Memphis memories

August 11, 2008 | Memphis, Tennessee | Vetting explained

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The most electrifying performance I've ever seen was Issac Hayes' free concert at the Overton Park Shell after winning his Academy Award for Shaft in 1972. It was a hot, humid Memphis night and the Shell was packed. Folks were standing on the backs of seats, on the seats themselves and in the rows between seats. Others were standing and sitting in trees along side the Shell. When Isaac Hayes strolled onto the stage in his long robe and the opening notes to Shaft began playing there was first a hush that came over the crowd and then a thunderous roar when he threw off his robe revealing his bare chest covered in chains. Memphis' own Black Moses had arrived. What a voice and what a night.

The last time I saw Mr. Hayes was not so long ago. We were standing in line together at a local market talking and laughing about who knows what. He was not Isaac Hayes the performer, he was a man who knew no strangers.

Thank you, Mr. Hayes for sharing your life with us. Memphis folks will miss you.

Posted in Assignment:
Your memories of Isaac Hayes

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