News
R.I.P. 'Soul Train' Creator Don Cornelius
Don Cornelius, creator of widely loved music TV show Soul Train, died this morning in what's being labeled an apparent suicide at his home in Shermans Oaks, Calif. He was 75.
TMZ reports that they spoke with police officers who discovered Cornelius' body at 4 a.m. PST (or 7 a.m. EST) and he had a self-inclicted gun-shot wound to the head. The site also reports that he had been sufferring from significant health issues, including a stroke and a condition that required brain surgery.
We'll update this post with more information if and when it becomes available. Watch some clips from Soul Train, which started in 1971 and ran through 2006, below.
Update: We have received statements from Soul Train Holdings CEO Kenard Gibbs and chairman Earvin "Magic" Johnson. Read them below.
“We are overwhelmed with the news regarding the passing of Don Cornelius. Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with his family at this time. He was a true television visionary and his contributions to African American culture, music, and entertainment are incomparable. The outpouring of affection and tributes to his legacy are a true testament to the profound impact that his life’s work had on many generations.” -Kenard Gibbs, CEO of Soul Train Holdings
“Don Cornelius was a pioneer, an innovator, and a trailblazer. He was the first African-American to create, produce, host and more importantly OWN his own television show. Soul Train was a nationally syndicated show that paved the way for singers, musicians and dancers, giving them the ultimate platform to showcase their talents when no one else would. Every Saturday morning I looked forward to watching Soul Train, as did millions of other people. Soul Train taught the world how to dance! Don’s contribution to us all is immeasurable. He will truly be missed. I thank him for trusting me with his Soul Train brand and I will carry on his legacy through it. My condolences to his son and my good friend Tony Cornelius and the entire Cornelius family.” -Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Soul Train Holdings Chairman
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