Legendary soul singer Isaac Hayes, 65, died Sunday afternoon after collapsing at his Tennessee home. The New York Times reported Hayes had a history of heart problems.
While the cause of death has not been announced, Hayes suffered a stroke in 2006, but had since recovered to perform in the Stax’s Reunion tour last year.
Hayes fought on after his stroke and kept performing and acting. As our stroke survivor and expert, Cleo Hutton, has taught us, life after a stroke can be a difficult time to heal, both physically and mentally.
Hayes a singer-songwriter, musician, actor and film score producer was well-known for writing the theme song to 1971’s Shaft, which earned him an Academy Award and two Grammys.
He was also the voice of “Chef” on the Comedy Central cartoon series South Park.
Hayes considered himself a “health fanatic,” who had suffered numerous medical conditions in the last few years, his family said.
He was found at 1 pm. collapsed in the bedroom of his home next to a running treadmill.
While exercising is a great way to reduce the risk of heart problems, there are other ways to reduce risk factors and increase overall health.
Strokes and other heart problems can be a tough thing for family members to accept, but there are ways for children to cope with strokes within the family.
Hayes, the father of 12 children and 14 grandchildren will certainly be missed.
Here's a video of him performing his most recognizable song, "Shaft," just last month in Prospect Park. [New York Observer]
Were you a Hayes fan? Add your favorite memories of the artist here.
