BREAKING NEWS: Producer, Journalist and creator of the TV Series “Soul Train” is dead. According to published reports, Don Cornelius, 75, died from an apparent gun shot wound to the head. California police arrived to Cornelius’ home at 12685 Mulholland Drive shortly before 4 a.m. One person was found wounded at the home. That person was Don Cornelius.
Donald Cortez “Don” Cornelius hailed from Chicago and was the creator and television host of the “Soul Train” fame. Cornelius was best known for his famous deep and smooth voice. He is also best known for his famous catch phrase that he used to close the show, “”I’m Don Cornelius and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace, and soul!”
Before Cornelius was a television host, he was a journalist inspired by the Civil Rights Movement. In the late 1960s the television industry did not recognize soul music. Cornelius was influential in introducing African American musicians to a larger audience from their appearances on the Soul Train. Some of his guest featured on the show was Gladys Knight and the Pips, Lou Rawls, the Jacksons/Jackson 5, Teena Marie, Rick James, Aretha Franklin and David Bowie. In 2008, Cornelius sold the rights to “Soul Train” to MadVision Entertainment.
The Soul Train Music Awards was inspired by the 1970’s TV series which brought soul, disco, r&b, classic and rap to the forefront. Top winners at the awards ceremony have been Anita Baker, Ron Isley, Rihanna, Eminem and Trey Songz
Saturday mornings was breakfast, a bike ride and then Soul Train on ABC. “As always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul”
