Isaac Hayes was the second-born child of Isaac Sr. and Eula Hayes, but was raised by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Willie Wade Sr. The child of a poor family, he grew up picking cotton in Covington, Tennessee. He dropped out of high school, only to be encouraged later by his former high school teachers to get his diploma. He earned his diploma at the age of 21. Otis Redding, Johnnie Taylor, The Bar Kays and Booker T. Jones (later of Booker T. and the MGs fame) were some of the "Memphis Sound" musical luminaries Hayes worked with during his early years as a budding musician and vocalist. He is a multi-talented composer, singer and arranger who plays the piano, vibraphone and saxophone equally well. In 1971 he won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for a Motion Picture for the "Theme from Shaft" (1970) and was nominated for Best Original Dramatic Score for Shaft.
Has been a frequent songwriting collaborator with David Porter since 1962. His performance as "Chef" in the TV series South Park was supposed to be a one-time event, but audience reaction was so positive, "Chef" became a regular character. Filed for bankruptcy in 1976. First African American composer to win an Oscar for Best Original Song (1972) for The Theme from Shaft. Was originally considered for the role of Shaft; however, the lead went to Richard Roundtree. However, he got the lead role in Truck Turner, which is the only film that he ever played such a part. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on June 9, 2005 in New York City alongside Robert B. Sherman, Richard M. Sherman, Bill Withers, John Fogerty, Steve Cropper and longtime collaborator David Porter. Is named among others as inspiration for the Massive Attack album "Blue Lines". His character, "Chef", was killed off South Park after his resignation for religious reasons.