5 Facts About "Theme from Shaft" Hitting Number One

“Theme from Shaft” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971. The track proved a funky soul instrumental could top the pop charts.

Isaac Hayes became a household name because of this song. It was his biggest commercial success and a defining moment in his career.

The song was the theme for the 1971 film “Shaft.” Hayes also composed the film’s entire soundtrack.

It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1972. Hayes was the first Black composer to win an Oscar in a non-acting category.

The track’s success helped popularize soul and funk music in mainstream pop. Its wah-wah guitar and orchestral arrangement became iconic.