Don Cornelius and the Legacy of Soul Train Music

Join us as we explore the life and work of Don Cornelius, the creator of the iconic Soul Train music TV show.

Introduction

Don Cornelius was an American television show host and producer, best known for creating and hosting the long-running Soul Train music variety show. Cornelius was born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 27, 1936. He began his career as a news reporter and weatherman for WVON-AM, a local radio station. In 1971, he created Soul Train, which became one of the most popular music programs of the 1970s and 1980s. The show featured performances by some of the biggest names in R&B, soul, and dance music, and helped to launch the careers of many artists. Cornelius continued to host and produce Soul Train until 1993, when he retired from the show. He died on February 1, 2012, at the age of 75.

Soul Train is widely considered to be one of the most important musical programs in American history. The show helped to break down racial barriers in television and music, and exposed millions of viewers to genres of music that they might not have otherwise heard. It also gave rise to a new generation of Black celebrities and fashion icons. Today, Soul Train is remembered as a groundbreaking force in both television and music.

The Birth of Soul Train

Don Cornelius was born in Chicago in 1936, the son of a minister. He joined the Marines after high school and then attended college on the G.I. Bill. He began his career in broadcasting as a news reporter and anchor for WVON, a black-oriented radio station in Chicago. In 1970, Cornelius created Soul Train, a weekly dance and music show that featured both up-and-coming and established R&B and soul performers. Initially syndicated only in the Chicago area, Soul Train eventually became a national phenomenon, running for 35 years and airing in more than 100 markets across the country.

While Soul Train was originally created to showcase African American musical talent, it eventually came to be known as a show for all cultures. It featured artists of all races and genres, including James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Whitney Houston, and many others. The show also helped to launch the careers of many African American artists who went on to become household names, such as Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, and Patti LaBelle.

In addition to its musical performances, Soul Train is also known for its signature dance moves, which were popularized by the show’s dancers and have been imitated by generations of fans. The show’s audience was also diverse, making it one of the first television programs to truly reflect the demographic makeup of America.

Soul Train remains an influential force in popular culture today, thanks in part to its ability to adapt to changes in the music industry and society at large. The show continues to air in syndication on BET Jams (formerly MTV Jams) and is also available on streaming services such as Hulu. A documentary about Cornelius’ life and legacy was released in 2020, revealing even more about the man behind one of America’s most iconic television shows.

The Music of Soul Train

Soul Train is an American musical variety television program, which aired in syndication from 1971 to 2006. In its 35-year history, the show primarily featured performances by R&B, soul and hip hop artists, although funk, jazz, disco and gospel artists also appeared. The show was created by Don Cornelius, who also served as its first host and executive producer.

The program’s groundbreaking weekly musical performances helped to fragment the color line on television while expanding the musical tastes of American viewers through a kaleidoscope of soul, R&B, funk, disco and hip hop. Cornelius began taping the show at the suggestion of record executive Dick Griffey in order to showcase his music label’s artists on television. The first episode aired on October 2, 1971 features guests The Staple Singers and Bill Withers.

While Soul Train’s influence is widely acknowledged, its impact on society is often overshadowed by its more famous performers and dancers. Nevertheless, the show played a significant role in introducing a new generation of black Americans to music beyond the Motown sound that dominated the airwaves in the early 1970s. In addition, Soul Train helped to launch the careers of many African American musicians who went on to achieve mainstream success, including James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Michael Jackson.

The Legacy of Soul Train

Don Cornelius was more than just the host of a iconic television show, he was a trailblazer who helped change the face of music and television. He created Soul Train as a way to showcase black music and culture, and it quickly became a smash hit. Over the years, the show featured some of the biggest names in soul, R&B, and hip hop, and helped to launch the careers of many young artists. Cornelius was a true visionary, and his legacy continues to this day.