Love,Peace and Soul

Don Cornelius is well remembered as the late and great innovator of the Soul Train a show that aired on national television for over 30 years. Born September 27th, 1936 in Chicago, Illinois Don Cornelius is an American television icon who has created Soul Train, a music show that was highly praised by African Americans and viewed mostly by African Americans. http://soultrain.com/

Don Cornelius was a radio host personality who filled in most times for other well known radio host. Cornelius transcend to television in 1968 becoming a sports anchor and the black people's voice of the news in the late 1960's. He took time to know his surrounding producer's of the t.v station and pitched to them his idea for a music television program inspired by Dick Clark and American Band Stand.

With $400 of his own money invested in the making of the program pitched to the broadcast station, he  help to start the one of the hippest shows of its time in America "Soul Train." This show featured young men and women dancing to the latest R&B/ Soul music which was performed live by many artist of the day such as Aretha Franklin, Patti La belle, Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Run- DMC and many many more to date.

SoulTrain made its first debuted on August 17th, 1970. It quickly became a smash television show for generations to come. You could watch Soul Train as it aired on Saturday mornings attracting viewers of all ages. www.biography.com/people/don-cornelius-273681 With the financial help of businessman George Johnson of the Johnson Product Company the television show Soul Train was made nationally and became syndicated in 1971 but it was a struggle getting other stations to signed up to the show but it turned out to be successful pitch turned syndicate.

In 1987, the Soul Train Music Awards were televised with guest host Luther Vandross and Dione Warwick presenting a heritage award to Stevie Wonder for the outstanding works of genius he (Stevie)
gave to the music industry. When American Band Stand ended in 1989, Soul Train was still being aired on national television. Also, in 1995 the Lady of Soul Awards was launched giving recognition to African American women throughout the music and entertainment industry.

In 2008, Don Cornelius was arrested for spousal battery and assault with a deadly weapon. This incident lead to a painful divorce between himself and his wife in 2009. Don Cornelius also was medically suffering from a stroke that led to brain surgery.

On top of the medical problems, it seemed legal procedure's also took its toll on the executive producer (Don Cornelius) of the long time hit show "Soul Train." In 2010, he was granted his divorce and 2012 February 1st, he died of a gunshot wound to his head, in which, police reports stated was suicide. Don Cornelius is survived by two children... R.I.P
http://www.zimbio.com/Don+Cornelius/pictures/pro