Police were called to the singer-songwriter's home in Memphis, Tennessee after his wife Adjowa and infant son found him unconscious on the floor near an active treadmill. He was pronounced dead in hospital just after 7pm yesterday.

 

Hayes, who won an Oscar and Grammy Award in 1972 for the theme from Shaft, was best known in recent years as the voice of Chef from cartoon comedy South Park.

 

The cause of death was not initially known, but reports suggested that he suffered a simultaneous heart attack and stroke. He previously had a stroke in 2006.

 

A police spokesman said: "Family members believe at this point it is a medical condition that might have led to his death."

 

Hayes, known for his baritone voice, was one of the dominant black artists of the early 1970s along with Al Green, James Brown and Stevie Wonder.

 

He began his career as a session pianist and saxophonist, before becoming a songwriter and producer for Stax Records in Memphis. He established a songwriting partnership with David Porter, writing more than 200 songs including Sam and Dave's 'Soul Man' and 'Hold On, I'm Comin''.

 

He later secured a record deal and shot to fame with hit album Hot Buttered Soul in 1969.

 

Hayes, who also appeared in several movies, quit South Park in 2006 after an episode mocked Scientology.

 

He had just completed a film called Soul Men with Bernie Mac, who died on Saturday.

 

Hayes was married four times and had 12 children. Adjowa, his fourth wife, gave birth to son Nana Kwadjo Hayes in 2006.

:( Didn't really know him...only as Chef, but R.I.P.

But seriously - 12 children? Someone was busy in his lifetime :o

But seriously - 12 children? Someone was busy in his lifetime :o

 

A very expensive wake

That's shocking. :( R.I.P. Isaac.

I don't know him either.. Anyway R.I.P. too bad for his infant son.. He'll never gonna see his father.