudden death, theme from shaft, treadmill