Pop Culture Junkies Anonymous

(photo credit: She Knows)

If you’re African American, the Soul Train line is probably a staple at all of your family functions, and you have this man to thank for that.

Donald “Don” Cornelius was the host and producer for the long running dance/music show Soul Train. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps., Cornelius began his career as am announcer, reporter an dj on WVON in Chicago. 

Cornelius noticed that many of the mainstream music variety shows did not feature soul music, so he created Soul Train as a venue for popular African American artists like James Brown, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Michael Jackson to name a few. The show featured the most popular African American & soul artists in the 70s and 80s as well as the most popular dances at the time. Cornelius served as the show’s host from 1977-1993. The Soul Train empire later expanded to include the Soul Train Music Awards.

Cornelius will forever be remembered for his contribution to the music industry.

R.I.P. Don Cornelius

“love, peace & soul”