Don Cornelius, Founder of ‘Soul Train,’ Dead At 75

It’s a sad way to start Black History Month, but Don Cornelius, the founder of “Soul Train,” passed away.

“Soul Train” was one of the first (if not the first ever) musical variety shows for the black youth of the 70s, which turned into a huge hit, and the legacy of the show and Cornelius still lives on today.

(Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Cornelius started “Soul Train” with $400 and an idea to bring the music of black teens to TV, which started in 1970. Since then, Cornelius propelled black music immeasurably far, which is what producer Quincy Jones said to the LA Times:

“Don was a visionary and giant in our business…Before MTV there was ‘Soul Train’; that will be the great legacy of Don Cornelius. His contributions to television, music and our culture as a whole will never be matched.”

Cornelius hosted the show from it’s inception until 1993, and in that time, the show was a setting for a plethora of huge musical groups from all genres, from Patti LaBelle to Bone Thugs N Harmony.

Aretha Franklin also shared her thoughts with the LATimes:

“With the inception of ‘Soul Train,’ a young, progressive brother set the pace and worldwide standard for young aspiring African American men and entrepreneurs in TV — out of Chicago,”

The show ended more or less in 2006, but you can still catch reruns of “Soul Train” on BounceTV.

Also, you know the Soul Train Music Awards? They’re a spin-off from the TV show.

From the latest fashions, dance moves, and music, “Soul Train” had it all for kids of all colors from the 70s onward, and the legacy of the show and Cornelius will live on forever.

As Magic Johnson says:

“‘Soul Train’ taught the world how to dance! Don’s contribution to us all is immeasurable.”

(via LATimes)