"I've lost one of my best buddies and it is not easy to reckon with...I know one can never put a question mark where GOD puts a period, so I will not question the Almighty's decision to call him home. We all know when that call comes we all will answer.. Personally, my buddy will be missed for many reasons by me. was "family". He will be a part of my musical life each time I sing the song "Deja Vu" as this was a birthday gift to me from him... His renditions of songs that I had recorded especially "Walk On By" (in my opinion 'the definitive version') will always be another memory each time I sing it, as well as his humorous side - that I knew so well - that he showed few. My family and I send sincere heartfelt condolences to his family for their enormous loss and we will hold them in continuous prayer." - Dionne Warwick
"It was so sad to hear about Isaac Hayes. So musically advanced and timeless in his compositions. He was loved and appreciated by so many. He was an enduring symbol of the struggle of the African-American man and was a shining example of soul at its best. God bless." - Aretha Franklin
"Isaac’s impact on the music world and dynamic style are incomparable ….my thoughts are with his loved ones – The musical bed he laid for us is undeniable – a true 'souldier of love'." - Leon Ware
"Isaac Hayes was one of a kind. His deep voice resonated across the stage as he performed great hits such as 'Theme from Shaft', 'By The Time I Get to Phoenix' and 'Never Can Say Goodbye'. We are blessed to have been able to work with and know Isaac for many years. May it bring his family comfort to know that so many cared, loved and will miss Isaac Hayes." - The O'Jays (Eddie Levert Sr., Walter Williams, Sr. and Eric Nolan Grant)
"Isaac was like a brother to me. He and David Porter were quite willing to listen to my thoughts about what I wanted to sing and welcomed any and all song ideas I had which was quite differant from what I had known before.
Isaac listen when I said I had a story I needed to tell about a bad marriage so Isaac played, I talked and David Porter wrote. That became "Your Good Thing" and because of Isaac Hayes and David Porter, It has been a good thing ever since. Isaac, I am going to miss you." - Mable John
"I loved the epic soul, and uber cool vibe of Isaac Hayes dating back to my days in Junior High School. We have lost a legend, but gained an amazing legacy." - Jody Watley
"We met Isaac in the 70's at a show we were both on and I remember going into his dressing room just to meet him . He was sitting in his room all alone with these big chains on and we talked for awhile and he was so nice to us and gave us info on how to perform and get the crowd into us. He helped us become one on the legends of classic soul music and that was the last time we saw him until the late 90's and we did another show together in New York and, you know, he was the same nice person that we met in the 70's. To me he was like a father and he will be missed. We really did lose a great man and a down to earth person. It hurt me so bad when I heard he was gone but I know he would want us to remember to keep classic soul music alive. We love you Isaac and we will see you again in that big stage in the sky." - Wendell Sawyer, Blue Magic
"I was saddened to hear we lost another talented singer, songwriter, musician and a great human being in the music world. I send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Hayes. I remember meeting him a couple of times and each time I was touched by his warmth and comforting smile. I told him how honored I was to meet him and that I loved his voice and his music. 'Shaft' will forever be in our ears and in our hearts. His voice was so unique and strong with a presence not forgotten. I know he is now in a better place and will no longer be in pain. So rest in peace Mr. Isaac Hayes as we will meet again in heaven one day. Thank you for sharing the talent that God has given you, with us. We will miss you." - Evelyn Champagne King, Freddie Fox & The King Family.
"As a new actress to Hollywood, I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Issac Hayes the actor in a TV series called "Hunter". We had such a fun time. Over the years I knew him to be a kind and encouraging man. The voice, the music, the actor, the producer and that's not even half of who he really was. His wealth of talent and spirit will be missed." - Sheryl Lee Ralph
"I had the pleasure of hangin' out with Issac Hayes,a few years ago now. He was a hot radio personality at WBLS, in New York City. At that time, I was with the British neo-soul band, The Brand New Heavies. Issac was interviewing me about my work in the music business and about what it was like for me living in London, and working in Europe.
After the interview at the station, he took me and a couple of staff members out for a soul food lunch. Now, I don't remember exactly how the topic came up, but somehow I remember him just blurting out the fact that he was 'uncut', as he put it! I remember us laughing uncontrollably. In fact, I think I was laughing so hard I was in tears! I couldn't eat, for laughing! I said I know it feels like we've known each other forever, but since we'd only just met a couple of hours earlier, I thought that was way too much information! We laughed, really hard about that. He was a joy and a pleasure to work with, interview with, laugh with, and have a fun, soulful lunch with. As I think of him now, I can't stop smiling. He was on of the great ones. His music will be treasured forever and his superhuman presence will surely be missed. Proud Issac Hayes Fan..." - Siedah Garrett
"Anyone who is fan of soul music would have to be a fan of Isaac Hayes.His music and arrangements were dynamic, not just Shaft, but the entire Hot Buttered Soul album and those that came after it. His Oscar win was ours and as an artist, I view his contribution to music as HUGE. In my view Isaac’s songwriting and producing laid the very foundation for Stax Records. I will always remember him as a proud, bald, black man, an image he put forth decades ago that still has its place today. When I think of beacons of soul music three always come to mind: James Brown, Barry White & Isaac Hayes!" - J. Phoenix (Singer/Songwriter)
"He will be Missed! He was so COOL! Nice Tribute! Bernie Mac will also be missed, Great Man! Peace." - Byron Woods
"My deepest condolenses to the Hayes famiy and all those who loved him around the world ~ His innovative, soulful and inspiring body of music will always remain evergreen. Rest in Peace My Brotha." - Wayne Miller of Herb Reed's Platters
"Isaac had the wonderful experience of being a great musician and a successful songwriter, which made his rise to stardom all the more sweet. He also was extremely kind to his fellow musicians---I backed him up for a benefit concert for keyboard giant Paul Griffin and he demonstrated a truly generous spirit in working with all the other singers and musicians that made a deep impression on all of us. The show was assembled very swiftly and not all the charts were accurate and there were many artists singing ( Ben E. King, Chuck Jackson, Ashford & Simpson, Paul Simon, Cissy Houston, and many others). Ike made it easy for all of us, and gave us all a hug and a smile at the end of the night." - Jon Tiven (Producer/Songwriter)
"With great humility and prayer we send our heartfelt condolences to the family of Brother Isaac Hayes. To God be the Glory forever and ever. Rest in Peace for your life will be honored and you will be truly missed. To the family continue on praising God from whom all blessings flow. Love and respect" - Tashan and the Pearse Family.
About the Writer
David Nathan is the founder and CEO of SoulMusic.com and began his writing career in 1965; beginning in 1967, he was a regular contributor to Blues & Soul magazine in London before relocating to the U.S. in 1975 where he served as U.S. editor for the publication for several decades and began being known as 'The British Ambassador Of Soul.' From 1988 to 2004, he wrote prolifically for Billboard, has penned bios, produced and written liner notes for box sets and reissue CDs for over a thousand projects. He returned to London in 2009 where he has helped create SoulMusic.com Records as a leading reissue label.
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