Shaft - Isaac Hayes - The Late ShowWith David Letterman

[@Cool-Lake]

How can a song sound as good as it did over 50 years ago? God rest his soul.

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

Fresh as a daisy.......twice as sweet

[@jaimealas9723]

I was 12 years old when I heard this song for the first time in San Francisco, if I remember 1971, now, 2024 and still a gem

[@Synoopy2]

I was 10 and my father took me to the Uptown Theater in Philly -( part of the black music chicken circuit) where he was a usher so I had good seats when the movie first came out. I didnt understand most of the movie but I understood Shaft was a bad mother "shut your mouth".

[@edencharles5250]

It's great ! You're the same age as I am.😊

[@robertlong7033]

Still gives me chills. You simply have to drop whatever you were doing at the moment and pay tribute to this gone way too soon musical genius.

[@yvettelaurent3459]

Un génie

[@pandoraheathcoe1386]

Damn right!

[@wanderrocha4435]

A música do século xx

[@jorgecesar806]

E muito boa orquestrs parece xe um filmaco de a cao eo intendimento o melhor o es co.plete

[@JesusPosadas-ho7ot]

​@@yvettelaurent3459t

[@raczstar]

RIP to the original black superhero, the one and only John Shaft, Richard Roundtree :(

[@addiemathews5965]

I,am 79 still listening to Isaac Hays and loving it ❤

[@paulon6043]

Idem, idem, tenho 74 anos!!

[@MaryBrown-cn2uu]

I'm listening🫵

[@normanware6337]

​@@MaryBrown-cn2uume also memphis tn music im from Memphis........Charlie rich......sam sumudio.....booker t & mgs.....thanks

[@essiejames9492]

I was 18 when this song came out and now I am 71 still listening 🎶 and loving it RIP Isaac Hayes 🙏

[@oniadonoho]

Me too. Born and raised in Memphis. Attended Memphis Music Awards for his Shaft award. The Black Moses!!!!

[@debraweaver6308]

Well I am 72 and I am STILL listening to this!!!!!!

[@michaelwynes]

you have a good taste. he was so fantastic

[@KristiinaSeppänen]

I am 76. Finnish old lady. Still loving this!❤

[@currawongs]

R.I.P Isaac. This one composition assures you a place in history forever.

[@andrewcarpenter3991]

I do not think the younger generations can understand the pure genius of Mr. Isaac Hayes and how a gem like 'Shaft' is seldom or never heard on modern radio. I am so thankful that I grew up in the golden age of hi-fi, soul and rock n' roll. Music on airplay was once graced with talent and genius of the kraft and that I am sad to say that what you hear today when you turn on the radio sounds like a mental asylum in the dark ages during a full moon. I am not saying there is not great modern music out there but what the industry portrays as good reflects on how mediocre and low our musical culture has degraded to. 'Shaft' by Isaac Hayes is one masterpiece that will always withstand the test of time as well as many other iconic classics. Thank you Mr. Hayes, and rest in piece.

[@jorgecesar806]

asista essa arte maravilhosa e cancao

[@garyheldt3759]

Amen to what he said! Brilliant score. Very underrated movie. Timeless. I still watch it on cable and love the opening scene with this song playing and Richard Roundtree walking the 1970’s gritty Manhattan streets!

[@michaellane1316]

Amen brother...!

[@jennifermg1]

Agree 100%

[@JW-jl8iq]

Absolutely true n talent for thise musician. Real music

[@maninthekitchen4297]

A multi-layered, brilliantly conceived tonal masterpiece. One of my favorite songs of all time

[@henrysanchez4069]

That was so awesome! Thank God for letting me grow up in the 70's! Glorious decade!

[@IlmaDaniel-c5s]

I had the privilege of following Isaac Hayes musical journey Rest in peace

[@mikea8293]

Fantastic performance! The gentleman playing the Wah-Wah guitar is Charles Pitts. Stax records legend who played on original recording. RIP both of you

[@tomscott3]

didn't know Pitts also did the _South Park_ soundtrack.

[@John-ob7dh]

Yep great guitar work.

[@lovelolalove]

Charles Pitts plays a funky rhythm and wah-wah guitar! This performance was phenomenal! I can’t stop playing it over and over. The instrumentation, rhythms, strings, flute, horns, Hayes’ rhythm section, wow! I can’t say enough! Rest In Music! You blessed us with your gift🎼🎵🎶🎸

[@woolardjw]

Hate him, wish they didn't cut to him at all. Ruined video for me

[@agentit8182]

Damn, thank you. I could not remember his name 😮 and just asked to be reminded. I can still feel that brilliance in my aging bones. ❤

[@GG-qy2wy]

Love this!! Isaac Hayes was a musical genius, composer, conductor, singer! This will always be a classic!🎶🎼🎵💖💯

[@MJ-ho1kt]

Yes he was. A very great maestro. Husband and I saw the movie in 71.

[@GG-qy2wy]

@@MJ-ho1kt 💯💯👏👏

[@lisakenoufi9293]

Musique réaliser en 48 heures magnifique un grand artiste

[@josephthomas2226]

still a great song after 50 years. Cool rendition with the full orchestra.

[@lfr30043]

Still get goosebumps listening to this masterpiece

[@xkvtrguy4879]

Wait! Am I 12 again! AM radio... Until I bought the single!!

[@richardlau2447]

Wow! That’s live!

[@dianedallas2993]

Same here 🎶🎵🎼🎤goosebumps in 2023!

[@GG-qy2wy]

@@dianedallas2993 same here!!

[@mobilehomme4747]

This is the right word. "Masterpiece"... 😉👍

[@StuartRogoff-o4o]

Thank you David Letterman for fully embracing and celebrating live musical performance.

[@woolardjw]

I'm glad he's passed away

[@justme-kt7zt]

Honestly Dave and his team don't get enough credit for this

[@davel3895]

Couldn't get the huge smile off my face the entire time. So much respect and appreciation for every single person in that performance. Was that performance perfect? Damn Right!

[@jimbo4719]

Brother!

[@ShadowThePiscatawayCat]

Has been a part of my Playlist for years.

[@jojonesjojo8919]

Damn Right? I think you mean.... Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamn Riiiight!!! (Shaft!)

[@tljan]

Damn right.

[@kobie1585]

​@@jojonesjojo8919that's too short.... Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmnnnnnnnnnnnnnn Riiiiiiiggghhhhhhtttttt...... 😁😁😁👍👍👍...... The show was smooth

[@Thenaturehealer]

Richard Roundtree passed away at 81 -RIP - what an icon and this song is a phenomenal tribute to him.

[@douglasbennett1024]

This has to be one of the greatest movie scores of all time!!!

[@alvaroasc]

with lyrics? the best.

[@LesBarber]

Damn Right lol

[@gogoyubari366]

And Superfly.

[@RFazor]

Most definitely! One the greatest songs of the 20th Century!

[@blessed5545]

And you know it!

[@rcwilcots]

Ladies and Gentleman.. this is a band! real instruments combined with talent

[@margueritegray7975]

Loved 🥰 Give him his props ❤🎉

[@RickMahoney2013]

Very true

[@carlosanjust6393]

yeaaaaahh!!!¤¤¤¤

[@anja9303]

YEEHAA! Damn right!

[@sterling5600]

A Masterpiece, I don't think I've ever heard a song played so close to the original track, simply BRILLIANT!

[@maryanncampbell3428]

I agree, Sterling, they put their foot in that groove.

[@kirbysmith8236]

Back in the day everything was recorded live. Very little over dub tracking and music charts were read. This was still the Big Band Era, aka the Soul Orchestra.

[@peterfall265]

Love it love it love it! What a maestro and what musicians!

[@JamesSullivan-fq9bw]

Watched the Marine Corps drum and bugle corps perform this awesome song at Parris Island SC in 1973. They did it justice.

[@ayosilva]

Excellent live performance! Never gets old.

[@bhornannawindeedeigh5007]

EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I. HEAR. THIS. MASTERPIECE. I. AM. LIFTED. ... to when I was 14 years old in between 8th & 9th grade... I had just moved from my childhood home, and I had no friends in my new school. I felt so out of place. But I had my music when I got home after school, and Isaac Hayes song "Shaft" always lifted my soul. I played that 45 rpm so much on my little record player, I'm surprised I didn't melt the record. 🥲. It was a very special orchestration that made my heart beat strong and my mind feel better. The smile always returned to my face after a hard and lonely day at my new school... "You damn right!" Rest in peace, Mr Hayes. I know the angels love it when you lead the choir - you looked like you were the best band leader! 💐🙏🏽🥰

[@shanecarter6194]

I just love how that flute "sneaks" its way into the groove!!! Such a Beautiful Medley of Instruments!!!

[@mikegrisanti5071]

Perfect. Great flutist

[@robinbates9945]

Isaac Hayes. The coolest musical genius to ever grace this planet.

[@ericmoore5679]

Hello how are you doing, my name is Eric Moore how is the weather over there today

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

He will be sadly missed by millions of fans who are always there to support him

[@lindajgaeta8935]

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG! perfection! there is NOTHING like live performance, but to feel every 16th note in my bones from his body language conducting that impeccable orchestra ... brilliant and exciting are too mild a description!

[@melodiefrances3898]

And the musicians were all loving it too ❤

[@louieagustin5553]

TRUE CLASSIC FROM A LEGEND NOW AND FOREVER MORE 🫡🫡🫡

[@godbluffvdgg]

Perfect in every note...This was our soundtrack in the 70's ...

[@philipadams7403]

That's what you call live music Pure class 👏👌

[@BertoniBertone]

By far the best live version. How it should be. Wonderful...

[@craigmack-cv3cp]

One of the best compositions in music history 🎶💜

[@philokevetch8691]

I can't come to grips with how outrageously cool this is. And yes. I can dig it to the MAX!!! RIP Issac. You are the groove master of all time.

[@Dr_No]

Give me the chills ---- such powerful anticipation of the first big punch. When cool was cool.

[@Logiconfire]

Great Description!

[@ericmoore5679]

Hello how are you doing, my name is Eric Moore how is the weather over there today

[@melodiefrances3898]

Perfectly said 👏

[@maryanncampbell3428]

You SO right, man!!!

[@Dr_No]

Who's the black private dick that's a sex machine to all the chicks? -->Shaft. You're damn right

[@MikeHF]

I hope people realize how awesome this tune is and the performance is perfect! Lots of music knowledge went in this. The arrangement is just mind blowing! Totally unbelievable how great this is and that Issac Hayes was a genius of the highest order! I have been digging this since it came out.

[@billpierce5775]

First heard this in Athens Greece 1972, loved it then and still do. Great music

[@mongrelgtv]

@@billpierce5775 Wow all the way in Greese huh 👍

[@kendallrivers1119]

Really is musical genius on every level! And to think they almost never let it get out there. What a crime that would've been. We don't get anything like this today.

[@davidlowe8332]

underrated yet truly a masterpiece. I triple-dog dare High-School and College music departments to replicate THIS classic , vocals included!

[@stillatit5085]

THIS,....ladies and gentlemen, is the very DEFINITION of 'badass 🎻🎻🎻🎺🎺🎺🎸🎸🎸

[@tunes5077]

I agree 100%!! I loved Isaac Hayes and everything he did. A wonderful human being.

[@lastwhtknight3002]

So is Richard Roundtrees performance in the 1971 original. Damn!!!

[@tomscott3]

baddest-@ss tune ever written for TV

[@gabrielleelliott500]

@@lastwhtknight3002 yesss

[@tobymcguire515]

Wow

[@shashijain5084]

Even after decades this classic is just as powerful as ever !!!! Never tire of it !!!!

[@herridge819]

This song will never age, great performance!

[@clyde642006]

Sensational!! Issac had them sounding like the original soundtrack!! That lead guitar was funky as hell!! When musical artist actually produced music!! Now it’s just studio noise!!

[@thyslop1737]

What a performance. What a band. WOW!

[@edwardwilliams2438]

You never quite appreciate a live band session performance until you witness it....especially on TV,,,not a studio. This was really fantastic. Thanks Mr. Hayes and the Letterman band...great job all around. This is a rare piece of musical history....Thanks!!!

[@c17nav]

Organically power-laden beautifully directed masterpiece! If there's a Grammy for most enduring opus, this is it!

[@mohabatkhanmalak1161]

Wow!! I remember this tune way back in the 70's, when as a teenager I used to listen to it on the local FM radio and my thoughts were it was so nice,sweet, fast and unique tune. Love it.

[@chuckroberts3873]

I never get tired of this classic.

[@angelaherrera5997]

From the moment I heard it in the 70s, I've considered it my favorite.... Until 2023.

[@rolgonz8167]

Unforgettable man, this theme will be immortal forever.

[@rolivelaz7345]

Yep Man!, you're right...

[@Juliaflo]

@@rolivelaz7345 A bad mother...........

[@sandrasanders706]

More so now that Richard Roundtree has passed..RIH

[@pocketrocket7090]

I love his voice and this song. RIP Issac.🙏🏽

[@ericskivers6643]

You’re daaam right ! Man , I’m glad I grew up with this music . This rendition is bad ass

[@maryellenshock]

You don't have enough of damn right!

[@LWilliamsYoutube]

I met Isaac in Los Angeles about 20 years ago. Very nice man, with the deepest speaking voice I've ever heard. Was introduced by a mutual musical friend.

[@mikehollingworth2262]

LIAR

[@MrTPain]

@@mikehollingworth2262 🤣

[@adelaferreira4575]

Isaac Hayes,the sound of an era !

[@jacquelinchildress3028]

There are so many layers to this song! Strings, brass, wood winds, percussion, guitars, and voices. We loved this song growing up and played it in marching band. We always got psyched up when we played it. Love it!

[@malibugal8670]

Peopke Knew how to make music.

[@kcgreen4702]

Absolutely. That’s what makes it so classic.

[@ProgressiveTruthSeekers]

Live music, instruments, lyrics and vocals. Music will never be this good again.

[@MissD1029]

When you hear the drum, you know exactly what this song is. Goosebumps 🌟🎵🌟💜

[@catmother4214]

OMG!!! Wonderful to watch this after so many years. Brilliant Musicians and Performers. Love the guitar. ♥️♥️♥️

[@gordonlewis9377]

Ì love the fact you have good taste

[@gordonlewis9377]

It's Charles Pitt baby

[@mikerodrik3716]

many musical chapters in just one outstanding song.

[@cathyblagg2501]

Still as good today in 2024!!!

[@TheBatugan77]

I cried when both Isaac and Bernie Mac passed on back to back days. Then, I went to see Soul Men, and Isaac sang "Never Can Say Goodbye" at the end. Lost it again. Thanks, Mr. Hayes.

[@footwhisperer576]

CHILLS!!!!!!!!!!! 🤩 They don't make music like this anymore.

[@jesseramos1561]

This is pure emotional bliss.Mr.Hayes R.I.P...

[@lifewithtessarose9439]

This Was Isaac Hayes Biggest Score...That "Lead Guitar Player" Is A BAD MOTHER...2024❤🎶🎸

[@gordonlewis9377]

It's charlie.pitt. baby

[@lifewithtessarose9439]

@@gordonlewis9377 SHUT! YA MOUTH..."I CAN DIG IT"💥

[@gordonlewis9377]

@@lifewithtessarose9439 I can dig it too

[@billjoat]

Fabulous!!

[@brebrebliss6286]

I love how everyone in the background playing the instruments and the back up singers are dancing and getting into it.

[@ronsmith5573]

I saw this live on Letterman. Still gives chills.

[@thomascollins4325]

Unless you were alive and aware at the time, you'll never understand just how popular this song was when it came out. Cafe Regio was on the B side of the 45 rpm record shaft was. Still have the disc! The band is a collection.of all pro musicians. Faithfully reproduced the original. Isaac Hayes RIP!!!

[@tektoniks_architects]

God, the '70's were the best....

[@pandoraheathcoe1386]

Tektoniks Architects hell yes they were

[@kennethmoore3783]

If you weren’t drafted.

[@GenZGuy1]

@@kennethmoore3783 This^

[@georgeoshust793]

ABSOLUTELY!!

[@brianspencer8223]

We to be alive

[@randyw.9916]

In high school electronics class we had to create a radio program. My group used this for our opening theme song. We were so cool. 😎

[@trueStadia]

The entire soundtrack is brilliant.

[@debbieedwards711]

❤The best!!! Isaac was so talented. Can you dig it? RIP

[@terryogletree2128]

Shut yo mouth

[@markashby2622]

Exceptional piece of music.

[@triandiscrim558]

When he performed on stage, you got a full show. He was the main artist to perform at Detroit's Taste Fest, which was free. The area was packed, along with people in upper parking structures witnessing his outstanding performance. He was on stage for nearly two hours, and ended with Shaft, as the audience screamed for him to do before he left the stage. I've never attended a better concert than this, and felt bless to receive it free. He gave his all, as if we had paid to see him. Miss the true Maestro...RIH!

[@markwilliamson2795]

Those were the best days...happy I hit them in my prime...

[@b.a.samuels]

This is still the coldest theme song of all time...i imagine this tune in my head when I walk into a fancy room....when I know I look good...watch out now!

[@KalleBlomqvist]

"Shaft" was the very first tune I ever recorded, in 1972. I was 10 and it was playing on my big, old radio tube radio and I recorded it holding a microphone connected to my cassette recorder :-)

[@lydiasvendsen3992]

Kalle Blomqvist Me too!! Enjoyed it for yrs!

[@truthseeker679]

Thanks for the cool image.

[@willyappel7722]

And now you just go to youtube and even have video as a bonus.

[@samianalangi7381]

Haha...we've forgotten how creative we were back in the day trying to record on cassette our favorites on the radio. Thanks for that wonderful memory.

[@LeeFred78]

And silently willing the DJ to shut up so we could get the whole song.

[@jackmason4029]

This thing is so vibrant, it's alive. It makes me feel alive. I can't forget the night Isaac Hayes performed one of the nominate songs for the Academy Awards. Damn. The Academy Awards? Unbelievable performance of Shaft. A while later in the telecast.... And the winner for best song goes to SHAFT. What a moment. What a composition. Try and sit still. Try and sit down. No way! Ain't gonna happen. I still have my vinyl. The soundtrack is just gorgeous. Isaac made glorious music.

[@kathleendigregorio1701]

Can you dig it....The musicians really seem to enjoy being of that performance music🎶🎺🎸

[@joeharris3878]

When I was young and this song came on the radio, the line "you say this man Shaft is a bad ....." the word mother was censored.

[@duskopopov77]

The soundtrack was as important to one of my all time favorite movies...Shaft!

[@owensweetland342]

Takes me back to memories of being a youngster amongst my older sisters while visiting cousins in Needham MA in the latter 1960s. Wicked awesome time of my life!

[@winniejohnson5559]

Sounds from my childhood.. my momma loved sir issac Hayes.. he was a musical genius ..I loved the theme from shaft

[@The032750]

As of today, April 12. 2021, there were over 1,000 people that went out of their way to give this performance of a national treasure of a song a "thumbs down". WTH is wrong with people?

[@Mouse01011]

Dumbasses!

[@gordonlewis9377]

These people are.probably hillbilly don't have a clue..

[@davidmitchell1959]

I’m 67 and bought this as a single when it came out. This is a wonderful live version so true to the original. Brilliant!

[@gailreese4102]

We had the soundtrack LP & listened to it often. Nothing like Isaac Hayes & "Shaft"!

[@beatricetatum]

Of all the videos in the world this is my number one!!!!!!!!!!

[@carrascohelizabeth]

Nunca había visto un vídeo de este músico, tremendo! Una orquesta muy loca, muy diferentes a otras orquestas

[@nemo227]

Some music is simply much more exciting than other music. This was exciting. We used to hear it every time we turned on the radio. I miss those days.

[@pj3787]

The best of the best, can’t stop watching this extraordinary performance. The theme is unbelievably warm, deep of all emotions. Thank you

[@lclaymore6587]

I will never get tired of watching the various performances of this with Issac Hayes.

[@rosalindgibbs3705]

Sitting back Thanking God , I was alive when all this smooth cool music came out how do you feel when you hear it ♥.

[@fjj1776]

Absolutely. Music had a slow death at the end of the 80's and died soon after.

[@terrancecoard388]

RIP Richard Roundtree...The original Shaft!

[@fjacks1189]

I saw the movie, bought the album, still sounds as good as it did back in the 70s....just a awesome tune. RIP Issac Hayes.

[@genobourn7423]

This song will always resenate! Hayes was so ahead of time..it's crazy!

[@jhavajoe3792]

For what it's worth- the upside of the "Stay at Home Era"- I re-listened to music that was an everyday part of my life way back and now I hear so much more and those oldies seem so much richer beyond how I heard it. I can dig it!

[@luizguilhermecardososoares8638]

Isso é música de verdade! Grande Isaac!

[@solarguy1702]

Basic training, Lackland AFB, Texas, 1971. On the jukebox, the brothers played Shaft and Someone of my own. Country boys played Easy Lovin' by Freddie Hart. We suburban white boys played Maggie May.

[@roxanne5766]

Hey.. it's all good music 🎶 😊 My brother was there in the 70's. He might have been the one playing Shaft.. and Jimi Hendrix.

[@rsands9]

That’s a grand slam home run! So glad I met Isaac Hayes once...

[@antoniomendes7513]

America gave us a lot of pearls. This is a great one. Thanks a lot.

[@joejoeblackman9333]

My band use to play this all the time back in the early 70s. I was on percussion/Congas. My homie Boobie, (RIP) on Piano/Organ, my homie Jerome, (RIP) on Guitar/Wawa/Fuzz Pedal, my homie Jeffrey, (RIP) on Bass Guitar, my homie Stanley, on Percussion, my homies Rodney (RIP) and Ernest, on Trumpet & Trombone and homie Ricky (RIP) and homegirl Gail, (RIP) on Vocals. Mostly everybody gone today. We were so young with talent. 1970-1973 RIP Mr Isaac Hayes.

[@jeffreygardenour6941]

joejoe blackman yep, man this was a must-play for high school bands in the 70s. Just too cool. Right on.

[@odettedubois9526]

Fabuleux !!!!❤

[@andywjackson1135]

thank so much for sharing this fabulous video,I brought "shafts " L.P. when it was first released and that was some years ago and never had the opportunity to see him live on film this is the first time, I'm so pleased that I've had the opportunity to view the fabulous Shaft thank you so much for sharing this awesome video 🫶☯️🫶 Andy

[@noemihooks4723]

I've always digged this song, but what I was really digging was the colorful band & orchestra players. Beautiful harmony right there! \○●/