Los Angeles, CA - #CraftRecordings is proud to announce the forthcoming release of The Spirit of Memphis (1962-1976), chronicling the ascension of one of the most #influential creative talents in music history, #IsaacHayes , who would have turned 75 this year. Due out September 22nd, the four-cd collection examines the various avenues of Hayes' prolific career; each disc offering an in-depth look at his distinct #musical contributions to both Memphis-based #StaxRecords and to the world at large: from his foundational presence as a songwriter and producer at Stax, to his artistic metamorphosis and subsequent rise to stardom. The set also includes a wide range of previously-unreleased material, as well as a replica 7" vinyl single of the artist's first commercially-released recordings. Housed in a 60-page hardcover book, the retrospective incorporates a wealth of archival photos and ephemera, as well as an essay by author #RobertGordon (Respect Yourself: Stax Records and the Soul Explosion) which includes new interviews with Stax luminaries #DeanieParker and #JimStewart. Contributions from #FloydNewman, #MikeyGregory, #SamMoore(Sam & Dave), and compilation producer #JoeMcEwen round out the package. Track listing below.  From his humble beginnings as an orphaned sharecropper to his rise as a session musician, house songwriter, and producer for Stax Records, to his arrival as a star in his own right, Isaac Hayes (1942-2008) became a symbol of what was possible for Black America. Dubbed "Black Moses"during the height of his popularity, Hayes revolutionized soul music, leading it out of the era of the three-minute single and into new territory: that of the fully-orchestrated concept album, complete with extended cuts that, in some cases, spanned nearly the entire side of an LP. The artist also broke barriers in the film industry, scoring the 1971 film Shaft. The soundtrack became Hayes' fourth consecutive platinum LP, and also earned him an Academy AwardŸ for Best Original Song ("Theme From Shaft"). The musician became the first African American to win the Oscar in a non-acting category, and was also the first recipient of the Best Original Song category.
