It has been reported that legendary Soul Train creator and executive producer Don Cornelius seen in the photo with his estranged-wife Victoria has died of an apparent suicide.
It is said that, police officers arrived at Cornelius’ Sherman Oaks home in the early hours of the morning where they found his dead body from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was 75.
The soul legend created Soul Train back in the late 1960?s with the first every episode being broadcasted on August 17, 1970. Soul Train, built on the model of the Dick Clark’s Bandstand, was one of the longest running shows of its kind, from 1970 to 2006, with Cornelius maintaining hosting duties for most of that time.
Cornelius interviews Dr. King
On March 20th, 2009 Cornelius was convicted of misdemeanor spousal abuse against his estranged wife Victoria, and sentenced to three years probation and 300 hours of community service, he was 72 years old at the time.
Cornelius was a journalist and radio host who saw the need for African American soul music to be distributed to a wider audience. Through Soul Train, many great artist were given exposure to the national American public such as, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin and James Brown to name a few. In addition the show created many opportunities for dancers not yet seen on television.
Cornelius, with is famous baritone rumble was a civil rights activist. The Soul Train broadcast contributed to the movement while exposing African American musical talent. His tremendous contribution is greatly appreciated on BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2012
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About Author: Khamal Murray is a major in Bioethics & Heath Studies at the University of Toronto and a blogger/writer with http://thejuxtapositionape.blog.com and a special contributor with Alternavox Magazine