Cornelius, who became an icon defining black culture in America for decades, died at his California home Wednesday of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was 75.
CHICAGO — When this proud city welcomed back hometown hero Don Cornelius last year, it wasn’t just Chicago-style — it was “Soul Train” style, complete with Afro wigs, bell bottoms and hip-shaking in the streets.
The 40th anniversary celebrations for “Soul Train” traced a remarkable journey for a former Chicago police officer who got his start in broadcasting when he pulled over a radio executive in a traffic stop and then had to build up his pioneering show one step at a time.
'Soul Train' Creator Don Cornelius Commits Suicide
Don Cornelius, creator of "Soul Train" died on Wednesday after shooting himself in the head, officials in Los Angeles said.
Police discovered the body of Don Cornelius, 75, at his house after responding to reports of shots fired in the wealthy, hillside area of Los Angeles called Sherman Oaks where he lived. The community is home to many celebrities and entertainment executives.
"The death was reported as a suicide, a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head," said Los Angeles coroner's Assistant Chief Ed Winter.
Cornelius launched "Soul Train" in the early 1970s as a local dance show from Chicago. It relocated to Los Angeles the following year and became part of pop culture history by boosting the careers of young artists such as the Jackson Five, and older artists such as James Brown who were trying to tap into a younger audience.
As the smooth-talking host with a deep voice, Don Cornelius gave to hip youths of the '70s what "American Bandstand" creator Dick Clark offered to viewers in the early days of rock 'n' roll.
As the popularity of "Soul Train" grew, the show crossed over into mainstream TV and R&B artists broadened their fan base. "Soul Train" aired until 2006, making it the longest running U.S. series in first-run syndication.
The 40th anniversary celebrations for “Soul Train” traced a remarkable journey for a former Chicago police officer who got his start in broadcasting when he pulled over a radio executive in a traffic stop and then had to build up his pioneering show one step at a time.
Don Cornelius, creator of "Soul Train" died on Wednesday after shooting himself in the head, officials in Los Angeles said.
Police discovered the body of Don Cornelius, 75, at his house after responding to reports of shots fired in the wealthy, hillside area of Los Angeles called Sherman Oaks where he lived. The community is home to many celebrities and entertainment executives.
"The death was reported as a suicide, a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head," said Los Angeles coroner's Assistant Chief Ed Winter.
Cornelius launched "Soul Train" in the early 1970s as a local dance show from Chicago. It relocated to Los Angeles the following year and became part of pop culture history by boosting the careers of young artists such as the Jackson Five, and older artists such as James Brown who were trying to tap into a younger audience.
As the smooth-talking host with a deep voice, Don Cornelius gave to hip youths of the '70s what "American Bandstand" creator Dick Clark offered to viewers in the early days of rock 'n' roll.
As the popularity of "Soul Train" grew, the show crossed over into mainstream TV and R&B artists broadened their fan base. "Soul Train" aired until 2006, making it the longest running U.S. series in first-run syndication.
