[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 14] [House] [Pages 18738-18740] [From the U.S. 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 [[Page 18739]] 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 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. Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, Isaac Hayes made an indelible impact on the hearts, minds and souls of his fans that has sustained for generations. Dick Clark observed: ``It's rare when an artist's talent can touch an entire generation of people. It's even rarer when that same influence affects several generations. Isaac made an imprint on the world of pop [[Page 18740]] music unequaled by any other single performer.'' Isaac Hayes hailed from humble beginnings in Covington, Tennessee. He spent his childhood and formative years in Memphis, years which shaped his future success as a songwriter, singer, and actor, graduating from Manassas High School. Undoubtedly, Isaac's influences can be attributed to his time spent in church singing gospel music with the Morning Stars, doo-wop with Sir Isaac & the Doo-Dads, the Teen Tones and the Ambassadors. Isaac Hayes became a soul music icon with his debut album, ``Hot Buttered Soul,'' in 1969. His signature single and album ``The Theme From Shaft,'' came 2 years later winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song, the first Academy Award received by an African-American in a non-acting category, and two Grammys, one for composer of Best Original Score and one for Best Instrumental Arrangement with co-arranger Johnny Allen. Isaac Hayes will also be mourned by his Stax records songwriting and production partner, David Porter, with whom he wrote over 200 songs, including many classic hits such as: ``Soul Man,'' ``When Something Is Wrong With My Baby,'' and ``Hold on I'm Comin','' recorded by Sam and Dave, and ``B-A-B-Y'' made famous by Carla Thomas. The music created by Isaac and David embodies the funky, gritty and soulful Memphis sound and both gentlemen were both inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. 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 which focused worldwide attention on issues of social and economic justice for that beleaguered community while also highlighting the great Memphis Stax sound. Through his early days at Stax Records, his success as a recording artist, his record-breaking international performances and his career in film and television, Isaac Hayes, our hometown hero, always proudly referred to his Memphis roots. Isaac served as an ambassador of Memphis' spirit and soul and, like Moses, is irreplaceable. 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; In 1992, in recognition of his humanitarian work, he was crowned an honorary king of Ghana's Ada district. 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; Today is a day of both great sadness and joy--sadness that Isaac has left us too soon and joy that we were fortunate enough to have known him. Isaac was a personal friend and a supporter in my re-election bid, actively participating in my campaign. I appreciate his talent, his contributions to his fellow man and his friendship. He rose from the most humble of beginnings to fame and wealth but he never forgot where he came from and he retained his love and respect for his fellow human beings. Being in the presence of Isaac made one want to be a better person, to do good. There will never be another like him. Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Tennessee for introducing this resolution. I rise today to show support for House Resolution 1425, honoring the life and music of the late Isaac Hayes. Mr. Hayes's absence will be felt by millions around the world. A prolific hall of fame songwriter, a fighter for civil rights and an entertainer to millions throughout his life, I ask that Congress now honor his life and his achievements. Isaac Hayes's life should serve as an example to us all. Being orphaned shortly after his birth, Mr. Hayes started a lifelong trend of overcoming adversity. His grandfather, who was taking care of him, died when Isaac was only 11 years old. Wanting to contribute to his family, he took odd jobs around town to help his grandmother out. His love of music started when he was only 5 years old. Turned on to music by singing at his church, he taught himself to play multiple instruments. Soon, he was singing backup to bands and it wasn't long before he would be out on his own singing and producing other young aspiring artists. His civil rights credentials weren't too shabby either. In 1972, he helped stage a concert in Los Angeles that focused on social and economic issues. Never forgetting his roots, this concert also brought attention to his hometown Memphis sound. Isaac Hayes was the best among us. His strength and character are a beacon of light for us all. This legislation will honor the life of one of the great ones of our time. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. 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. ____________________