'Soul Train' host Don Cornelius dead of suspected suicide
The Godfather of Soul died early this morning of a gunshot wound to the head
'Soul Train' host Don Cornelius dead of suspected suicide
David Hiltbrand, Inquirer TV Critic
Don Cornelius, the silky host of Soul Train, died early this morning at his home in Sherman Oaks, Calif. of a gunshot wound to the head. Police are still investigating but sources at the scene said there are no signs of foul play and that preliminary indications point to suicide.
Cornelius, 75, had suffered from a variety of health issues in recent years including a stroke.
He created and hosted the syndicated Soul Train, a popular and influential celebration of African American music and style in 1971. He presided as the show’s cooler-than-ice host until 1993. (The weekly show continued in production until 2006.)
Here’s a taste of the maestro near the beginning of his extraordinary run.
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I am devasted by Cornelius' apparent suicide. Growing up, he was a staple of my youth, and I always looked forward to him saying, "It's the Soooooooooooooooul Train!" The show had the best dancers, singers, and, as Spike Lee has said, it was an "urban music time capsule." RIP, Mr. Cornelius -- love, peace and soul.— featherman- Don had been having physical problems over the past few years. RIP. You've left a fabulous legacy in more ways than one.— pres
RIP Don. Love, peace, and sooooouuuul.- another page has turned— all-or-nothin
- It was "90 minutes of the hippest music going across the tracks of your mind!" every week. R.I.P. Mr. Don Cornelius!— Carson Connor
- get the funk outta my face. get the funk, outta my face.— BGenius
- Such a shame. He had a lot to live for. A good man, but a weak man.— The Baron
- I don't believe that suicide is the answer to anything, However, you are in no position to judge a man's strength, especially if you do not know what he is going through in his life. Only a weak-minded person would cast judgement on another person.
— lalaw9833 
I remember when Don called me to be on his show. I can't remember much more than that cause cocaine is a helluva drug.- Thank you so much for that laugh. I needed that more than you could know. RIP Don. You were truly and icon and will be missed. — Ambitious Philly Girl
- Thank you so much for that laugh. I needed that more than you could know. RIP Don. You were truly and icon and will be missed. — Ambitious Philly Girl
- Loved that show. It is how this irish-catholic kid in Philly gained respect for the genius of African American popular culture (and learned how to actually dance). RIP Mr. Cornelius.— bobcitydoc
- A heck of a way to start Black History Month, huh?— kelprod2
- MY MAN A PART OF MY LIFE HIS SHOW WILL LIVE FOREVER FOR THOSE OF US BLESSED TO GROW UP IN THE SEVENTIES AND EIGHTIES— gruck24
