How Isaac Hayes Revolutionized Soul Music

[@Polyphonic]

I'm really enjoying making these audio/visual companions. What song do you think I should tackle next with them?

[@jorgesamonte3838]

I really love your pink floyd video contents. I would love it if you do more of it.

[@kamerad76]

Lou Reed's Street Hassle would make a really interesting video

[@JT-hi1cs]

For a fun, absurd video, digging the depths of the human behavior: Barbie Girl from Aqua.

[@theelectricant98]

@@jorgesamonte3838 yeah I'd love to see a video on their early singles! Some of my favorite stuff they did

[@boden7099]

This doesn't necessarily fit the sick psychedelic visuals of this video, but I've always wanted you todo a video on M.I.A.'s Kala and how she explores the themes of immigration and xenophobia. Paper Planes is a universally loved song that not a lot of people have talked about, and I think there's a lot to explore there.

[@mattrobins8804]

this dude needs to make full length documentary’s

[@RenR70]

Hip-Hop owes soooo much to Isaac Hayes.

[@quincy2142]

I mean the origin of hiphop is practically 70/80s kids transforming the soul music they grew up on to reflect their current situation. Isaac Hayes, Baby Huey, Curtis Mayfield, Bill Withers, Isley Brothers, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Bobby Womack, and the list goes on and on. Almost every one of these people's records have been sampled for hiphop.

[@SpinSurgery]

@@quincy2142 it’s so hard to go through those records today and not feel the impulse and excitement to wanna sample them, but then you check the sample history on pretty much everything they’ve done and realize like 100 of your favorite top hip hop tracks have used the living hell out of them! Walk oN By was so damn cool it’s leaked out of hip hop into Portishead’s spy movie vibe trip hop and thankfully they absolutely did it justice because god damn, if they blew it, it’d be such a waste! Well, then maybe I’d have an excuse to use it myself! Lol

[@CharlesWilson-zs3vd]

Issac Hayes owe nothing to hip-hop.

[@MalMotorDedo]

Isaac and Curtis Mayfield make me feel proud of music, true real warriors, top tier musicians, inspiring as hell 💯

[@kevinthomas522]

Indeed...

[@miacash9037]

Willie hutch too

[@nathanmontgomery1516]

Soul is so overlooked, so many people would sing the praises of rock bands, albums, and musicians but not for soul. Soul is capable of putting out some of the best albums out there and people need to see that.

[@Alberto-ny7kf]

fax

[@sotneagull7557]

I’m a firm believer the soul and funk genre did in fact put out those best albums, it is overshadowed by people’s obsession of rock music.

[@sotneagull7557]

@@gustafcederborg9744 your gonna hear it a million times but obviously What’s Going On, then easily I’d say a few from Marvins discography as well like Let’s Get It On and I Want You. I love all his albums and I’d say keep listening to the rest if you like that. Then definitely Isaac Hayes 1970’s albums, this one included as well as Isaac Hayes Movement and …To Be Continued. and then be sure to listen to Curtis! by Curtis Mayfield and easily Stevie Wonder’s music but especially his offerings from 1970-76. Not at all an organized group but definitely some good albums and artists worth listening to. As well as Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Jr Walker & The All Stars and theirs plenty more too but I’m sure that you’ll find them if you keep branching out from these

[@moneytalks3150]

I think it depends on what community you grew up in. In my neck of the woods funk, soul, jazz, r&b...etc are held in very high regards.

[@sotneagull7557]

@@moneytalks3150 they are respected around here too but only by those who actually have heard it, and their is very many cases where people just simply haven’t. I live in Michigan and I mean this is where Motown came from but I’d bet many people would struggle to name an artist from there and that’s kinda crazy as even just the artists out of Motown had such massive contributions to music

[@moneytalks3150]

What’s crazy is my wife and i have been listening to a lot of Isaac Hayes the last couple of weeks. Great timing

[@floris1912]

What other albums would you recommend from him?

[@moneytalks3150]

@@floris1912 as mentioned in the video “hot buttered soul” is a really good album. Black Moses and the shaft soundtrack are also solid listens.

[@theelectricant98]

@@floris1912 I really like The Isaac Hayes Movement!

[@floris1912]

@@moneytalks3150 Thanks!! I have listened to Hot Buttered Soul a lot but never took the time to listen to the rest of his discovery. Will definitely check those albums out soon. Do you know if there are any other Soul artists with lengthy songs?

[@floris1912]

@@theelectricant98 I just skipped through it and I am really excited to listen to that one tomorrow! :)) Thanks for the tip.

[@mojoworkin1348]

Respect for playing the entirety of this song in the background while referring to the lyrics fittingly from time to time. Gosh, I love this album so much, also the piano solo on the second track with this Mary Poppinesque title, which was sampled by Public Enemy on Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos. Great stuff!

[@quornflake]

Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic

[@mojoworkin1348]

@@quornflake exactly this one :)

[@Jackspiring]

I remember it from “Getting up” thay awesome graffitti ps2 game

[@teddyfurstman1997]

Isaac Hayes is the guy who sang the shaft theme and played chef on South Park.

[@piotrekr7]

And, unfortunately, became a Scientologist...

[@fanmulch5034]

Unfortunately he suffered a stroke and could no longer do voice work (however the church of Scientology used this as a way of speaking on his behalf and burned his bridges with South Park without his knowledge, something that wasn’t found out until after his death)

[@mrg7858]

He's a baaaad mother...(shut your mouth) I'm talkin' bout Shaft.

[@jon-paulfilkins7820]

Which unfortunately is all I really know him for. Something about Jazz and Jazz infused Soul just seems to sit in my musical blind spot. It rarely if ever connects with me. It's like my musical taste has a lisp!

[@nathanmontgomery1516]

@Jon-Paul Filkins that's sad

[@michaelrexrode3759]

His cover of Walk On By still gives me chills.

[@keithmailey9811]

Can't thank you enough for this. This album played a big part in the soundtrack of my childhood. I am 62 now and have never stopped listening. I have loved Isaac Hayes for over 50 years and you truly did Walk on By justice and even gave me a perspective on it I was too young to have possibly known. Thank you

[@sunnyviy]

my favorite version of "Walk On By" - thank you for talking about the sociopolitical elements behind it!

[@bassinblue]

Finally people picking up on Isaac Hayes's genius. The guy is incredibly underrated, but then again, I'm not surprised, since back then there was a genius in practically every corner.

[@kevinlawrence8580]

The way he would take other people's songs and rearrange them. Making the songs his own was pure brilliance.

[@NintenDopeman]

Ah, Isaac Hayes. The reason every cop movie sounds like this: BAKACHIKAWAKACHIKABAKACHIKAWAKACHIKABAKACHIKAWAKACHIKA

[@billykuhl]

Yes, Wah wah city…

[@theelectricant98]

$ by Quincy Jones is guilty of this

[@1234-b6n]

he didnt play guitar so you cant really thank him for that at all.

[@dominiquejones3805]

😂

[@StevieMeyer]

polyphonic out here releasing documentary quality videos on youtube like it's no big deal. love u polyphonic

[@patrickhicks9880]

i spotted isaac hayes in london wandering about in dark glasses still looking very cool

[@stanhenderson9928]

I remember the first time I've ever heard this song in its entirety, I was on a road trip with my uncle to our hometown in 2005/6/7. And I instantly noticed that this song was sampled on the Ludacris album's from a couple of years prior, Chicken and Beer, Southern Fried Intro, one of my favorite songs of all time. I let it play, then I played my uncle, the Ludacris version and explained how they sped it up and raised the pitch, possibly adde some reverb. This one of the first time he and I had a real conversation about music and how the past music and sounds when altered makes unique and dope music in the present and how it carries on into the future. Rest in Power Issac Hayes and my uncle James, may music still move yall.

[@noursarhan8695]

I'm not familiar enough with soul (although I'm planning to listen to more stuff!), but I loved learning about all of this. I was only aware of the original version, which is so different in its restrained elegance yet just as powerful. And what Isaac Hayes said about what he wanted to achieve through his music is genuinely touching and inspiring. Loved everything about this video! Thank you ❤

[@Mason-dj4po]

I'm so happy to see this!! I've only been listening to Hayes for like a month, but I love it when videos come out about artists I've recently come across. Another great video and a happy coincidence for me!

[@anthonysmurthwaite6258]

The classic 'salty chocolate balls' was the greatest masterpiece of all time

[@danielcardona2714]

Say everybody have you seen my balls they’re big and salty and brown

[@tylerhackner9731]

Issac Hayes is iconic

[@thomasalmond3311]

Just a little bit😎😎😎!!!.

[@benjaminprietop]

What an amazing artist! "Shaft" is one of my favorite movies, and Isaac Hayes's funky score is one of the reasons

[@DezNaomi]

That intro was like a movie!! Amazing editing, amazing video 👏🏽

[@Incredible_Mister_J]

One of my favorite soul gems of all time!

[@patrickmccarron2817]

Have the original pressing of Hot Buttered Soul on vinyl. One of my favorites in my collection.

[@brdanner]

The evolution of Earth Wind and Fire to its blockbuster crossover success could be a profitable topic. There is a mine of material, but That's the Way of the World is probably the bullseye...

[@AndrewJ951]

You really brought the heat 9:40 - 10:30 . Superb writing my man! @polyphonic

[@jiminut]

If you're gen X there's a good chance you were conceived to the dulcet tones of Isaac Hayes.

[@hickorymccay2994]

*especially if you're black

[@paisleyprincess7996]

I was RAISED on Isaac Hayes

[@NigelCampbell]

@polyphonic, Isaac Hayes today, Marvin Gaye and Bob Marley within the last month. Brother, you on a roll. Great videos and think-pieces. I like the direction, Ok, I am biased, deal with it. ;) If you tackle Earth, Wind & Fire next or soon, you will have a happy camper here, and just maybe, a paid subscriber to whatever you produce online. Kudos.

[@Gryffindor8]

The visuals behind these videos are stunning! Truly elevates the content of the channel!

[@101iswhatsup]

From Wu-Tang to DOOM...this song alone. Salutes, sir Hayes was a musical genius. You too, Poly, dope breakdowns! 🔥

[@rabit818]

Bacharach and Davis reimagined in a fantastical way. I discovered this version by accident in 2019. The orchestration, was way guitars and of course the vocals were magnificent. Eleven minutes of deep anguish and pathos.

[@k012957]

I remember listening to this (in my teenage years) on FM stations that would play entire albums. I appreciated the use of orchestral instruments and the dreamy-ness of the arrangement. I was too young to appreciate the background of the music or the musician, but, it gave me a lifelong appreciation of blues, R&B, and soul.

[@AkimboCorndogs]

This is one of my all time favorites. Really pulls my heart all over the place. Thanks for making this!

[@kennethb6377]

One of my favorite songs ever written. Isaac Hayes is a musical genius.

[@thomasalmond3311]

ABSOLUTELY!!!.

[@amherst88]

As one who lived through most of the music-making you 'take a closer look' at I'm *very* *grateful* for all your work in putting together these in-depth histories ❤️

[@squarecymbals]

This has been my favorite song since I was 10, first heard it on the Dead President's soundtrack. I remember spinning around on a mosaic rug to the ending, it always gave me the most energy.

[@timschulz9563]

Playing the whole song is an awesome idea! I really appreciate the style you are using here. One of the best videos I have seen in a while.

[@pooyataleb2514]

do you have any plans on MF DOOM videos?

[@Noskcaj90]

Man, wherever you are this is great. I literally discovered this song this week and am totally fascinated by it. I’m from Memphis,Tn and never knew such music was created here.

[@papichefitup]

He gave Issac Hayes his roses with this

[@thomasnelson5758]

Isaac Hayes and Curtis Mayfield are the unsung heroes of funk. Marvin Gaye, Sly Stone and Stevie Wonder all (deservingly ofc) get shine and credit for their part but somehow people sort of glance over these two careers beyond Shaft and Superfly. Get a little bit of Curtis, Curtis/Live, Hot Buttered Soul, Black Moses, To Be Continued, these are the essentials.

[@jesusvito]

My god! That 1:03 intro... Oh My! Love the editing, the creative introducuctions, secuences, transitions, your eloquence... Seriously one of the Best KZbin Channels out there! Congrats!

[@ramonaclaytor8736]

Please do one on Barry White, Jerry Butler, Curtis Mayfield, Dionne Warwick,5 Stairsteps, Betty Wright, Evelyn King, Maysa Leak. Damien Escobar.

[@nathansilva8141]

YEEEEEESSS!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU! Ive been waiting for years for a video of someone addressing how amazing Isaac Hayes' musicianship actually was

[@anthemrecords6424]

Wu Tang must have known the subtext of this song when they wrote “I Can’t Go To Sleep” as lyrically it’s all about murdered black icons.

[@hannesgayao7203]

Just discovered The sample ir Compton Most Wanted. Great vídeo!!

[@dominiquejones3805]

Mind Playin Tricks on Me, Tonight's Da Nite. RZA loves sampling Isaac Hayes music. The Charmels

[@dicasys]

so well made, awesome video! thank you

[@bigneon_glitter]

_Excellent_ pick. Hayes' version of "Walk On By" was - at minimum - 25 years ahead of it's time & singlehandedly invented *Trip-Hop*. _Hot Buttered Soul_ is as revolutionary as Bowie's _Low,_ Kraftwerk, & Moroder.

[@rodrigof.r.desouza3587]

I discovered Isaac Hayes through the main theme from "Shaft", that song got me hooked on the first listening. To this day, it's still is one of my favorite movie themes ever. However, it took me years until I stopped, researched and listened to his albums, and my only disappointment is that I should have done it (way) before. This guy was actually far ahead of it's time, and it's truly a genius. His version of "Walk On By" is arguably the best cover of the song, and easily one of my favorite tunes of all time; more than 10 minutes of pure, ethereal, musical awesomeness.

[@pushing2throttles]

Dude your channel is truly elite! Thank you. You give songs we know such a different perspective. It's almost like I need this information and content you're creating!

[@martinmedrano]

Can you make a video on the carpenters and their contributions to music?

[@santiagobracho5964]

Need to make an embarrassing confession. When I first heard Hot Buttered Soul I thought it was overrated. I love funk/soul but Hayes spoken word moments really bored me. Now that I'm older and have heard bands like Slint, I'm more open to spoken passages in song. Also, this video really displayed how amazing Haye's Walk on By really is. Will have to give this album another more learned listen.

[@AndersRomin]

Fantastic video production as always! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@theophilussparks5839]

Perfectly penned and narrated. Can't say anymore.

[@doriang.r.e.y.1221]

Thank you for this. James Brown, Curtis Mayfield and Issac Hayes are my holy trinity.

[@elijahlulla947]

I love the editing and visuals of Polyphonic's videos.

[@oldcrow6752]

Polyphonic you're easily my favorite youtuber to get notifications from. Another amazing video, thank you for passing on the knowledge.

[@doingtheunstuck]

Brilliant video about a legend. Thank you! I figure it's unlikely, but I would love love love to see you do something on Coil someday.

[@Cresposts]

Rest In Power Isaac Hayes. I grew up watching you as Chef on South Park.

[@gabrielcoelho19]

Always on point

[@LLlap]

I love the song. Never heard his version =) The Stranglers nailed it for me.

[@joesho1245]

Had no idea they did a versoin

[@jon-paulfilkins7820]

​@@joesho1245 Where as the Dionne Warwick version feels more resigned in its hurt, Hayes version feels hurt and in turmoil, the Stranglers feels 'bitter and snarling' and it is in their early days and so the instrumentation is loaded with Doors-esq organ and guitar solo.

[@Danielwoesthoff1]

Walk on by, on of my favorite songs ever

[@sonnyvictor3521]

I saw Isaac Hayes at WINTERLAND with LEAD ZEPPELIN in the early 70s. He totally blew everyone away. Was one of my favorite shows !!!

[@tecpaocelotl]

I am confused why you didn't have the original version in the beginning. My favorite cover song.

[@mt.treverest5465]

Some of your best work to date. Thank you for all these incredible videos mate.

[@zamaurijones2725]

Besides the Steely Dan video, this may be my favorite!!! Isaac is sooo underrated!!! I’m glad that you’re shining light on him!!

[@sonny_toronto]

Wow well done man. Great take on a... great take!

[@boomerdell]

Great work here, Noah!

[@Spelladon]

Dude great vid love seeing Hayes and soul in general get some praise

[@felixgouty]

It's amazing how Polyphonic, somehow and clearly by the power of pure coincidence, follows by evolving taste and curiosity on music lately. While working more from home during the pandemic last year, I truly discovered the songs of guys like Marvin Gaye, Isaac Hayes and Gil Scott Heron (a future episode ?) and I'm listening to them more and more now. And just in the last months, Polyphonic made me discover how great "What's Going On" and "Walk On By" truly are and just why I now can't get passed them making sweet love to my ears everyday.

[@seanfraser9162]

Another fine Polyphonic episode. I love the work you do. Thanks

[@Scorhos]

You have such a talent to produce these analysis as a true documentarist!

[@DrWongburger]

Ngl, been waiting on this one for a while. Love this track, thanks for the coverage.

[@whatzup35]

Omg that transit into the title pages at 1:00 is just so god damn good

[@lorenzoscarpellini9477]

I love these audio/visual companions

[@MelitaBintoro]

yes!! i love isaac hayes. im so glad you covered him too :)

[@chato9475]

Look up the live version of walk on by. You won’t be disappointed

[@paisleyprincess7996]

Isaac Hayes was the man! My mom had his albums when I was a preschooler, and I’d never seen a man look like him….Black. Handsome. And powerful. He scared me but intrigued me. Love the man

[@hgarnet1682]

I remember watching this video exactly last summer in a hammock in my backyard. I was just between relationships and i just got off a call with a friend that i havent talked to since. Even watching this now, in early spring, i can feel a cool summer breeze.

[@peachy-tay]

this video is fantastic as always! not sure how it doesn't have more views?!

[@dcbandnerd]

I've long adored this song and that's only grown as I've experienced love loss of all kinds - some more devastating than others. Warwick's original recording is tight but earnest and there's even a (mostly) instrumental pop-jazz arrangement Bacharach himself cut toward the end of the 1960s that I'm quite fond of. This version, though, has always been my go to and getting more context about its production has made me love it all the more. Your work, as always, is excellent and I can't thank you enough for it.

[@bornjusticerule5764]

great analysis, thanks for sharing 🤲🏿🌊🌌🤙🏿

[@Aluke5460]

Your intros are so underrated man

[@michaeljoseph9722]

I just love this song. I just love your work. This is amazing.

[@kitpaulson1825]

awesome video, man!

[@justinsheppherd1806]

Fantastic vid, about one of the greatest and most influential soul albums ever.

[@Amedeiable]

I knew nothing about this musical story, thanks!

[@melspauldingify]

The greatest African American composer of all time Isaac Hayes is under rated so many of his songs have been the base for hip hop songs, the first black composer to win an oscar for the Shaft soundtrack. The Truck turner soundtrack is one of my favorite albums of all time.

[@mickaelanselmi]

Fantastic work, thank you

[@patrickbickers73]

There's the other side of this album that's worth noting is By The Time I Get To Pheonix. It was unheard of for a song to last 18:00 minutes back then.

[@jrdnlove]

Just went to go listen to walk on by for the first time, it was an incredible experience 👏

[@donnaclayton8644]

Great video as usual. Thank you for this one.

[@ronanlangellier340]

The look of love is a masterpiece as well IMO. Well worth a deep dive

[@palomasofiaalcalde382]

Gotta check a new album tonight, thanks poly 🙆

[@archieman123]

Thanks for covering soul over the last few months

[@brrrrrg92]

Great video! Didn't know who he was, but I like it 😀

[@hbg99x]

Brilliant; simply brilliant.

[@freeman10000]

Damn! Another brilliant record in need to buy for my LP/ CD collection.

[@CatoHdez.]

What a great video!!