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Memphis Bids Hayes Soulful So-Long

Family, friends, stars and fans gather to honor Isaac Hayes' life

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 19, 2008 6:22 AM CDT

(Newser) – Thousands gathered at a Memphis-area mega-church to say a final farewell to Isaac Hayes, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports. Family members mixed with musicians from across the genres, as well as Hollywood stars, politicians, Scientologists, African royalty, and thousands of ordinary people paying tribute to the soul legend who died earlier this month of a stroke.

The celebration of Hayes' life followed a small private ceremony. Speaker after speaker praised Hayes' contribution to music and to the community as songs and video clips played. "What would you say if you were flying into Memphis and they said you are about to land at Isaac Hayes International Airport?" asked Rep. Steve Cohen, drawing huge cheers.

[Images (5)]

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Entertainers James Alexander, left, and Bootsy Collins pose for a photo as Collins arrives for the "Tribute to Isaac Hayes" service at Hope Presbyterian Church yesterday. (AP Photo/Bill Waugh)

Shukara Yahweh, left, and DeKe Pope, center, longtime friends of Isaac Hayes, arrive for the "Tribute to Isaac Hayes" service at Hope Presbyterian Church in Tennessee yesterday. (AP Photo/Bill Waugh)

Isaac Hayes was found dead at home earlier this month. (AP Photo/Paul Warner, File)

Al Sharpton and the Rev. Jesse Jackson share a light moment with Rev. Frank Thomas, center, of the Mississippi Blvd. Baptist Church in Memphis as they leave the Tribute to Isaac Hayes service (AP Photo/Bill Waugh)

Entertainer Bootsy Collins, second left, joins others as they arrive for a service honoring Isaac Hayes at Hope Presbyterian Church yesterday. (AP Photo/Bill Waugh)

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Isaac came from our culture. He was us and we were him, and he never stopped being us. - The Rev. Al Sharpton

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Memphis Bids Hayes Soulful So-Long