People News

Soul Train creator Don Cornelius dies

By Eleanor Harley Feb 2, 2012, 14:30 GMT

Don Cornelius was found dead in his home on Tuesday at the age of 75. Copyright by Daniel Locke / PR Photos

Soul Train creator Don Cornelius has died at the age of 75.

Cornelius was found yesterday morning in his home and The L.A. Coroner Assistant Chief Ed told People that his death was the result of “an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.”

Further investigation is underway.

Soul Train was a musical variety show that ran from 1971 to March 2006. The show featured artists from all genres of music.

Aretha Franklin sang Mary Don’t You Weep on the show in 1979. Franklin posted a statement saying “Don Cornelius! It’s so shocking and stunning. God bless him. He created a solid and broad foundation for young people and adults alike to socialize, dance and have good clean fun. He united the young adult community single-handedly and globally.

"With the inception of Soul Train, a young, progressive brother set the pace and worldwide standard for young aspiring African American men and entrepreneurs in TV—out of Chicago. He transcended cultural barriers among young adults. They became one. Everybody loved Soul Train and appreciated Don!”

Stevie Wonder told CNN that he was in shock. “This is a man that has done so much for the music industry.”

“The first time I ever did Superstition was on his show,” Wonder said.

The Twitter tributes have come flooding in from fans and celebrities.

Keri Hilson tweeted “Black music never looked so good. R.I.P. Don Cornelius."

“I am shocked and grief stricken by the reported suicide of Don Cornelius of Soul Train. I have known his since I was 19 years old,” tweeted Reverand Al Sharpton.

Salt N Pepa, who performed Push It on Soul Train, took to their Twitter account to say “#RIP Don Cornelius of Soul Train. This man helped many R&B and Hip-Hop acts get noticed. We ty 4 all you’ve done n the legacy you’ve left.”

“It meant more to me to perform on #SoulTrain than to win a Grammy .. Loved U So Much Don.. Thank U RIP #DonCornelius” tweeted MCHammer.

Q-Tip tweeted “When I did the soul train ill never 4get Don Cornelius came 2 me after rehearsal n said “you are a star! A giant!” No don u R! RIP”