America has lost a key pioneer in introducing African American culture to the public. Don Cornelius, the founder of “Soul Train“, was found dead this morning in his home in Sherman Oaks, Ca as a result of a self inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He was 75.
Cornelius launched “Soul Train” in the early 70##Q##s, introducing America to a new wave of soul and African American pop culture. Over the years, the show delivered the music from talents such as the Jacksons, Stevie Wonder, and Earth Wind and Fire.
“What I take credit for is that there were no black television commercials to speak of before ‘Soul Train.’ Cornelius once told a magazine in 2006. ”There were few black faces in those ads before ‘Soul Train.’ And what I am most proud of is that we made television history.”
