Isaac Hayes, one of the artists whose influence in soul music enriched this genre, died at the age of 65, on August 10. According to Reuters, Memphis authorities said that the artist died because of a stroke which was related to high blood pressure. Isaac Hayes also suffered a non-fatal stoke in 2006 and he was being treated for high blood pressure.

Authorities informed that the artist’s body was discovered Sunday, near a running treadmill in his Memphis residence. Dr. David Kraus, the Shelby County Medical Examiner, confirmed that Isaac Hayes died from a stroke, adding that he didn’t have head injuries or other traumas.

“The Hayes family is comfortable with Dr. Kraus' recommendation to not conduct an autopsy,” said a statement from the Shelby County Sheriff, in Memphis, according to Reuters.

Isaac Hayes was a complex artist who took advantage of every possibility that came his way. Although he was the first African-American composer to win an Academy Award, the artist revealed his humoristic side by accepting to be the voice of Chef from the hit show “South Park” in the late 1990’s, using his deep and intimidating voice to sing the irreverent “Chocolate Salty Balls.”

“Black Moses” was a down to earth artist who never got tired of life or music, continuing his work with other artist, being a session musician on Alicia Keys’ first album “Songs in A Minor.”

“I always keep my head down, working, doing things, moving forward. That's what I've done all my life. There's just always something else to do. There's always a challenge ahead. I've faced those challenges and hit 'em, you know?” said the artist in a 2006 interview with the Onion AV Club.

Beginning his career in the late 1960s at Stax Records, his first important hit was in 1969 when he released his solo album “Hot Buttered Soul,” convincing the critics and also the public that he was an original and talented soul musician. In recognition of his merits, Isaac Hayes won an Oscar in 1971 for Best Original Song for the music he composed for the movie “Shaft,” being the first African American composer to win the award. Isaac Hayes' soundtrack for “Shaft” influenced many crime film soundtracks for the next two years.

His attention was captivated by the acting scene, starring in movies like “Three Tough Guys” and “Truck Turner,” for which he composed the soundtrack, but he is best known for his parts in “The Rockford Files” and “Escape from New York.” For a period of time he was the voice of Chef in “South Park,” leaving the show in 2006, shortly after he suffered a stroke. The artist’s final role was in the upcoming movie “Soul Men,” playing along Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac, who died on August 9.

Isaac Hayes was born in Covington, Tennessee and showed an interest toward music since he was 5-years-old, learning to play the piano, electronic organ, flute and saxophone all by himself.

His contribution to the soul music made him one of the most important singer-songwriter of the genre and his originality and talent will continue to influence many of today’s hits.