By now everybody knows that Isaac Hayes dropped dead while jogging on his treadmill at home last week. Not quite how I expected Black Moses to check out.

Stax Records never would have been half as great without his contributions as a songwriter, arranger, and musician. Of course a whole new generation of fans has come to know him as the beloved Chef from South Park, always ready with a completely inappropriate song for the children. So let’s celebrate the career of one of the true giants of soul music.

Isaac Hayes “The Look Of Love” (Dusty Springfield)
This might just be the ultimate Isaac Hayes song. It starts with a long, wah-wah drenched instrumental passage before his soothing voice comes in almost halfway through. It’s just perfect.

Isaac Hayes and Dionne Warwick “Feelings” (Morris Albert)
I’ve always thought that this was one of the cheesiest, sappiest songs ever to emerge from the world of adult contemporary radio. But Mr. Hayes and Ms. Warwick turn it into a very moving song.

Isaac Hayes “Ain’t No Sunshine” (Bill Withers)
At eleven minutes, this is easily the longest song I’ve ever posted. It’s a live workout that features a long introductory rap from Mr. Hayes.

Solomon Burke “Hold On I’m Comin'” (Sam And Dave)
Isaac Hayes wrote many of Sam and Dave’s big hits. Solomon Burke almost makes this one sound like something Chef would have recorded. All that’s missing is the wah-wah guitar.

Sammy Davis Jr. “Theme From Shaft” (Isaac Hayes)
How can a black man sing an Isaac Hayes song and sound so completely, hopelessly white? What did Frank Sinatra do to this poor man out in the desert?

Van McCoy “Theme From Shaft/Lara’s Theme” (Isaac Hayes/Dr. Zhivago soundtrack)
Thanks to Uncle Flakey for cluing me in to this exciting disco medley.