Don Cornelius is dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

[MADem]

I am very saddened. I used to enjoy SOUL TRAIN in my youth, both for the music and the latest dances (not that I had any skill in that area). I always thought that guy was the coolest dude in the room.

http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/obit/story/2012-02-01/don-cornelius-soul-train-dies/52913978/1

He was pronounced dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at 4:56 a.m. at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, said Los Angeles County Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter.

"Soul Train" was one of the first U.S. shows to showcase African-Americans, and it introduced television audiences to such legendary artists as Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and Barry White.

"I am shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden passing of my friend, colleague, and business partner Don Cornelius," said Quincy Jones. "Don was a visionary pioneer and a giant in our business. Before MTV there was 'Soul Train,' that will be the great legacy of Don Cornelius. His contributions to television, music and our culture as a whole will never be matched. My heart goes out to Don's family and loved ones."

The show began in Chicago as a local program in 1970 and aired nationally from 1971 to 2006, bringing the best rhythm & blues, soul and later hip-hop acts to TV and having teenagers dance to them. Cornelius was the first host and executive producer.

[FrenchieCat]

1. I'm shocked.......

as your post is the first I have heard this news.....
as I no longer watch television in the daytime.....
and after the primaries yesterday, I haven't had the
urge to read newspapers or the Internet in reference to our news.....

Very sad indeed!

[MADem]

2. He was an iconic figure in television history--not only was his show different from anything

we had seen up to that point, but the production values were a huge step up from the "Bandstand" style programming. And the talent he was able to showcase--just incredible.

I can't imagine what would cause the man to want to go out this way, at this particular stage in his life. It's so sad--75 is the time in life where people start patting you on the back and telling you how damn smart you were, and your grandchildren are often old enough to appreciate you as adults.

I'm shocked, too. He gave a lot of people a lot of joy over the years. Damn shame.

[FrenchieCat]

3. We really don't know why he chose to go out this way.....

Perhaps he received a health diagnosis that he couldn't live with.....
Perhaps we will never know.....

[politicasista]

11. It also sounds like

he had some depression issues after his messy domestic arrest and divorce. A rumor he had dementia?

Agree, we will never know.

Always loved Love, Peace, and Soul aka grown folks music.

[Number23]

4. Oh no!

I will never forget that voice or that afro.

And Good Lord, that clip you posted has me practically in tears I'm so nostalgic. (I would have loved to have seen the crowd reaction to David Bowie.)

[MADem]

5. I've been going down memory lane all day.

Those were some crazy times--even the clothes are unique to the era ... platform shoes for EVERYONE! And way too many people wearing hot pants/short shorts!

But the MUSIC...that's where it was at! And when the choice was maybe, six or ten stations if you were lucky and lived in a big market with both UHF and VHF programming, Soul Train was Must See TV!

[nofurylike]

6. RIP Don Cornelius!

thank you!

[onpatrol98]

7. I loved these shows!!!

I was born in 1970!!! So, I was right on time to catch some great shows!!! Well, when I was allowed to stay up and watch them. Or, when we could sneak back up and watch them. It just brings back such good memories.

[MADem]

8. Hee hee--those early memories are the ones that stick with us most fondly, aren't they?

I was much, much older than you when ST came to the fore, but I really enjoyed it. It would have to be a real "conflict" (in the days before VCRs) for me to miss a show.

[SemperEadem]

9. RIP, sir.

This was my Saturday Afternoon treat when I was a kid. If I got my chores done that morning, I could watch this when it came on.

[MADem]

10. I have memories of some fun impromptu "dance parties" in living rooms way too small to accommodate

all of us trying desperately to imitate the talented dancers on the screen! Very fond recollections!