The Oscar-winning US soul singer Isaac Hayes has died in Memphis aged 65, his friend and former manager Onzie Horne said.
Horne said he had spoken to Hayes's wife, who confirmed that Hayes was found unconscious at his home, and rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Hayes, a flamboyant, deep-voiced performer, won an Academy award for his 1970s hit 'Theme from Shaft'.
Along with David Porter, he also co-wrote soul classics for Sam and Dave, such as Soul Man and When Something is Wrong With My Baby.
He was also the voice of the character Chef on the hit cartoon series South Park.
