Isaac Hayes dead at 65

First Bernie Mac. Now Isaac Hayes. The legendary R&B songwriter, a Grammy winner and an Oscar winner, died Sunday in Memphis, Tennessee. He was 65.

Family members found Hayes laying unconscious next to a running treadmill in his basement around 1 p.m. local time, according to Bloomberg News.

Born in poverty in Covington, Tennessee, Hayes was raised by his grandparents after his parents died. He grew up picking cotton, dropped out of high school, and later returned to earn his diploma at age 21. He also reportedly taught himself to play the piano, electronic organ, flute and saxophone, according to Wikipedia.

Hayes was perhaps best known for his "Theme From Shaft," but during the late-1990s, Hayes became popular to a whole new audience as the voice of Chef on the Comedy Central series South Park.

Ironically, both Hayes and Bernie Mac will star in the upcoming film Soul Men, along with Samuel L. Jackson. As IMDB describes the plot of the film: " Though it's been some twenty years since they have spoken with one another, two estranged soul-singing legends (Jackson and Mac) agree to participate in a reunion performance at the Apollo Theater to honor their recently deceased band leader."

These are the lyrics to "Theme From Shaft" (with video below).

Who's the black private dick
That's a sex machine to all the chicks?
SHAFT!
Ya damn right!

Who is the man that would risk his neck
For his brother man?
SHAFT!
Can you dig it?

Who's the cat that won't cop out
When there's danger all about?
SHAFT!
Right On!

They say this cat Shaft is a bad mother
SHUT YOUR MOUTH!
I'm talkin' 'bout Shaft.
THEN WE CAN DIG IT!

He's a complicated man
But no one understands him but his woman
JOHN SHAFT!