Oscar-winning soul singer Isaac Hayes has died in Memphis at the age of 65.
The singer was reportedly found unconscious near a treadmill at his home and rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
According to the singer's friend and former manager Onzie Horne, Hayes' wife confirmed the news.
Hayes suffered a stroke in 2007 but the cause of his death is not yet known.
The singer started out as a session musician, songwriter and producer at the Memphis soul label Stax Records, where he worked with Sam and Dave.
He then went on to enjoy a successful career as a solo artist and composer.
In 1971 Hayes became the first black composer to win the Oscar for Best Original Song, with 'Theme from 'Shaft''.
Later in his career Hayes starred in the 1974 film 'Truck Turner', the 1981 film 'Escape from New York' and also made an appearance on 'The Bernie Mac Show'.
He left record label Stax in 1975, filing for bankruptcy shortly afterwards and losing all his songwriting royalties.
More recently Hayes became known to a new audience as the voice of Chef in 'South Park'.
He left the show a few years ago because he disagreed with its depiction of Scientology.
