R.I.P. Don Cornelius Dead at 75 – Soul Train Creator Shoots Himself + Favorite Soul Train Interviews

From the Los Angeles Times:

“Soul Train” creator Don Cornelius was found dead at his Sherman Oaks on home Wednesday morning.
Law enforcement sources said police arrived at Cornelius’ home around 4 a.m. He apparently died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the case was ongoing.

The sources said there was no sign of foul play, but the Los Angeles Police Department was investigating.

In a 2010 interview with The Times, he said he was excited about a movie project he was developing about “Soul Train.”

“We’ve been in discussions with several people about getting a movie off the ground. It wouldn’t be the ‘Soul Train’ dance show, it would be more of a biographical look at the project,” he said. “It’s going to be about some of the things that really happened on the show.”

According to a Times article, Cornelius’ “Soul Train” became the longest-running first-run nationally syndicated show in television history, bringing African American music and style to the world for 35 years.

Cornelius stopped hosting the show in 1993, and “Soul Train” ceased production in 2006.

Growing up Soul Train was a staple must watch each Saturday.  The dancing, the rawness and the soul will never be duplicated.  We owe an incredible debt of gratitude to Don Cornelius for his vision and execution which paved the way for modern Black music.   Rest in Peace my brother.  Like many  including The Roots’ ?uestlove, we just wish that the events which lead to your death could have been avoided.  Please know that we will truly miss you but your legacy will live on forever!

Here are some of our favorite Soul Train moments with brother Don:

Soul Train Theme Song – TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia) – MSFB (Mother Sister Father Brother)

Interview with James Brown and Al Sharpton:

Interview with Herb Kent (legendary Chicago DJ):

Interview with Rick James:

Rick James/Don cornelius on (SOUL TRAIN) 1980 by dennis649

Interview with Run DMC:

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