Born on August 20, 1942, in Covington, Tennessee, he emerged as a multi-talented artist, excelling as a singer, songwriter, and actor. He gained fame for his deep, distinctive voice and soulful music. In the 1970s, he became a cultural icon with the soundtrack for "Shaft," earning an Academy Award. Transitioning to acting, he appeared in films such as "Escape from New York" and became known for his role as Chef in "South Park." His contributions to music and film left a lasting legacy.