Stars turn out for Isaac Hayes funeral

MEMPHIS, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- A star-studded turnout of mourners remembered U.S. singer-musician Isaac Hayes as a larger-than-life influence on many forms of popular music.

Among the hundreds of people who attended Hayes' funeral Monday in Memphis, Tenn., were his longtime songwriting partner David Porter; soul singer William Bell; Al Bell, former co-owner of Stax Records; and such other Stax figures as Eddie Floyd, Mable John, J. Blackfoot, Deanie Parker and Booker T. Jones of Booker T. & the MG's, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reported.

Despite the music stars at the funeral, "It's the fans that really made my dad larger than life," daughter Veronica Hayes told the congregation.

Hayes, a member of the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame and probably best known for his soundtrack for the 1971 movie "Shaft," died of an apparent stoke Aug. 10 at age 65. The newspaper said other celebrities at his funeral included actress Anne Archer; rapper Doug E. Fresh; rapper Chuck D. of Public Enemy; Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire; 1970s funk master Bootsy Collins and jazz musician Chick Corea.

Stevie Wonder described Hayes as "a griot of music" in a telegram.