(August 11, 2008)—Pioneering singer, songwriter and musician Isaac Hayes has died in Memphis. He was 65.

Hays was found unresponsive near a running treadmill in his home by a family member
He was taken to an area hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The cause of death had not been determined Sunday.

Along with his mellow, deep, voice, Hayes is also remembered for his striking visual image: sunglasses, shaven head and gold chains.

Isaac Hayes was best known for his 1971 Number-1 hit "Theme From Shaft", which won Academy and Grammy awards, but it was his 1969 album "Hot Buttered Soul" that first made him a star.

Hayes became the voice of Chef on "South Park" in 1997, but he angrily left the show in 2006 saying an episode mocked his religion, Scientology.