Chicagoans Fill The Streets To Honor Don Cornelius

News of Soul Train founder Don Cornelius's suicide shocked Chicagoans especially hard, given the long-running program's Chicago roots. More news is emerging about Cornelius prior to his death. The Chicago Sun-Times has differing accounts as to his emotional state. Gossip columnist Bill Zwecker cited sources in saying that Cornelius had long battled psychological and emotional issues and may have even been bi-polar. Cornelius was also concerned about his financial well-being following a 2009 divorce.

Zwecker's fellow gossip columnist Stella Foster talked to friends of Cornelius who said he was upbeat and joking with them.

Meanwhile, Chicagoans took to Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park last night to honor Cornelius with a Soul Train dance line flash mob. We've put together a gallery of last night's festivities and included a video below.

We also included this one-man tribute to Cornelius that is impossible not to smile at.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@chicagoist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on February 2, 2012 3:00 PM 0 Comments

Comments [rss]

D.B

Wow. Well he's home now so no more pain , Struggles in life . RIP

Geoffrey Holland

Often someone who is depressed is very happy before they do the deed, as they've finally made the decision to go ahead and do it.

ElvisStojko

I heard DJ Shadow was at Danny's last night and somehow got a Soul Train dance line going there. I say "somehow" because of the small space, Shadow commands every dance floor, of course.