Isaac Hayes, the second-born child of Eula and Isaac Hayes Sr., was raised by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Willie Wade Sr. Growing up in a poor family, he spent his childhood picking cotton in Covington, Tennessee, a far cry from the glamorous life he would later lead as a renowned musician.
Despite the challenges he faced, Hayes refused to let his circumstances define him. He dropped out of high school, but his former teachers would later play a crucial role in his life, helping him to earn his diploma when he was 21 years old.
As a young musician, Hayes was fortunate to work with some of the most talented individuals in the "Memphis Sound", including Otis Redding, Johnnie Taylor, The Bar-Kays, and Booker T. Jones, who would later achieve fame with Booker T. & the M.G.s.
A multi-talented individual, Hayes was equally skilled at playing the piano, vibraphone, and saxophone. His impressive range and versatility as a composer, singer, and arranger made him a standout in the music industry.
In 1971, Hayes's hard work and dedication paid off when he won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for a Motion Picture for the "Theme from Shaft" (1970). This prestigious honor was followed by a nomination for Best Original Dramatic Score for Shaft (1971),cementing his status as a musical genius.
