[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 141 (Monday, September 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1706-E1707]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING ISAAC LEE HAYES, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2008

  Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart and great 
sadness. On August 10, 2008, our Nation lost one of its greatest 
artists, composers, and actors. Mr. Isaac Lee Hayes, Jr., was a bright 
light who inspired many and contributed immensely to the fabric of our 
society. Although his energy and love for life will be sorely missed, 
there is no doubt that his legacy will continue far into the future and 
motivate generations of people from all walks of life for years to 
come.
  Mr. Hayes was born on August 20, 1942, in Covington, TN. An acclaimed 
singer-songwriter, musician, producer, composer, and actor, he was 
admired and loved by all who knew him. Mr. Hayes was a self-taught 
musician who, at the age of 22, was hired by Stax Records of Memphis to 
play backup piano and saxophone for the legendary Otis Redding. Isaac 
literally helped bring southern soul music into the 20th century, 
writing such hits as ``Hold On, I'm Coming'' and ``Soul Man'' with his 
partner, Mr. David Porter. His recording success continued with such 
timeless albums as Hot Buttered Soul and Black Moses. His 1971 ``Theme 
from Shaft'' won the Oscar for Best Original Song, making him the first 
African-American singer-songwriter to win this coveted award. He also 
won several Grammy Awards for his work.
  By the early 1970s, Mr. Hayes was working with chart-topper Barry 
White. As an actor,

[[Page E1707]]

Hayes played the title character in the 1974 action film Hot Truck 
Turner and he had a recurring role in the 1970s TV police drama The 
Rockford Files. Most recently, he appeared in the 2005 film Hustle & 
Flow. In 2002 Isaac Lee Hayes, Jr., was inducted into the Rock and Roll 
Hall of Fame.
  Isaac was talented beyond belief, however this was only one of his 
monumental attributes. At his core, Isaac Hayes was a humanitarian, 
activist, and tireless advocate for what is good and right in the 
world. He was a man of deep convictions and even deeper compassion for 
those most in need. In 1992, he was crowned an honorary king of Ghana's 
Ada District as a token of thanks for his humanitarian work in the 
region. His limitless contributions to African-American society and the 
diverse populations of the continent of Africa simply can not be 
overestimated.
  With the sad loss of Isaac Hayes, today the world has a little less 
soul. His work as head of the Isaac Hayes Foundation serves as an 
inspiration to us all. Those who knew him personally will forever be 
grateful for having Isaac in our lives.
  I met Isaac in the early 1990's during a visit to Ghana. We became 
close friends and had many discussions about our love for and 
connections to our motherland. He shared with me his excitement about 
the many things he was doing for his village in Ghana and his deep 
commitment to making life better for the people there, especially the 
children of his village. Later, Isaac became a dedicated supporter of 
my efforts in Congress and for that I am deeply grateful. The world has 
lost a wonderful, brilliant warrior and many have lost a genuine 
friend. I know that his legacy and his memory will live on through the 
lives that he touched.
  A family man, Isaac had many loving children, grandchildren, and 
great-grandchildren. He leaves behind innumerable friends and loved-
ones, including his wife, Adjowa, and his two-year old son, Nana Kwadjo 
Hayes. My thoughts and prayers are with Isaac's family. I know how much 
he loved his family and words can not express my sympathy over this 
tremendous loss. On behalf of California's Ninth Congressional 
District, we salute this great talent and spirit by honoring his 
legacy. Isaac Lee Hayes, Jr., will be sorely missed. May his soul rest 
in peace.

                          ____________________