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I just came here to post the same thing. Missed it by that much.
More than just being a great voice, he was a musical pioneer and a visionary. What's more, he seemed, for the most part, like a genuinely decent person. And back in his prime, when racism was pretty heavy in all forms of music, his controversial insistence on arranging and performing songs by white songwriters was a daring and influential step toward musical (and social) integration.
It's ironic, last night I celebrated my anniversary. I dressed up and took my wife to a fancy French restaurant, and put together some of my most iconically romantic music for the ride. We listened to Diamond Life by Sade on the way over, and Hot Buttered Soul by Isaac Hayes on the way back.
My wife immediately recognized Sade, but when Isaac Hayes came up, she couldn't remember who he was. I gave her some hints and let her guess. One of her questions was, "Is he dead?" (I think she was thinking of Marvin Gaye.) I said, "No." I guess that's the last time I'll ever be able to say that.
Posts: 2804 | Registered: May 2003
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It feels like so many celebrities are dying this year. Anyone have any idea if that's actually the case, or does it just feel that way?
Posts: 4136 | Registered: Aug 2008
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Kwea, I was just thinking the same thing. Bernie Mac yesterday, Shaft today. And the three of them just finished a movie together.
Posts: 4515 | Registered: Jul 2004
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On Monday, Fresh Air ran interviews with Isaac Hayes and Bernie Mac. They were amusing and enlightening, and well worth a listen for anyone who likes either of them.