Larger Than Life

No other Black musician was bigger than life in the first part of the 70's than Isaac Hayes, not even Barry White could match Hayes' over-the-top stage shows and persona. The bald head, the outrageous suits and the big chains around his neck. It often seemed that the image of Hayes in the 70's obscured his lasting contributions as a songwriter to the modern Soul. With partner David Porter, Hayes gave Sam & Dave their greatest moments. As a solo artist he experimented more, turning "Walk On By", "Never Can Say Goodbye" and "By The Time I Get To Phoenix" into something on the order of confessional Soul.
Oddly, it wasn't until the 90's that Hayes saw his career accomplishments reaping industry awards. In 2005 he and Porter were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and in 2001 he got into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on the first ballot.
He'll be known for Shaft, but check out Hot Buttered Soul for a better view.