August 2008 Archives

In this era of rolling, 24-hour news and celebrity tittle-tattle, it's very easy to feel far removed from the biggest stories of the day, even those that involve folks you know or admire. I was shocked to learn that the legend that IS Issac Hayes had passed, ironically while I was watching a programme on CNN about future hope, Barack Obama. Another of our bright lights, who had given so much to popular culture, has gone out.

My sadness at Hayes' death faded a touch when I received a photo from an esteemed colleague, Birmingham filmmaker and photographer Pogus Caesar. The photo featured my friend with and Issac and was taken in 1997 in Canada, where Pogus was directing /producing on the BBC's 'The A - Force' programme. Pogus recalled Issac as "a warm and affectionate man with a great sense of humour, (who) treated the film crew and everyone around him with much respect."

I instantly felt a deeper connection to Hayes and moved me to marvel at his achievements - from his Oscar-winning theme on the original 'Shaft' movie, his writing / production work at Stax Records and even his star turn as 'Chef' on South Park. On top of that, there are his own ground-breaking recordings and the sheer presence of the man - strong, dark, shaven-headed and confident who called for racial/ social equality and championed Black pride and self-reliance as well if not more effectively than James Brown did.

It was rough to learn hours later that Bernie Mac, the show-stopping comedian/ actor had died too. How poignant is it that 'The Mac' and Hayes starred in a yet-to-be-released comedy movie, called 'Soul Men?' The movie is just full of ironies - 'Soul Man' was one of Hayes' biggest songwriting hits and the late pair play estranged soul singers who reunite to honour their deceased ex-bandmate.

Opinions differ on Bernie's shocking brand of comedy, but what cannot be denied is Bernie's commitment to his family. He grew up poor but made the best use of what he had - a sharp mind, comedic talent and determination - to improve himself.

How many Hollywood stars - and that's what the brother was - stay married for thirty years? And he married young too, at just 20! Even his TV family from 'The Bernie Mac Show' remarked on how he was like a real-life dad to them too.

Both Hayes and Bernie have left us legacies that everyone can celebrate, enjoy and draw inspiration from.

I encourage you to look out for 'Soul Men' - which will probably get its UK release in late 2008/ early 2009 - go out and watch it. We've got one last glimpse of the magic of Hayes and The Mac to enjoy, alongside the always excellent Samuel L Jackson!

Why not take some time out for a movie that is bound to be quality? You know, something you can dig!

Altogether now .... Damn right!