[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 13] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 18059-18060] [From the U.S. 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 [[Page 18060]] 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, 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. ____________________