Don Cornelius, the silky, deep-voiced creator and host of the groundbreaking African-American song and dance TV series Soul Train, was found dead Wednesday morning, Feb. 1, of an apparent suicide. He was 75.
STORY: 'Soul Train' Creator Don Cornelius Found Dead of Apparent Suicide
Getty ImagesVH1 and VH1 Classic are paying tribute to Soul Train creator and founder Don Cornelius, who died Jan. 31 at 75 of an apparent suicide.
The cable networks will re-broadcast the Emmy-nominated program, Soul Train: The Hippest Trip in America, on Friday at 10 p.m.
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Soul Train: The Hippest Trip in America is a 90-minute documentary that celebrates “the show’s impact on pop culture, music, dance and fashion.” Narrated by Oscar nominee Terrence Howard, features a rare interview with Cornelius during which he reveals details of the early days of Soul Train.
Included in the special are memorable moments and performances from the show, in addition to appearances by Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Smokey Robinson, Snoop Dogg, Aretha Franklin, Sly Stone, Cedric the Entertainer, Nick Cannon, Clive Davis, L.A. Reid, Leon Huff and Kenny Gamble.
Cornelius launched Soul Train in 1970 as a local show in Chicago before taking the show national one year later. The show featured breakout performances from Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin and Barry White. Cornelius, who hosted the show until 1993, introduced the Soul Train Awards to extend the brand.
Soul Train wrapped up its run in 2006 after 35 years on air.
