Can You Dig It? Issac Hayes
As I was writing a recent piece, a phrase popped into my mind. It was, “Can you dig it?” A true blast from the past. Of course, it was said and sung by the illustrious Issac Hayes on his Shaft album from 1971. Most writers can attest to the fact that we never know what will bubble up to the top from our subconcious minds when writing streams of thought.
So, here is a brief focus on Issac Hayes and The Stax Movement. There is so much material in that abundant well, but I will take a few strikes at this Tennessee oak tree. It allowed me to remember the music that shaped me and after having that experience, I have revisited his music. Once back there, I could not stop listening and I marvel at the genius, the depth and the musicology of times gone by. The youth of today do not know what they are missing.
His hit, “Do Your Thing,” came out right as I was graduating from college. Of course, I am dating myself but it is a good thing and a great time to have been in the mix. It was a background mantra that gave me the confidence to go out into the world and work my plan.
It was being played on every radio channel and everyone who was anyone had the albums, Shaft, Hot-Buttered Soul and Black Moses. It was the year that I started teaching high school at age 21 and oftentimes, the students were almost as old as I was, so I did have to learn to do my thing. I learned to take charge of my setting and rule the classroom so I could succeed on my job. His soulful renditions helped give me the courage to put my newly-acquired tools to use.
Issac Hayes was also able to let us know that men have a vulnerable side in songs like, By the Time I Get to Phoenix. Otherwise, many could be fooled by the macho, non-caring side that many of them show to the world. Mr Hayes revealed his soulful side in songs like Going in Circles, Walk on By, They Long to Be Close to You, Never Going to Give You Up and a host of other songs. Some were written by great songwriters such as Burt Bacharach but Hayes put his own spin on them and added deep feeling.
He said in an interview from 2005, that he was one of the original rappers because before we were able to hear his melodious voice, he would “set it up.” He told a story about the situation and then took his listeners on down to “Soulville.” His brillance, his passion, his instrumentation and his vision had all of his listeners spellbound and unable to leave until they heard each song to its very end.
If in need of some good soul-healing music or in need of some clarity on the basic issues of life, go to YouTube and listen to Issac Hayes’ Shaft, Hot-Buttered Soul or Black Moses along with other hits and be transformed into another space. Put on the big speakers and go on a journey that will truly put you in the zone!
Lynn M.
July 21, 2024
