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Isaac Hayes
Artist profile

Isaac Hayes

Isaac Hayes was born in Covington, Tennessee in 1942 and started playing piano in church. He moved to Memphis and worked as a session musician with the...

album59 lyric pages photo_library1 photo groups20 listeners here now Editor's note live
person Curated by Ethan Walker LyroVerse team
Start here

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(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want To Be Right Video on page · 2 visits arrow_forward A Few More Kisses To Go Video on page · 2 visits arrow_forward Ain't No Sunshine Video on page · 2 visits arrow_forward Ain't That Loving You (for More Reasons Than One) Video on page · 2 visits arrow_forward Baby I'm-A Want You Video on page · 2 visits arrow_forward By The Time I Get To Phoenix Video on page · 2 visits arrow_forward
Editor's note

Isaac Hayes, the soul architect behind Shaft

A Memphis session player who turned lush, extended soul into a signature sound.

For the full Hayes experience, put on 'Theme From Shaft' and then let 'Hot Buttered Soul' roll. That's the sound he built.

Hayes reshaped soul music with his 1969 album 'Hot Buttered Soul,' stretching songs into deep, orchestral grooves. His 'Theme From Shaft' defined a cinematic era with its wah-wah guitar and cool spoken-word swagger. Even later tracks like 'You Never Cross My Mind' kept that rich, unhurried feel alive.

He started as a church pianist and Memphis session musician, cutting his first solo album in 1967. The breakthrough came with 'Hot Buttered Soul' and then the 'Shaft' theme, which won him an Oscar. He kept recording for decades, from 'A Few More Kisses To Go' to his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2002.

edit_note Ethan Walker · LyroVerse team · Apr 20
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LyroVerse editor's notes are short interpretation guides, not final verdicts. If something needs a correction, visit About or Contact.

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59 lyric pages live 1 photo available Editor's note live Video on page
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Isaac Hayes
Background notes

Archive material and source history

Isaac Hayes was born in Covington, Tennessee in 1942 and started playing piano in church. He moved to Memphis and worked as a session musician with the Bar-Kays before releasing his first solo album, 'Presenting Isaac Hayes,' in 1967. That record included his version of 'Walk On By,' which became an early hit.

His 1969 album 'Hot Buttered Soul' brought wider attention with its extended arrangements and soulful delivery.

In 1971, Hayes wrote and performed 'Theme From Shaft' for the film of the same name. The track's wah-wah guitar, driving rhythm, and spoken-word sections made it an immediate signature piece. It won him two Grammys and an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Hayes continued recording through the following decades, with songs like 'A Few More Kisses To Go' and 'The Look Of Love' appearing in his catalog. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.

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Where should I start with Isaac Hayes on LyroVerse?

The Start here section opens with (If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want To Be Right, A Few More Kisses To Go, and Ain't No Sunshine so you can move through the artist's stronger lyric pages first.

How many lyric pages are live for Isaac Hayes?

LyroVerse currently has 59 visible lyric pages for Isaac Hayes.

Does Isaac Hayes have photos on LyroVerse?

Yes. There are 1 photo available, and the preview gallery on this page links to the full photos section.

Does LyroVerse have an editor's note for Isaac Hayes?

Yes. The editor's note on this page is a short LyroVerse team guide, not a final verdict on the artist.

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