Legendary Chicago based creator of Soul Train, Don Cornelius was found dead in his home early Wednesday morning.
Early reports indicate Cornelius died from an apparent suicide. Police reported he died from a gunshot wound to the head. He was 75.
This past Labor Day weekend, Don Cornelius was in Chicago’s Millennium Park to celebrate Soul Train’s 40th anniversary.
Chicago hosts Soul Train 40th Anniversary Labor Day concert in Millennium Park
Steppers and dancers joined the celebration with an exclusive trip down memory lane. The concert concluded with the Soul Train Photo Exhibition at Expo 72 on Randolph Street.
Soul Train premiered in 1971. Series creator, Don Cornelius was once the former backup disc jockey for Chicago’s WVON radio station. He later joined WCIU-TV as news/sports reporter.
While working on his own, he promoted and emceed a series of concerts featuring local talent.
Cornelius often referred to his ‘caravan of travelling shows’ as the 'Soul Train'. There the idea was created and the program was developed.
The Chicago syndicated program eventually moved to Los Angeles. Cornelius continued hosting the local Chicago show and Los Angeles program simultaneously.
In 1993, Cornelius turned his interest towards working behind the scenes.
Guest hosts and various actors like, Shemar Moore, and Dorian Gregory, eventually became the weekly host.
Soul Train’s debut during the rise of R&B and Motown quickly made it a youth favorite. Local teens lined up for blocks hoping to get on the show. Many who appeared became local celebrities.
Viewers tuned in Saturday mornings to watch their favorite artists perform. Soul Train introduced the latest hair, fashions, and dance trends. The inspiring ‘Soul Train Line’ gave dancers a chance to show off their latest dance moves, a trend still popular today.
Don Cornelius was the cornerstone to the hippest, trip in America.
He lived in Sherman Oaks, California and leaves a legacy as Chicago’s very own.
No further details on Cornelius’ death have been issued.
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