Legendary soul singer Isaac Hayes died earlier this morning at his home in Memphis.  The Shelby County sheriff's department reported that he was found unconscious by his wife near his treadmill, which was still running.  He was rushed to Baptist Memorial Hospital where attempts to resuscitate him failed and he was pronounced dead at 2:08 a.m.  Initial reports indicate he may have had a simultaneous heart attack and stroke.  Hayes was just ten days shy of his 66th birthday. 

Hayes had a legendary career, winning numerous Grammys and Oscars. He started as a songwriter and arranger for Stax Records in Memphis, where he created songs and and sang backup for Otis redding and Sam and Dave, until he embarked on his own solo career in 1967.  He found stardom when his second album, "Hot Buttered Soul," became a platinum hit.  He solidified his place in history in 1971 when the theme from the movie "Shaft" hit #1 on the Billboard 100.  The theme would later go on to win an Academy Award, as well as a Grammy.  He won his third Grammy in 1972 for his title track from the "Black Moses" album. 

Hayes also had an successful acting career, appearing in countless movies and television shows; including Shaft, Dr. Dolittle 2, Hustle & Flow, and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, just to name a few.  Most recently, Hayes was the voice for "Chef" on the animated series South Park.  

Hayes was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.

Rest In Peace.