'Soul Train' Creator Don Cornelius Dead at 75

Spin.com ^ | 1 February 2012 | Marc Hogan

[bjorn14]

The creator of Soul Train would wish viewers love, peace, and soul at the end of each episode, and now he's left us for good. Don Cornelius, who hosted the nationally syndicated music show from its inception in 1971 until 1993, was found dead early this morning at his Sherman Oaks, California, home, according to the Los Angeles Times. He died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, sources told the newspaper on condition of anonymity because the case is ongoing. Cornelius was 75.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Soul Train helped draw attention to music by African-American artists, with memorable performances by Michael Jackson, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, Sly Stone, and other legends. The young dancers who would show off their moves on the program helped blaze a trail for more recent dance TV shows like FOX's So You Think You Can Dance?. But Cornelius stopped making new episodes of Soul Train in 2006, and he sold the long-running franchise to production company MadVision entertainment two years later.

[Dr. Thorne]

“... and you can bet your last money, it’s all gonna be a stone gas, honey!”

[Patriot Babe]

I heard this so sad that he had to end his life this way due to some serious health issue. I hope and pray that Don find peace and may God have mercy on him. Having said that I remember after watching American Bandstand time to get on board the Soul Train.

Here is my favorite opening theme song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd4yo4N66Dc&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PL8C0F19E038705287

RIP DON

[Vermont Lt]

TSOP/MFSB

This was the “cool” American Bandstand....

[NativeSon]

Saturday afternoons with Dad watching Soul Train - those were the days.

[massgopguy]

TMZ is reporting that the ex-wife is cashing in on two Life Insurance policies he took out three years ago.

[Vermont Lt]

If I recall...I watched it to piss off my Dad. Not a big fan of that Philadelphia sound....

[uncbob]

In the 1970s and 1980s, Soul Train helped draw attention to music by African-American artists,

Come on Dick Clark had Black R&B Rock starts on American Bandstand in the late 50s --Fats domino--Chuck Berry etc etc

Soul train was Essentially a black audience black entertainer Band Stand

[fredhead]

When it came out in the 70’s it aired on Saturday right after American Bandstand. It was like the Afro-American Bandstand.

Never watched it much, or AB for that matter. had better things to do after a morning of cartoons.

[Eccl 10:2]

I D R N P O

[think Soul Train Scramble Board]