Memorial For BLACK MOSES In Memphis

ISAAC HAYES CELEBRATED IN MEMPHIS: Jesse Jackson, Richard Roundtree among celebs at Monday's memorial.

(August 19, 2008)

The life and legacy of soul legend Isaac Hayes were celebrated in his hometown of Memphis at two gatherings – a private burial service on Sunday and a public memorial held yesterday with 3,000 fans and friends in attendance.

Sunday's ceremony included Denzel Washington, Tom Cruise and Wesley Snipes; while the Rev. Jesse Jackson, the Rev. Al Sharpton, Chuck D., Bootsy Collins and actor Richard Roundtree were on hand for Monday's farewell, according to the Associated Press.

"What would you say if you were flying into Memphis and they said you are about to land at Isaac Hayes International Airport," U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen asked the mourners, drawing a huge round of applause.

Cohen, who represented Hayes' area of Memphis, said the city should celebrate Hayes, an architect of the Memphis sound, as it celebrates Elvis Presley. "He is a world person who the world will miss," Cohen said.
Monday's four-hour service at Hope Presbyterian Church featured music, speakers and video clips. It began with a drum march through the sanctuary and a video clip of Hayes and Jackson on stage together at a 1972 concert in the Watts area of Los Angeles. Memorialized in the documentary film "Wattstax," Jackson pulled off Hayes' cap to reveal his signature shaved head, then Hayes slipped off his robe to show his red spandex paints and chain vest.

"He was a lovely man, always involved with causes," Jackson told the AP before the service. "Literacy, civil rights. He was always there, and that's why we're all here for him."

"Isaac came from our culture. He emanated our culture. That's why he never lost his authenticity, never lost his conviction," Sharpton told the crowd. "There is a difference between authentic and fabricated."
Also speaking during Monday's service were fellow Scientologists Anne Archer and Kelly Preston.

Rap veteran Doug E. Fresh, also in attendance, said outside the church that Hayes' music directly influenced rap and hip-hop. "Hip-hop wouldn't be what it is without Isaac Hayes," he said.

Hayes died Aug. 10 after he was found unconscious at his Memphis residence. No autopsy was performed, but paperwork filed by Hayes' family doctor, David Kraus, lists the cause of death as a stroke.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_Iiz2r2lXU

 

that was a good gesture..

if the airport was named after Hayes, that would be nice

As for Wesley Snipes...isn't he in jail....oh..wait...he must be under that Delayed Entry Program, for the Penal System.

And say all you want about Tom Cruise and his Scientology, the man gets some props for showing up at these events.

 

Memphis is not just Elvis but Isaac Hayes and BB King. Those two brothers should be honored highly.

 

Petty, Issac was a huge Scientologist hence the reason why Ethan Hunt was present. Unless he showed up for Bernie Mac memorial as well? I would bet their faith had a hand in this, or Aliens...

 

i thought he was showing up, out of the kindness of his own heart

:shock:

 

Just for info, Memphis draw Elvis fans year round especially in August..birth of Elvis...and January...death month...hence all of the hoopla.Lots of money is made by the fans. ...its probaly the most consistent tourist attraction in the city.
We still haev our celebs....Al Green, who has a church, 3 Sixxx Mafia,B.B. King, Bobby Blake, the gay porn star,he has his own church too...if you believe such a thing.

 

that's real nice. he lived a wonderful life.