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Don Cornelius Dead: 'Soul Train' Creator, Host Dies of Apparent Suicide

Posted Feb 1st 2012 10:24AM by Kenneth Partridge
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Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images

Don Cornelius, who helped popularize black music and culture through 'Soul Train,' a show he created and hosted for more than two decades, was found dead earlier today (Feb. 1) in Sherman Oaks, Calif., the Los Angeles Times reports. He was 75. According to sources, the cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police arrived at Cornelius' apartment at around 4AM, and while they apparently found no signs of foul play, they are investigating the case, the Times reports.

A TV institution, Cornelius launched 'Soul Train' in 1970 and hosted the show until 1993. As the face of the so-called "Hippest Trip in America," the stylish, smooth-talking Cornelius presented numerous R&B, soul, funk and hip-hop superstars -- everyone from Aretha Franklin and Barry White to Heavy D and Ice-T -- to eager fans.

Famous for its dance lines -- which allowed audience members to show off their best moves and flashiest outfits -- the show continued for more than a decade after Cornelius' departure and went off the air in 2006.

Just two years ago, Cornelius spoke to the Times about a 'Soul Train' movie he was looking to develop.

"We've been in discussions with several people about getting a movie off the ground. It wouldn't be the 'Soul Train' dance show, it would be more of a biographical look at the project," he said. "It's going to be about some of the things that really happened on the show."

Watch '"Soul Train" Creator Don Cornelius Dead at 75'

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jerhayn

Type your comment hereI grew up watching Soul Train here in jChicago. My brother
and sister got our dance moves from the show and the music was boss. Rest in
Peace Brother Don Cornelius my thoughts and prayers are with his family. And
true to form this show was the Hippest Trip in America .. Peace my brothers and+
sister
Jerry Haynes

February 01 2012 at 11:27 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Jermaine

Don Cornelius will truley be miss.The creator of the show SoulTrain. Soul Train was the first show that blacks express thier style,dance,and sense of unity. Don Corneliues brought live acts to his show, and most of all the soul train line.The Soul Train show me how blacks could have a good time all in one room. Thank you for all the years you brought us your show. It showed us decade of lates trends, fashion,and dances you will truley be miss.

February 01 2012 at 9:27 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

oaggbu555

I loved the ultra sheen afro sheen and other fine hair care cosmetics ads...plus, they would select two people to unscramble the word....the word could be simple like the word "the"--- it would look like eht or teh and then they would spend time to figure out what that word would be. Plus, the afros were HUGE....really neat to see.....

February 01 2012 at 3:09 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

bob20

http://www.vegasvipsweepstakes.com/

February 01 2012 at 2:48 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

sinckart

Wow, this is a heartbreak. That would have been an interesting movie. Let me guess... Denzel was cast to play "The Don".

February 01 2012 at 2:41 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Mark

I guess now he truely is a stone cold cat.

February 01 2012 at 2:23 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

csoljak

AOL..... I wonder why you did not this this was important news..... I don't think its any less tragic but you have on your front page about somebody named carters brothers death but you did not think this was important enough to put on the front page at least to make entertainment headline. WOW......I hope you do better than this when Dick Clark is gone.

Don, R.I.P. He made a lot of people famous and even more teens happy. We were having a good time watching the show and dancing instead of getting into trouble because we were bored. He left his footprint on the world. Thank you Don C.

February 01 2012 at 12:27 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down Reply