(CNN) -- Soul singer and arranger Isaac Hayes, who won Grammy awards and an Oscar for the theme from the 1971 action film "Shaft," has died, sheriff's officials in Memphis, Tennessee, reported Sunday. Relatives found Hayes, 65, unconscious in his home next to a still-running treadmill, said Steve Shular, a spokesman for the Shelby County Sheriff's Department.
Paramedics attempted to revive him and took him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 2 p.m., the sheriff's department said. No foul play is suspected, the agency said in a written statement. Hayes was a longtime songwriter and arranger for Stax Records in Memphis, playing in the studio's backup band and crafting tunes for artists such as Otis Redding and Sam and Dave in the 1960s. See photos of singer Isaac Hayes »
He released his first solo album in 1967, and his 1969 follow-up, "Hot Buttered Soul," became a platinum hit.
In 1971, the theme from "Shaft" topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and won an Academy Award for best original theme song. The song and the movie score also won Grammy awards for best original score and movie theme.
Hayes won a third Grammy for pop instrumental performance with the title track to his 1972 "Black Moses" album.
From the late 1990s through 2006, Hayes provided the voice of "Chef" for Comedy Central's raunchy animated series "South Park," as well as numerous songs.
The role introduced him to a new generation of fans, but he left after the show lampooned his own religion, the Church of Scientology.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.
Paramedics attempted to revive him and took him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 2 p.m., the sheriff's department said. No foul play is suspected, the agency said in a written statement. Hayes was a longtime songwriter and arranger for Stax Records in Memphis, playing in the studio's backup band and crafting tunes for artists such as Otis Redding and Sam and Dave in the 1960s. See photos of singer Isaac Hayes » He released his first solo album in 1967, and his 1969 follow-up, "Hot Buttered Soul," became a platinum hit.
In 1971, the theme from "Shaft" topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and won an Academy Award for best original theme song. The song and the movie score also won Grammy awards for best original score and movie theme.
Hayes won a third Grammy for pop instrumental performance with the title track to his 1972 "Black Moses" album.
From the late 1990s through 2006, Hayes provided the voice of "Chef" for Comedy Central's raunchy animated series "South Park," as well as numerous songs.
The role introduced him to a new generation of fans, but he left after the show lampooned his own religion, the Church of Scientology.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.
What others are saying
- MISSING ISSAC HAYESYOU WILL TRULY BE MISSED ISSAC. MY GRANDFATHER WAS NAMED ISSAC WHICH IS A BIBLICAL NAME AND HE WAS TRULY BLESSED WHILE HERE ON EARTH AS WELL AS MR. HAYES. I'VE NEVER ACTUALLY WATCH THE ENTIRE ORIGINAL MOVIE "SHAFT"; BUT I INTEND TO. THE MUSIC IS WHAT I REMEMBER MOST...BORN IN 1969...LOVE D.D. JONES IN ATLANTA, GA
- What a wonderful manHim and his music will be missed. He was one of me and mt favorites. He was from the old school and carried on in the new school Rip Soul Daddy...
- Never Can Say GoodbyeA True Innovator and an immesurable Top Flight Singer/Sonwriter/Musician/Producer/Entenprenuer- injoying his 2005 Montruex Switzerland performance (on cd) Great Stuff -Your PHENOMENAL catalogue of STAX Songs will forever live on!
- Issac HayesIssac, you will be truly missed, brother! I will always cherish your music and your voice. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. (Rest in Peace, Black Moses.) With Deep Sympathy, Tony.
- Soul BrotherI will be truly miss. God has a new angel now.
- Soul BrotherHe will be truly miss. God has a new angel.
- IsaacYou're from the old school you will never be forgotten for your music or talent that will go on forever to the family may god keep you in the spirt of happiness and joy.
- love you brotheruntil i die i will always love my brother behind the music peace and soul miss you alread/ed
- A lossI was very sadden to hear the death of Isaac Hayes. I use to always listen to him when my mom played his song when I was a child. May God give his family and friends the spirt of joy! He is in a better place!
- ISAACYou may be gone, but definitely not forgotten. RIP.
- Sad DayA true artists. His songs will last a life time . There willl never be another Isaac Hayes. Love Always Your Fans
- THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC THAT WILL LIVE FOREVER, GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN.
- the manissac was one of a kind with his music. he will surely be missed
- Hot Buttered SoulA True Musician and the 1st to Sport his Head Bald. You will be missesd but your sound will live on may God bless you.
- Isaac HayesThanks,Isaac Hayes for your soulful talents.Whenever you mention soul music
you mention Black Jesus,because your music was and still is Hot Buttered Soul! - mr. hayesyoure gone to soulsville.thanks for the music
- isaacs hayshis voice will be unforgettable
- isaacs hayshis voice will be unforgettable
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