[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 146 (Monday, September 15, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H8088-H8089]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1730
          HONORING THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF THE LATE ISAAC HAYES

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1425) honoring the life and music of 
the late Isaac Hayes, a passionate humanitarian, whose music laid the 
foundation for many musical styles, including R&B, disco, and rap.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1425

       Whereas Isaac Hayes was a true renaissance man who achieved 
     success in vocal performances, songwriting, humanitarian 
     work, and television and motion picture endeavors, and as a 
     radio show host, pianist, saxophone player, restaurateur, and 
     cookbook author;
       Whereas Isaac Hayes greatly influenced contemporary music, 
     and his style still resounds in the music of today;
       Whereas Isaac Hayes was born on August 20, 1942, in 
     Covington, Tennessee, and, orphaned in infancy, was raised by 
     his maternal grandparents;
       Whereas Isaac Hayes spent his childhood and formative years 
     in Memphis, Tennessee, years that shaped his future success 
     as a songwriter, singer, and actor, working in cotton fields 
     while going to school, and even shining shoes on the famous 
     Beale Street;
       Whereas Isaac Hayes graduated from Manassas High School in 
     Memphis in 1962 at the age of 21, having returned to school 
     after dropping out;
       Whereas Isaac Hayes began singing at the age of 5 at his 
     local church and soon after taught himself to play the piano, 
     electronic organ, flute, and saxophone;
       Whereas Isaac Hayes began playing in local bands, and at 
     age 21 worked as a backup musician for Stax Records, for 
     which he eventually became a noted music producer and in-
     house songwriter;
       Whereas Isaac Hayes became a prolific songwriter who, in 
     partnership with his Stax Records songwriting and production 
     partner, David Porter, wrote many classic hits for other 
     artists, including ``Hold On, I'm Comin' '', ``B-A-B-Y'', and 
     ``Soul Man'';
       Whereas the partnership of Isaac Hayes and David Porter 
     composed some 200 songs;
       Whereas Isaac Hayes created the groundbreaking musical 
     score and theme song for the movie ``Shaft'';
       Whereas Isaac Hayes was the recipient of an Academy Award, 
     a Golden Globe, the Edison Award, the NAACP Image Award, and 
     two Grammy Awards;
       Whereas Isaac Hayes was inducted into the Rock and Roll 
     Hall of Fame in 2002;
       Whereas Isaac Hayes, a BMI songwriter, received 5 BMI R&B 
     Awards, 2 BMI Pop Awards, and 2 BMI Urban Awards, and was 
     honored as a BMI Icon in 2003;
       Whereas Isaac Hayes was inducted into the Songwriters Hall 
     of Fame on June 9, 2005;
       Whereas Isaac Hayes generated more than 12 million 
     performances from his songs throughout his life;
       Whereas Isaac Hayes was instrumental in staging the 1972 
     Wattstax concert performed at the Los Angeles Coliseum in the 
     summer of 1972, an event that was a great source of pride for 
     the African-American Los Angeles community of Watts and that 
     focused worldwide attention on issues of social and economic 
     justice for that beleaguered community, while also 
     highlighting the great Memphis Stax sound;
       Whereas Isaac Hayes was a television and film actor, 
     appearing in countless television shows and three dozen 
     movies, including roles in ``The A-Team'', ``The Fresh Prince 
     of Bel Air'', ``Girlfriends'', and ``Miami Vice'';
       Whereas Isaac Hayes started the Isaac Hayes Foundation, 
     whose mission is to globally promote literacy, music 
     education, nutritional education, and innovative programs to 
     raise self-esteem among the underprivileged;
       Whereas Isaac Hayes was strongly devoted to promoting 
     literacy through the world and was named the international 
     spokesman for the Applied Scholastics' World Literacy 
     Crusade;
       Whereas Isaac Hayes, through his Isaac Hayes Foundation, 
     built an 8,000 square foot educational facility in Ghana, 
     West Africa, and was a strong advocate for the education and 
     well-being of the children of Ghana;
       Whereas Isaac Hayes donated thousands of dollars, through 
     grants from his Isaac Hayes Foundation, to schools in 
     Memphis, Nashville, and Washington, DC for the purpose of 
     improving the musical education programs of those schools and 
     for the purchase of musical instruments;
       Whereas the State of Tennessee issued a proclamation on 
     August 18, 2008, honoring Isaac Hayes and his contribution to 
     the State of Tennessee and the entire Nation;
       Whereas Isaac Hayes was a loving father of 12 children, 14 
     grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren; and
       Whereas, with the passing of Isaac Hayes on August 10, 
     2008, at his Memphis, Tennessee home, the Nation has lost a 
     talented and influential humanitarian, actor, artist, radio 
     show host, and singer-songwriter: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) honors the life of Isaac Hayes;
       (2) recognizes Isaac Hayes for his invaluable contributions 
     to American culture;
       (3) recommits itself to ensuring that artists such as Isaac 
     Hayes receive fair protection under the copyright laws for 
     their creative endeavors; and
       (4) extends condolences to his family on the death of this 
     talented and beloved man.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Scott) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Issa) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Virginia.


                             General Leave

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Virginia?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, today we honor the life and musical legacy of Isaac 
Hayes, a passionate humanitarian, whose prolific songwriting and 
distinctive baritone were loved across generations and around the 
world.
  He overcame humble beginnings and personal obstacles to make 
excellent contributions in many endeavors. He was a true Renaissance 
man, an extraordinary singer, songwriter and music producer who also 
achieved success as a pianist, saxophone player, cookbook author, radio 
show host, and television and motion picture actor.
  Born in Covington, Tennessee, tragically orphaned as an infant, and 
raised by his maternal grandparents, Isaac Hayes came to know the 
pleasures of country life but also the hardships of rural poverty.
  Shortly after his family moved to Memphis for the greater 
opportunities in the ``big city,'' his grandfather passed away. To help 
his family survive, Isaac Hayes worked in cotton fields, cut lawns, and 
cleaned bricks at two cents apiece, all while going to school. He even 
shined shoes on Memphis' famous Beale Street.
  Despite experiencing rural, and then urban, poverty, he found ways to 
bring music into a central role in his life. At the age of five, he 
began singing in his local church and before long had also taught 
himself to play the piano, electronic organ, flute and saxophone.
  He dropped out of high school for a time, but never lost sight of the 
critical role that education plays in improving one's life. He returned 
to school and proudly graduated at the age of 21.
  After graduating, he played piano for Floyd Newman, a saxophonist 
bandleader. This work led to his becoming a studio musician for a new 
label called Stax Records, where his first paid sessions were with Otis 
Redding. These sessions were so successful that he became a ubiquitous 
presence at Stax.
  While at Stax, he met David Porter, who became a long-standing friend 
and collaborator. As a result of their collaboration as songwriters and 
producers, they made more than 200 songs, including such classics as 
``B-A-B-Y,'' ``Soul Man,'' and ``Hold on, I'm Comin'.''
  Perhaps the musical accomplishment that Isaac Hayes is best known for 
is the groundbreaking score and theme song that he wrote for the movie 
``Shaft.'' His smooth baritone vocals and iconic style carried that 
song to the top of the charts, nationally and internationally.
  During his life, he received an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, 
two Grammy Awards, the NAACP Image Award, and the Edison Award, which 
is Europe's highest musical honor. He was inducted into the Rock and 
Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005.
  He was not content to rest on his musical laurels, probably because 
of his roots in both rural and urban poverty. A passionate humanitarian 
concerned about the underprivileged throughout the world, he saw 
education and literacy as the keys to freedom and prosperity.
  Based on that belief, he founded the Isaac Hayes Foundation, whose 
mission

[[Page H8089]]

it is to promote literacy and education and other programs throughout 
the world.
  The foundation, among other endeavors, built an 8,000-square-foot 
education facility in Ghana, West Africa, and supported education 
efforts in Tennessee. In recognition of his humanitarian work and 
educational and economic contributions, in 1994 Isaac Hayes was crowned 
a king in Ghana.
  Last year, Isaac Hayes and David Porter came to Capitol Hill to speak 
to Senators and House Members about the importance of protecting the 
intellectual property rights of their fellow songwriters and performing 
artists.
  He was an excellent advocate for his fellow songwriters and vocal 
artists. He was humble, well-spoken, and passionate about protecting 
creative works, not just for the benefit of artists, but also for the 
benefit of our national economy.
  There is so much more that I could say about this man, but for time's 
sake, I'll just end with this observation.
  Isaac Hayes' achievements and influence made him a cultural icon, and 
his humanitarian work also made him a great human being. With the fatal 
stroke that took his life at the age of 65, Isaac Hayes leaves behind a 
legacy of monumental significance.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleagues from Tennessee, Mrs. Blackburn 
and Mr. Cohen, for their leadership on this measure.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, it's my great honor to introduce the author of 
this piece of legislation, someone who understands the importance of 
Isaac Hayes to Tennessee and to the music world, Congresswoman Marsha 
Blackburn. I yield her 5 minutes.
  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California 
for yielding, and I must first thank my colleague and cosponsor from 
Tennessee, Congressman Cohen. This resolution would not be possible 
without his hard work. Vital business in Tennessee has delayed his 
arrival on the floor today, and I know that if he were here with us 
that he would speak better than most about his constituent and his good 
friend Isaac Hayes.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to share the representation 
of Memphis, Tennessee, with Congressman Cohen. We are honored to 
represent its people and its proud traditions. Memphis has contributed 
so much to our State and indeed to our country, and perhaps the 
greatest contribution that there is is that ``Memphis Sound.'' The 
Memphis Sound really is the soundtrack for America. It captures the 
rhythm of the region, as well as the hopes, the frustrations, and the 
aspirations of so many Americans.
  We do stand on the floor today to celebrate the life of the man who 
gave so much of that music its soul, Isaac Hayes. Isaac was one of the 
driving forces behind the legendary Stax Records that created and 
amplified the Memphis Sound. Collaborating with David Porter, Isaac 
wrote some of our most famous songs: ``Soul Man,'' ``Hold on, I'm 
Comin','' and his own hits like ``Walk on By'' and that groundbreaking 
musical score and the theme song from the movie ``Shaft.''
  I first came to know Isaac when I was at the Tennessee Film, 
Entertainment and Musician Commission, heading that body, working on 
issues that were so important to our songwriters. And I found that 
Isaac was fiercely proud of the Memphis sound that he had helped to 
give birth to and the different genres that had been spawned by that, 
and I know that all of Tennessee today is fiercely proud of Isaac and 
his work.
  Isaac was more than a great musician. He was also a noble 
humanitarian, as we have just heard from the gentleman from Virginia. I 
found the Isaac Hayes Foundation and their work to be something 
extraordinary. It was founded by Isaac Hayes, and it was done so to 
promote literacy and music education. He constructed an educational 
facility in Ghana.
  I last saw him and visited with him at a ceremony in Memphis this 
spring. He was being honored not only for his contributions to Memphis 
music but also his contributions and his humanitarian work for the City 
of Memphis. He grew up in Memphis. He graduated from Mannassas High 
School in 1962, and even after he achieved worldwide acclaim, he always 
remained loyal to the Memphis community.
  You know, I didn't know it then, but I am saddened now that that was 
going to be the last visit that we had. But I will tell you, Isaac 
Hayes and David Porter were still talking about intellectual property, 
protecting songwriters, and making certain that songwriters were paid.
  Indeed, Memphis has lost a champion and an inspiration, but they 
still have his music and his soul.
  As co-chair for the Congressional Songwriters Caucus, I am honored to 
bring this resolution to the floor of the House today, and on behalf of 
Isaac's family, the songwriting community in Tennessee and for 
listeners worldwide who have been touched by the Isaac Hayes sound, I 
urge all Members to join me in supporting this resolution.
  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, if I might inquire of the gentleman, does he 
have any additional speakers?
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers.
  Mr. ISSA. Then I would close briefly by supporting this bipartisan 
legislation, recognizing the life of Isaac Hayes. Additionally 
mentioning that Chairman Conyers and Ranking Member Smith support this 
and support recognizing this inspirational man, his inspirational life, 
and his fine music and work he did well into the last days of his life.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I 
may consume just to thank our colleagues from Tennessee for working 
together on this legislation.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1425.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a 
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not 
present.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.
  The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.

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