Isaac Hayes
USA, 1962–2008
American songwriter and performer (1942-2008) at Stax. Hot Buttered Soul used long, slow orchestral arrangements and spoken introductions, and his Shaft theme anticipated disco and hip-hop production.
MusicRoots documents 4 artists who influenced Isaac Hayes and 3 artists Isaac Hayes influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.
Who influenced Isaac Hayes?
- Sam Cooke — Sam Cooke's soul grace was among the voices that shaped Hayes as a singer.
- James Brown — James Brown's funk drive fed the rhythmic foundation of Hayes's Stax productions.
- Otis Redding — As a Stax songwriter Hayes worked in Otis Redding's Southern-soul world, a direct influence on his sound.
- Sly and the Family Stone — The psychedelic funk of Sly and the Family Stone shaped the expansive, groove-driven side of Hayes's music.
Which artists did Isaac Hayes influence?
- Massive Attack — Isaac Hayes's orchestral, slow-burning soul is a direct model for Massive Attack's lush, string-laden arrangements.
- Barry White — White's symphonic soul — sweeping strings over slow grooves and spoken seductions — followed the orchestral template Isaac Hayes established with Hot Buttered Soul.
- RZA — Hayes is the source RZA keeps returning to — 'C.R.E.A.M.' is built on a Charmels record Hayes produced.