Isaac Hayes' stroke death

Aug 13, 2008, 11:00 GMT

Isaac Hayes, at Stax Records, Memphis, Tennessee, USA. Soul legend Isaac Hayes, who laid the foundations for disco and rap, was found dead, 10 August 2008, near a treadmill at his home in Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 65, police said. The cause of death was not immediately known but foul play was not suspected. Most famous for his 1971 track Theme From Shaft, Hayes was elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. EPA/CHARLES NICHOLAS

Isaac Hayes died of a stroke at his home on Sunday (10.08.08), the star's family doctor has confirmed.

An autopsy has not yet been performed on the legendary soul singer - who was found unresponsive near a running treadmill in his home in Memphis, Tennessee - but Shelby County Medical Examiner David Kraus says it is likely the star died from a stroke.

A statement from Memphis' Shelby County Sheriff added: "The Hayes family is comfortable with Dr. Kraus' recommendation to not conduct an autopsy."

Isaac, who would have turned 66 on August 20, had previously suffered a minor stroke in 2006.

Isaac's career as composer and singer spanned four decades. He began his career in the 60s as a songwriter for Stax records in his native Memphis, arranging tunes for artists such as Otis Reading and Sam and Dave. He co-wrote soul classics such as 'Soul Man' and 'Hold On I'm Coming'.

Isaac - dubbed 'The Black Moses' after one of his albums - released his first solo album in 1967 and subsequently helped create the template for disco in the 70s. In 1971, he won an Oscar and a Grammy award for his 'Theme From Shaft', taken from his score for the film 'Shaft'.

He was also known for his distinctive voice and look - bald and adorned with gold chains.

Isaac also had a successful career as an actor, appearing in TV shows 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air', 'Miami Vice' and 'The A-Team' as well as films such as 'Escape From New York' and 'It Could Happen to You'.

His trademark deep, rich voice helped him reach a new generation of fans as he voiced the character of Chef in cartoon 'South Park' from 1997 until 2006.

Isaac was married four times during his life and fathered 12 children.