'Soul Train' Founder Commits Suicide

[arthureld]

RIP

Don Cornelius, the man who created Soul Train, was reportedly found dead Wednesday morning at his Los Angeles home. Police sources tell TMZ.com that Cornelius appears to have taken his own life; sources say he died from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was 75.

Cornelius created "Soul Train" and hosted the show in national syndication from 1971 to 1993. It was the first real venue on American TV for soul music, and as the show's writer and producer, as well as host, Cornelius played a vital role in bringing stars like James Brown, Aretha Franklin and Michael Jackson to a wider audience. Some have described the show as "a black American Bandstand," though Cornelius was not a fan of that comparison. As the host, he was known for the catchphrase with which he closed each episode: "I'm Don Cornelius, and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul!"

"Soul Train," which ceased airing in 2006, also spun off the Soul Train Music Awards and the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards. Its most famous theme song, "TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)," by MFSB became a massive pop hit in 1974.

[Wide]

WOW 75 and did that, he must have been sick or something and figured it was time

I remember watcjhing that show as a kid

[arthureld]

The gorey details aren't out yet but you can't blaim old folks for taking the easy way out it the ramainder of their life will be filled with pain.

[Wide]

There is no easy way out, but going with your dignity still intact not wanting to be seen decaying by others is OK in my book. If in that situation I may do it myself

[OldBikerGuy]

Looks like Don's train left the station early. Nobody could say "SOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUL TRAIN!" like that guy.

[arthureld]

Don Cornelius' death from a self-inflicted gunshot wound has drawn new attention to the dark side of the "Soul Train" founder.

Cornelius, 75, was plagued by health problems in the last three decades of his life. He underwent a 21-hour operation in 1982 to correct a congenital malformation in blood vessels in his brain. "You choose your brain surgeons for their stamina," he said afterwards, according to The Washington Post. "You're never quite the same afterward. Travel is always a real test."

His personal life also suffered. In 2008, he was arrested for felony domestic violence against his estranged wife, Victoria Avila-Cornelius. In 2009, he plead no contest to one count of "corporal injury resulting in traumatic condition of a spouse," was put on probation for 36 months, and ordered to pay over $1,000 in fines. She also filed multiple restraining orders against him.

But Cornelius' lasting legacy is his impact on diversifying pop culture and giving rise to a hugely influential group of black performers. Cornelius created "Soul Train" and hosted the show in national syndication from 1971 to 1993. It was the first real venue on American TV for soul music, and as the show's writer, producer, and emcee, Cornelius played a vital role in bringing stars like James Brown, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson to a wider audience.

He was known for the catchphrase with which he closed each episode: "I'm Don Cornelius, and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul!"

"Soul Train" also spun off the Soul Train Music Awards and the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards. "Soul Train" went off the air in 2006.

Cornelius' colleagues have been quick to commemorate him. Aretha Franklin, who shot to fame in part because of "Soul Train," released a statement calling Cornelius' death "sad, stunning, and downright shocking … a huge and momentous loss to the African-American community and the world at large."

Smokey Robinson put out a statement saying Cornelius "brought exposure to black talent and a positive image to young black teenagers that had never been done before." Quincy Jones called his "friend, colleague, and business partner" a "visionary pioneer and a giant in our business."

"Before MTV there was Soul Train, that will be the great legacy of Don Cornelius," Jones said. "His contributions to television, music and our culture as a whole will never be matched. My heart goes out to Don's family and loved ones."