WCIU, WVON To Pay Tribute To Don Cornelius

By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 3, 2012 3:00PM

The Hosannas continue for the late Soul Train creator Don Cornelius. WCIU, where he started the program in 1970, will simulcast Bounce TV Remembers Don Cornelius, a seven-hour marathon of hosted by Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas of the group TLC. The marathon will feature performances by Gladys Knight & The Pips, Al Green, The Commodores, Kool and the Gang, Janet Jackson, En Vogue, Cornelius' last show as host in 1993.

Yesterday, Weigel Broadcasting President Neal Sabin joined You & Me in the Morning hosts Melissa Forman and Jeanne Sparrow to discuss the impact of Cornelius and Soul train on him, WCIU and the nation.

TimeOut Chicago's Robert Feder reported yesterday that WVON-AM, where Cornelius worked as a newsreader and producer prior to moving to WCIU, will broadcast a public memorial service 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, from the Museum of Broadcast Communications.. The doors to the memorial service will open at 5:15 p.m. and Feder writes some of the expected speakers will be Rev. Jesse Jackson, legendary DJ Herb "the Cool Gent" Kent, soul singer and Cook County Commissioner Jerry "Iceman" Butler, radio executives Melody Spann Cooper and Marv Dyson, and Sparrow.