Hayes Set For Airport Tribute

Hayes was honoured in the state capital on Monday (18Aug08) in a four-hour ceremony attended by more than 3,000 fans - just eight days after his tragic death.

Funk icon Bootsy Collins, actress Anne Archer and leading rights activists Reverend Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson were among those celebrating the legendary Shaft hitmaker's life at a church in Cordova, Tennessee - where the city's congressman proposed a major honour for Hayes.

Democratic Representative Steve Cohen insisted Memphis should celebrate Hayes' life as it does that of late rock legend Elvis Presley, asking: "What would you say if you were flying into Memphis and they said you are about to land at Isaac Hayes International Airport?"

Cohen added: "He is a world person who the world will miss."

Hayes was 65 when he collapsed and died at his home on 10 August (08).