Don Cornelius Creator of Soul Train Dead at 75
Generations of music lovers are mourning the death of "Soul Train" producer/host Don Cornelius, who was found dead in his L.A. home. Cornelius created the music and dance show that became a staple of Afican-American culture. "Soul Train" was a Saturday-morning must see. It also was the longest running first run nationally syndicated show in televison history.
Long before MTV, VH1, and even BET there was Don Cornelius and Soul Train, consistently providing exposure on television for R&B and Soul artists who up until that time could only be seen on shows like the Ed Sullivan Show, American Bandstand and, once in a while, an NBC special (remember The Temptations and Supremes TCB?) Mr. Cornelius helped changed the landscape of Saturday morning television and influenced the entire American culture.
Soul Train was a staple for ALL YOUNG AMERICANS, and a part of American culture. We didn't watch sesame street, but we watched soul train, everyone I knew did, it was a part of growing up, the part we loved, ALL of us! If you liked music, boogie or not, we ALL got on the SOUL TRAin! So rest in peace, Mr. Cornelius, we ALL appreciate the CULTURE you let us ALL share.
I am truly saddened as well are many others by his passing.
I can remember I couldn't waite for Saturday mornings to come to watch Soul Train. This is when music was simple and fun. The music on Soul Train didn't have any special effects or the new mixers that they have now. It was straight up, down right buggie music.
Personally, I feel that MTV, VH1 and BET should run a Soul Train Marathon in honor of Don Cornelius. Those video channels just don't know how important he was to their very existence. American Bandstand was good... but it didn't groove nearly as hard as Soul Train did. It's a shame that not many people are talking about Don and the wonderful show that he brought to the world for over 35 years.
Above is an interview with Don Cornelius and Herb Kent on radio station V103
Above is Don Cornelius on Soul Train in 1973.
This is the version that I LOVE of the Soul Train Themes!
Above is one of my favorite Classic Soul songs featuring "Loose Ends" on Soul train with Don Cornelius.
Don Cornelius, you will never be forgotten, RIP my brother, I wish you LOVE, PEACE and SOUL!!!
Classic Soul Music
