In the late ’60s and early ’70s, Hayes’s inimitable baritone, honey-buttered delivery and recital segues helped define deep soul and laid the foundation for multiple styles, including disco and rap.

In 1964, the Stax record label hired the young Isaac Hayes as a backing musician for legends including Otis Redding. Hayes soon paired with songwriter David Porter, and together they penned more than 200 songs, including hits for duo Sam and Dave, including “Hold On! I’m Comin’” and “Soul Man.” Hayes and Porter’s dynamic creative partnership developed into lifelong friendship.

His early successes as a songwriter convinced the Stax label to sign Hayes to a record deal, and the subsequently released landmark album Hot Buttered Soul catapulted the young singer to stardom in 1969. He helped to establish the now-legendary Stax Records, and at the time of his death was preparing work for a new project to be released by the label.

In 1971, his “Theme from Shaft” from the film Shaft became a no. 1 single and garnered Hayes an Oscar and two Grammys. In an interview with the Associated Press in 1999, Hayes said the career-changing song was “like the shot heard round the world.”

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame welcomed Hayes in 2002, and in 2005, he and David Porter joined the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

A longtime BMI songwriter, Hayes received five BMI R&B Awards, two BMI Pop Awards, two BMI Urban Awards and six Million-Air citations. His songs generated more than 12 million performances throughout his life. A seminal American artist and cultural catalyst, Isaac Hayes was honored as a BMI Icon in 2003.

Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen will be issuing a Proclamation August 18, honoring Isaac Hayes and his contribution to the state of Tennessee and the entire nation.

Conclave will take place June 26-June 29 at the Marriott City Center Hotel. Click here for more info.

BMI's Fred Cannon, Congressman Joe Crowley (D-NY) and BMI's Robbin Ahrold at the Congressional recording session in the Cannon House Office Bldg. Rep. Crowley helped host the event and performed as a member of the "Congressional House Band."

Honored at the event were California Senator Diane Feinstein and Florida Representative Mark Foley, as well as Grammy-winning artist Kelly Clarkson, who devoted time over the past year to the Academy's "What's the Download" anti-piracy program, and Minneapolis' Brooklyn Center High School Band, which had been selected as an outstanding music program for the Grammy Signature Schools Enterprise Award.

BMI's Fred Cannon and NMPA President David Israelite

Earlier in the day, Academy officers from around the country met with dozens of members of Congress to talk about several pressing challenges in safeguarding their property and livelihoods, including international piracy via the Internet, and the need for domestic regulations of satellite-delivered radio download services. To demonstrate the hard work that goes into making a record, Clarkson and her bandmates performed a live recording session in a Congressional hearing room on Capitol Hill.

BMI's Del Bryant, Congressman Jim Costa (D-CA), legendary r&b singer/songwriter David Porter, Congresswoman Betty McCullum (D-MN) and BMI's Fred Cannon

Leading the BMI delegation were BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and Government Affairs Sr. Vice President Fred Cannon. "This marks the sixth year BMI has partnered with the Recording Academy to host this event," said Bryant. "By joining with the Academy, we are able to show Congress that the entire industry speaks with a single voice in support of our intellectual property, and in recognition of those members who help us fight the battle to protect it. As the digital age brings huge telecommunications and technology conglomerates into our business, we are struggling with an unprecedented series of IP issues, and we rely on our Congressional friends more than ever before."

BMI's Del Bryant and Fred Cannon, Rep. Crowley

Academy Vice-Chairman Jimmy Jam, "Go-Go" movement founder and DC Chapter Board of Governors member Chuck Brown, David Porter and BMI's Fred Cannon

BMI's Fred Cannon, Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA), David Porter and BMI's Del Bryant

BMI's Harry Warner (center) congratulates legendary BMI producing and songwriting team Isaac Hayes and David Porter at the Recording Academy Honors. Photo: Rick Diamond/WireImage

Also honored at the ceremony were screenwriter/director Craig Brewer, multi-platinum artist Justin Timberlake and heritage r&b radio station WDIA. All proceeds went to the MusiCares Hurricane Relief Fund.

Isaac Hayes and David Porter formed one of the most successful songwriting partnerships of the 1960s, defining the sound of Memphis soul. After playing on several sessions for Otis Redding, Hayes was tapped to play keyboards in the Stax house band, and eventually teamed up with David Porter, Stax's first staff songwriter. Under the name the Soul Children, the Hayes-Porter duo composed some 200 songs, reeling off a string of hits for Stax luminaries like Sam & Dave ("Soul Man," "When Something Is Wrong With My Baby," "I Thank You" and "Hold On, I'm Comin'"), Carla Thomas ("B-A-B-Y,") and Johnnie Taylor ("I Got to Love Somebody's Baby," "I Had a Dream").

Named a BMI Icon in 2003, Hayes was the first African-American composer to win an Oscar for Best Score for the timeless "Theme From Shaft," a #1 hit off the Shaft soundtrack. Porter went on to engineer the relaunch of the Stax label and is a current member of the Board of Trustees of the Recording Academy. The pair was recently inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.]]> 2005-11-08T17:00:00-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/234469 Artists, Bryant, Del, Cropper, Steve, Hayes, Isaac, Mann, Barry, Porter, David, Preston, Frances, Sherman, Richard, Sherman, Robert, Weil, Cynthia, Awards, Industry Awards, Songwriters Hall of Fame, Musical Styles, Pop Steve Cropper, Isaac Hayes, David Porter, and Richard and Robert Sherman were among those inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame at the organization's 36th annual induction and awards dinner held June 9 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.

SHOF inductees Robert and Richard Sherman, Towering Song Award winners Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, BMI's Del Bryant, and SHOF inductees David Porter, Isaac Hayes and Steve Cropper

Also honored was "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'," written by BMI writers Phil Spector, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. The Righteous Brothers' classic received this year's Towering Song Award. "Lovin' Feelin'" recently surpassed the 10 million performance plateau and was recognized at BMI's 2005 Pop Awards held in May.

Gathered before the induction ceremony are (back row) EMI Publishing's Marty Bandier, BMI's Del Bryant, SHOF President Linda Moran, SHOF inductee Steve Cropper, performer Lalah Hathaway, SHOF inductees John Fogerty, Smokey Robinson, and Bill Withers, Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr., songwriter Jimmy Webb, SHOF Chairman Hal David, Gibson Guitar Chairman Henry Juszkiewicz , Towering Song Award winner Cynthia Weil, (kneeling) performers Debra Gibson and Ryan Cabrera, Towering Song Award winner Barry Mann, and SHOF inductees Les Paul and Richard Sherman

Dedicated to recognizing the work and lives of those composers and lyricists who create popular music around the world, National Academy of Popular Music/Songwriters Hall of Fame was founded in 1969 by songwriter Johnny Mercer and publishers Abe Olman and Howie Richmond. The NAPM/SHOF is also devoted to the development of new songwriting talent through workshops, showcases and scholarships. BMI is a long-time supporter of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

SHOF inductees David Porter, Isaac Hayes and Steve Cropper

SHOF inductees David Porter, Les Paul and Isaac Hayes, BMI former President & CEO Frances Preston, Towering Song Award winners Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, and SHOF Chairman Hal David

BMI President and CEO Del Bryant (right) congratulates brothers Richard and Robert Sherman

photos by Gary Gershoff

BMI writers receive a 15% discount off the standard one-year membership fee of $50. Dues-paying members receive the following exclusive benefits:

• the opportunity to vote (with the exception of Associate Members) in SHOF's annual fall elections to determine who will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame the following spring
• the chance to participate in members-only showcase and workshop programs
• a subscription to "Words About Music," the newsletter of SHOF/NAPM
• quarterly NAPM events fliers with information about networking meetings and open mics
• an invitation to the annual SHOF Awards Dinner held each year.

To be entered in the drawing, sign up for membership now through the "Platinum Privileges" zone in the online services area.

BMI has played a vital role in the development and growth of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the list of BMI songwriting greats honored by the organization includes Chuck Berry, Dave Bartholomew, Fats Domino, Felice & Boudleaux Bryant, Pete Seeger, Carole King, Sting (PRS), Barry Manilow, Queen, Ray Charles, Willie Nelson, Emilio & Gloria Estefan, Eric Clapton (PRS), Paul Simon, Brian Wilson, Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff, Holland-Dozier-Holland and Barry, Maurice & Robin Gibb.

The National Academy of Popular Music/Songwriters Hall of Fame was founded in 1969 by songwriter Johnny Mercer and publishers Abe Olman and Howie Richmond. The NAPM/SHOF is also devoted to the development of new songwriting talent through workshops, showcases and scholarships.

Isaac Hayes	David Porter	Steve Cropper

As a founding member of the legendary Booker T and the MG's, as well as an A&R man, producer and songwriter, Steve Cropper was involved in virtually every record issued by the seminal Stax recording label from the fall of 1961 through year end 1970. Some of his songwriting credits include the classics "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay," "Knock on Wood" and "In the Midnight Hour." Cropper produced and played on sessions by Poco, Jeff Beck, Jose Feliciano, Yvonne Elliman, John Prine, Dreams and Tower Of Power. As a member of the original incarnation of the Blues Brothers, he recorded three albums with them, including the number one Briefcase Full of Blues. Over the past 20 years. Cropper has continued to be an in-demand musician and producer. His string-bending talents are showcased on CDs by Elton John, Paul Simon, Ringo Starr, Buddy Guy, Steppenwolf and Johnny Lang.

The Sherman Brothers

Isaac Hayes and David Porter were one of the most successful songwriting partnerships of the 1960s. After playing on several sessions for Otis Redding, Hayes was tapped to play keyboards in the Stax house band, and eventually established a partnership with songwriter David Porter. Under the name the Soul Children, the Hayes-Porter duo composed some 200 songs, reeling off a string of hits for Stax luminaries like Sam & Dave (the brilliant "When Something Is Wrong With My Baby," "Soul Man," "I Thank You" and "Hold On, I'm Comin'"), Carla Thomas ("B-A-B-Y,") and Johnnie Taylor ("I Got to Love Somebody's Baby," "I Had a Dream"). Named a BMI Icon in 2003, Isaac Hayes was the first African-American composer to win an Oscar for Best Score for his soundtrack to the film Shaft, the theme song of which became a #1 hit. David Porter went on to engineer the relaunch of the Stax label and is a current member of the Board of Trustees of the Recording Academy.

One of Walt Disney's most successful songwriting teams was that of brothers Richard and Robert Sherman. These incredible children's film composers created the music heard in Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, Parent Trap, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Aristocats, and many more Oscar-nominated scores. The Shermans have won several Oscars for their scores and songs, many of which are warmly and firmly ingrained in our memories like "Chim Chim Cheree", "I Wan'na Be Like You (The Monkey Song)", "It's A Small World" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," which is about to open on Broadway with the Shermans' Academy Award-winning score. They also scored The Aristocats (1970) and 1971's Bedknobs and Broomsticks, which garnered them more Oscar nominations for Best Score and Best Song. The Sherman Brothers have also done freelance work on screenplays and scores including Snoopy, Come Home, Tom Sawyer, Charlotte's Web, Disney's The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, The Slipper and the Rose: The Story of Cinderella, and The Magic of Lassie.

The National Academy of Popular Music/Songwriters Hall of Fame was founded in 1969 by songwriter Johnny Mercer and publishers Abe Olman and Howie Richmond. The NAPM/SHOF is also devoted to the development of new songwriting talent through workshops, showcases and scholarships. BMI is a long-time supporter of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

The Covington, Tennessee-born Hayes made his public singing debut in church at the age of five, and subsequently taught himself to play piano, organ and saxophone. By 1964, he was playing sax with Memphis combo the Mar-Keys, which led to his association with the now-legendary Stax-Volt label, where he was hired to play on several Otis Redding sessions and was eventually tapped to play keyboards in the label's house band. He soon established a productive songwriting partnership with David Porter, with whom he penned classic hits for such Stax stars as Sam and Dave ("Soul Man," "Hold On, I'm Comin'," "When Something Is Wrong With My Baby"), Carla Thomas ("B-A-B-Y") and Johnnie Taylor ("I Had a Dream").

He began recording albums of his own with 1967's Presenting Isaac Hayes, whose laid-back, jazzy feel gave only a hint of what was to come. 1969's Hot Buttered Soul marked both a musical and commercial breakthrough, with four extended tracks that set Hayes' husky baritone against sensual grooves and lush orchestral arrangements, and extended spoken-word passages that presaged rap by over a decade.

Hayes continued to stake out new musical territory on such early-'70s albums as The Isaac Hayes Movement and To Be Continued. But it was his score for Gordon Parks's 1971 hit film Shaft that made him an international superstar. Hayes's musical score and the chart-topping anthem "Theme From Shaft" earned both Grammys and Academy Awards, making him the first African-American composer to win an Oscar for Best Score. Hayes continued his '70s hot streak with such albums as Black Moses, Joy, Chocolate Chip and Groove-a-thon (the latter is slated for imminent reissue by Fantasy Records).

By the 1980s, Hayes was concentrating largely on the successful acting career he'd begun building in the mid-'70s. But he scored a Top 10 r&b hit with 1986's anti-drug "Ike's Rap," and made an acclaimed return to recording in 1995 with a pair of simultaneously released companion albums, the vocal Branded and instrumental Raw and Refined, which underlined his spiritual connections to hip-hop. By that time, Hayes, under the official name Nene Katey Ocansey I, had been appointed an honorary king by the royal family of the African nation of Ghana.

More recently, Hayes has won new fans via his role as wisdom-dispensing ladies' man Chef in the cult cartoon hit South Park, and put his mellifluous pipes to further use in a successful stint as morning DJ on New York's KISS-FM. He recorded an updated version of his Shaft theme for director John Singleton's 2000 update of the action hero, and even published a book, Cooking with Heart and Soul, which combines recipes with personal anecdotes and philosophical reflections.

"You must remember your roots," Hayes recently commented. "And always cherish and embrace the teachings of those that are older than you. And remember to be as flexible as you possibly can. A willow bends in the wind, the one that resists breaks. You have to store enough so when the hard times come, you can survive it. You got to constantly recreate yourself. You got to be loose and flexible to do so. You have to continue to expand."

Johnny Adams

Mickey Baker {SIAE]

Brenda Holloway

Barbara Lewis

Barbara Lynn

Garnett Mimms

Joe Simon

Patti LaBelle & the Bluebelles

Manhattans

Isaac Hayes & David Porter