Don Cornelius, founder of the breakthrough and iconic music program Soul Train has been found dead. According reports early Wednesday, Cornelius died from a gunshot wound to the head. He was 75.
Well known for not only creating but hosting 'Soul Train,' (1971-2006, 37 seasons) a popular program that introduced R&B and Soul acts such as The Jackson 5 (Michael Jackson), Aretha Franklin and Smokey Robinson, but also spinning off the Soul Train Music Awards, Don Cornelius is an iconic figure in African American Entertainment.
According to TMZ, who first reported his death, Cornelius was found in his Sherman Oaks, California home Wednesday morning, with indications that he committed suicide with a self inflicted gunshot to the head. He was then taken to the hospital where he was declared dead just before 5am.
In investigation into Cornelius' shocking death is ongoing.
At its peak, Cornelius' Soul Train, with the popular moniker "Love. Peace. and Soul," was syndicated to 105 cities and reached an estimated 85 percent of African American households. The show, also known for the popular show train line, came to a close in 2006. Soul Train hosts, in addition to Cornelius, included Criminal Minds actor Shemar Moore and Dorian Gregory. Everyone from Lil Kim to Ray J and Patti Labelle and American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino appeared on Soul Train, not to mention the awards. Soul Train also spinned off the Lady of Soul Awards. BET later spinned off the Soul Train Awards, which airs annually.
Recording artists have reacted to his death as well, leaving tributes on Twitter and other social networks (see: Love, Peace & Soul: R&B artists, celebrities remember Don Cornelius)
Cornelius was 75.
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