In harmony with this year’s rock ‘n’ roll celebration at Memphis Motorsports Park, legendary music man Isaac Hayes will serve as Grand Marshal and sing the National Anthem on Oct. 23 at the NASCAR Busch Series race – the Sam’s Town ‘He Dared To Rock’ 250 benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Hayes’ work in the 1960s with Sam & Dave, Otis Redding, Booker T & the MG’s, the Mar-Keys, the Bar-Kays, Rufus & Carla Thomas, and virtually the entire Stax Records roster created what was known as the Memphis Sound. In 1969, Hayes introduced himself to the world as a solo artist with the release of “Hot Buttered Soul.” And in the summer of 1971, the arrival of the Shaft movie made him an international superstar,
garnering an Oscar for Best Musical Score, three Grammy awards and the prestigious Edison award, Europe’s highest music honor. In his signature shades, Hayes is also a tireless champion of human rights, currently serving as the international spokesman for the World Literacy Crusade, the Shepherd Foundation and the Isaac Hayes Foundation, which he founded in 1999 “to support global causes and serve the needs of the community.” Samudio served as Grand Marshal of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
race in Memphis in July, and will be back at the track Oct. 23 to live out a race fan’s fantasy and ride in the pace car that will bring
Memphis’ NASCAR Busch Series field to the green flag. Race day will also feature a live concert at 12:00 noon by one the
area’s premier acts – The Dempseys – a high-energy rockabilly trio renowned for their unpredictable shows on Beale Street and across
America. For tickets or more information, call 1-866-40-SPEED (77333) or visit memphismotorsportspark.com.(Memphis Motorsports Park PR)(10-12-2004)
