Go inside the ‘Isaac Hayes: Black Moses Gives Back’ exhibit

The celebrated “Black Moses” of soul, Isaac Hayes was an eyeful — an icon of cool who complemented his signature shaved dome and dark glasses with startling and flamboyant outfits. h At the famous “Wattstax” concert in Los Angeles in 1972, Hayes wore a gold chain mail vest. h A few months earlier, when he accepted his Best Original Song Oscar for “Shaft,” he donned a designer tuxedo, trimmed in mink. h Eventually, Hayes’ distinctive wardrobe choices evolved into a fashion statement that connected his embrace of American “Black Pride” philosophy with his interest in the “Motherland” of Africa.

CHRISTINE TANNOUS, CHRISTINE TANNOUS / THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL Susan Pellicciotti looks at dashikis, a West African garment, at the Isaac Hayes exhibit Thursday, April 14, at the Museum of Science & History in Memphis. The exhibit showcases Hayes’ dashikis collection as well as his work in Ghana.