Soul singer Isaac Hayes, who was responsible for the ‘Theme From Shaft’, has died.

The musician, who was 65, was found unresponsive near a treadmill at his home in Memphis, according to police.

Hayes was taken to Baptist East Hospital but later pronounced dead. The cause of death was not immediately known.

In addition to his notorious 70s hit for Shaft, which won an Academy award, Hayes also provided the voice for Chef in the animated TV show South Park.

The popularity of Hayes’ role in the cartoon brought him fresh chart success in the UK with ‘Chocolate Salty Balls’.

(by Jason Gregory)