Soul and funk artist Isaac Hayes – best known for his pioneering sound in the 1970s – passed away at  the age 65 in Memphis.

Hayes – who was to turn 66 on August 20 – is the father of 12 children and the grandfather to 14. He has had four wives.

He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 and his new album was scheduled to be released on September 16. Hayes' "Theme From Shaft" won both Academy and Grammy awards.