Soul Train Creator Don Cornelius Dead of Apparent Suicide

Don Cornelius (Photo Courtesy of Soul Train Holdings LLC)

TMZ broke news a few moments ago that Soul Train creator and host Don Cornelius died in an apparent suicide.

TMZ's sources, speaking on condition of anonymity because the case is ongoing, said Mr. Cornelius's body was found in Sherman Oaks, CA home around 4 a.m. Pacific time, with a gunshot wound to his head. The sources say there were no signs of foul play.

Mr. Cornelius was a backup DJ and news reader at WVON-AM in Chicago and was producing concerts at local high schools called "The Soul Train" when WCIU-TV took notice of the success Cornelius was having with the traveling caravans and offered him an opportunity to create an African American version of American Bandstand.

Soul Train debuted on WCIU in 1970, airing weekday afternoons and proved to be so successful it was soon syndicated across the country from Los Angeles in 1971. Soul Train aired until 2006 and, at its peak, captured the best in black fashion, music and culture and served as a tastemaker for African Americans across the nation.

Last year the City of Chicago honored Mr. Cornelius on the 40th anniversary of Soul Train's syndication with an exhibit of rare photography from the show, a free screening of the documentary Soul Train: The Hippest Trip in America, and an anniversary concert in Chicago's Millennium Park. Mr. Cornelius had a local holiday declared in his honor and the stretch of Halsted Street where WCIU's studios are located in the West Loop were granted honorary designation as "Don Cornelius Way."

We'll have more on this story as it develops.

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By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on February 1, 2012 8:56 AM 0 Comments

Comments [rss]

ADrauglis

Who could beat that voice? When the DC metro was having auditions for their prerecorded messages I wanted him to get the job more than anyone. "You're grooving on the Blue Line. Destination: Addison Road"

bruiser

Wherever Don is now, you can bet your last money, it's all gonna be a stone gas, honey.

Spirit of 76

Should have embedded any of the various Soul Train videos available on YouTube in the writeup. I don't care what anybody says. The '70s were fun, and Don helped make it that way.

BombaySplashVermouth

Damn
Damn, Damn, Damn

Joe marinaro

That's shocking, considering the wonderful interviews he gave during the Soul Train Anniversary celebrations. RIP and time to go search for that documentary!

Daniel

In Don's words that he signed off with every weekend " love, peace, and soul"...

billeguerriero

Thank you and RIP, Don C.

DrSysz

Was the most awesome music show with no live music ever - even the lip synced 'live 'performances were great, but the dancers ruled....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

fountainofruth

Grew up watching this show. A sad day indeed. Rest in peace Don.

whodiditandran

R.I.P. Don. I'll always remember your ties.

TuraLura

So sad- an unauspicious start to Black History Month. Peace, love and soul, indeed! RIP Mr. Cornelius.

Let's not forget that he didn't just create Soul Train for the network- he owned it! He was a great entrepreneur, at a time when that was difficult for black folks to do. Even James Brown found it hard to believe that there wasn't some secret white guy running Soul Train's business behind a curtain somewhere...

Guest

THIS!!! Rest in Power

SFNY

Aw, man. That is some sad news.

Rest in peace, Mr. Cornelius.

We wish you love, peace, and soul!

Guest

A shame. Soul Train was a favorite to watch in the early 70s. It exposed this Wonder-Bread-Fed white boy to people, places, and music and made me a better person in the process. RIP Don.