I met Isaac Hayes twice, once informally and the other formally.  The first time, I just walked up to him and introduced myself and congratulated him on his success. He was so cool and open to talking to me. He was just like he is on stage — so cool. 

Then, I met him again on a literacy campaign he worked so hard on and so successfully.  He was the same guy that I meet earlier, so cool.  The women swooned over him.  He was so cool about that, too. 

Both times I met him, I felt a kinship, I really liked him. 

His poise was sincere, true and true.  I will never forget his warmth and coolness at the same time.

He passed away Sunday at the age of 65 with an Oscar, Grammy and other awards to his name. 

I never followed his career but loved listening to his music: ”Walk on By…’, “Shaft” and “By the Time I Get to Phoenix.”

Sure, he had a movie career, which I didn’t follow either.  But just looking over the recent obits, he is an artist in many categories — an icon.

May you reach higher goals Isaac, live in spirit, live in life.