Notable deaths of 2008
Isaac Hayes was an Academy Award-winning soul and funk singer-songwriter, producer and actor. His best known work, the 1971 film "Shaft," earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Song, the first award given to an African-American in a non-acting category. In 1992, to recognize his humanitarianism, he was crowned an honorary king of Ghana's Ada district. From 1997 to 2006, he also provided the voice for "Chef" for the animated series "South Park." He died on Aug. 18. AJC file
