Don Cornelius
Born
Sept. 27, 1936
in Chicago, IL
Died
Feb. 1, 2012
of gunshot in Cedars-Sinai Medical Center [formerly Cedars of Lebanon Hospital], CA
Don Cornelius’ “Soul Train” became the longest-running first-run nationally syndicated show in television history, bringing African American music and style to the world for 35 years. Cornelius started in the insurance business, then became a radio DJ and television news announcer and sportscaster. Inspired by “American Bandstand,” he devised a similar program spotlighting black music and introduced it on the Chicago UHF station WCIU in 1970. It was syndicated in 1971, and Cornelius soon moved the production to Hollywood. Cornelius was the deep-voiced host, and in addition to major black artists the show also attracted such R&B-leaning rock performers as David Bowie and Robert Palmer. Cornelius stopped hosting in 1993, and though “Soul Train” ceased production in 2006, its archives continue to circulate through YouTube, DVD sets and BET’s Centric channel. Cornelius died Feb. 1, 2012, of a gunshot wound to head at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was 75.
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Five thoughts about Don Cornelius
Yes he does he deserves to have his name in the walk of fame he is a legend
Guess he ran out of HOPE and CHANGE.
I never had the pleasure to met him in person. I just loved what I saw of him on television. He is beautiful and his voice is powerful and alluring for a Blackman, but as only a Blackman can have it. I Love Him, I Love Him, I Love Him, I Love Him, I Love Him, I Love Him, I Love Him, I Love Him, I Love Him, I Love Him, I Love Him, I Love Him, I Love Him, I Love Him, I Love Him.
I met Don Cornelius and the Soul Train Gang at the Apollo Theater in New York City back in the 70's. I was able to get a signed autograph from him, but it is unfortunite that it got misplaced in my relocation to North Carolina.
I'm gona miss him, his show brings back good memorys
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