Authorities investigate singer’s passing

Grammy-and Oscar-winning soul singer and composer Isaac Hayes is dead at age 65 after his wife and son found him unconscious on the floor of his Memphis home. Early reports suggest that Hayes may have suffered a simultaneous heart attack and stroke, but his death is under investigation. He was found near a treadmill, which was still activated. Reported attempts to revive the singer, whose biggest hit was the theme from “blaxploitation” film Shaft, failed before he died at a hospital. Police say he was being treated for various medical issues and that no foul play is suspected. Along with recording some of the most soulful music of his times, Hayes made both past and recent film and TV appearances including his roles in the movies Truck Turner, Hustle & Flow and his long-running stint as the voice of the character Chef on Comedy Central’s “South Park.” He won an Academy Award for “The Theme from Shaft” in 1972, telling one interviewer that the song was “like the shot heard ‘round the world.” His live performance of the hit at the Oscar ceremony is listed as one of TV Guide’s 25 most memorable television moments. Recognized for his charitable work in 1992, Hayes was named a king in Ghana. The Tennessee native would’ve celebrated his 66th birthday on Aug. 20. He is survived by his fourth wife Adjowa and 12 children. Click to send well-wishes to the family. For more on the legend’s life and circumstances of his death go to Sound Off.