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Can You Dig It?
*Soul man Isaac Hayes grooves on his hometown of Memphis…
words by > Betsy Model
With a voice as smooth as the whiskey his home state of Tennessee is famous for, singer/actor/composer Isaac Hayes has captured plenty of hearts through his trademark slow, smoky renditions of ballads such as “Never Can Say Goodbye” and “Walk On By,” probably more than all of the boy bands that have come and gone since Hayes first hit the scene almost four decades ago.
Along with other musical luminaries like Booker T. Jones, Al Green and BB King, Hayes is credited with helping to create the R&B musical style known as the “Memphis Sound,” and he immortalized that style with his 1971 soundtrack score for the hit movie Shaft.
The Shaft soundtrack, and the movie’s theme song featuring the immortal line “can you dig it?,” earned Hayes an Oscar, a Golden Globe and a Grammy award.
In the years since, Hayes’ unique voice has continued to capture audiences via albums, advertising voice-overs and, until recently, as the voice of Chef on the television comedy series “South Park.”
Hayes lives in Memphis, not far from where he was raised by his grandparents. With ongoing projects that include acting, songwriting and hosting his number onerated radio show on Memphis’ WRBO Soul Classics, Hayes has a new priority to fit into his schedule—Hayes and his wife Adjowa have just added a new baby, Hayes’ 12th child, to their household.
You’ve lived in various places during your life and career but returned to live in Memphis. Why?
“I reached a point in my life where I felt a calling to come back home. A lot of my family and longtime friends are here in Memphis, and I wanted live near them. It is a wonderful place to live. The people here are real and down-to-earth.”
As the father of a dozen children, you’ve got to have a tip or two for the rest of us!
“I have 12 children, 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren! The best tip, and the only tip, I have is to love each and every one of them unconditionally. They have to know that no matter what happens in their lives, I will love them and will always be there for them.”
Any not-to-be-missed spots for first-time visitors?
“The National Civil Rights Museum (www.civilrightsmuseum.org) and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music (www.soulsvilleusa. com). The Civil Rights Museum is an incredible place where the movement’s history is dramatically displayed. It is an extremely moving experience that every American should see. The Stax Museum does an incredible job in preserving the environment where a lot of great music was written and recorded. Stax has been a part of my life for about 45 years, and the music and artists that came out of their studios had a tremendous influence on American culture and certainly much of the music we hear today.”
You hear a lot about barbecue as cuisine in Memphis. Is it really all it’s cracked up to be?
“Memphis is the barbecue capital of the world! Whether you eat pork shoulder, wet or dry ribs, no one and no place does it better. That is what we are known for, and we take pride in it.”
Where would you go for a drink and great BBQ?
“Well, I don’t drink, so I can only tell you what I hear. I would, though, recommend the Isaac Hayes Nightclub and Restaurant at Peabody Place (www.clubisaachayes.com), where not only do we have great drinks but also great barbecue and good old-fashioned southern soul food. We have great ribs and pork shoulder, and my favorite is the turkey meatloaf with mashed potatoes, or yams and a side of turnip greens—and the best live music in town! A good place to meet someone for a drink is the lobby of the beautiful and historic Peabody Hotel (www.peabodymemphis.com). It’s said the Mississippi Delta begins in its lobby, and the ducks swimming in the fountain in the middle of it are world famous.”
Having your name on a popular restaurant can set a dangerous precedent. Can you actually cook?
“Yes! I am one mean cook and love to cook for my family and friends. My favorite dish to prepare is turkey meatloaf. Delicious.”
And if it were just you and your wife, where would you go for a nice romantic dinner?
“We love the Three Oaks Grill (www.threeoaksgrill.com). The food is exquisite, and the atmosphere is very romantic and charming.”
With another Tennessee city, Nashville, known as the capital of country-western music, do you ever feel like Memphis doesn’t get its fair share of attention for its musical heritage?
“Memphis is the home of the blues and the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll, and we have a rich heritage of music that is not limited to one type or genre. Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis came out of Memphis. Sun Records here produced the first record for both of them along with Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash. In addition, BB King, Bobby “Blue” Bland and Ike Turner brought the blues from Beale Street to the rest of the world. And Hi Records, with Al Green and Ann Peebles, also came from here. So, as you can see, rockabilly, rock ’n’ roll, the blues and R&B all have an origin in Memphis. And has there ever been a city whose name is mentioned in more songs than Memphis?”