Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Music news Remembering Soul Train's Don Cornelius
Posted by Carlton Hargro on Wed, Feb 1, 2012 at 11:29 AM
Word went out this morning about the sudden death of Don Cornelius, creator of the music-centric TV show “Soul Train.” And while the cause of his death is still being discovered (early reports point to a self-inflicted gunshot wound), my fear is that the things he accomplished in his life will be glossed over or forgotten.
Many folks think of Cornelius and “Soul Train” as sort of humorous relics of the past. But, before music videos — and before African Americans were allowed to perform on television without restriction or alteration — “Soul Train” was, for decades, the cultural portal of black America.
Cornelius’ show was the place to learn about the latest fashions, slang and, of course, dances; my friends and I would watch the show religiously and snatch moves we would later use in house parties and such.
“Soul Train” was the place that showed the “moonwalk” being demonstrated for the first time (and not by Michael Jackson) And, it was one of the first national venues to show breakdancing in its earliest forms.
Most importantly, it was the only place you could see black artists — singers, musicians and even comedians — who would never crossover to mainstream white America.
And, in return, the show introduced a number of white artists to black America.
“Soul Train,” which stopped airing new episodes in 2006, is missed. But Don Cornelius will be missed much, much more.
Ed. note: VH1's excellent hour-long 2010 documentary, "Soul Train: Hippest Trip in America" is on YouTube, but it might not be for long. BET is re-airing it tonight (Wed., Feb. 1) at 8 p.m. EST. And BET sister station Centric begins a 24-hour marathon of classic "Soul Train" episodes tonight at midnight.
Comments (7)
Showing 1-7 of 7
Don Cornelius was messed up at the end. Wife battery and all that nonsense. Hard to over look putting your hands on a woman even though he was an Icon. I guess he and Billy D just drank to much of that COLT 45.
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"Many folks think of Cornelius and “Soul Train” as sort of humorous relics of the past. But, before music videos — and before African Americans were allowed to perform on television without restriction or alteration — “Soul Train” was, for decades, the cultural portal of black America."
it can be both, in fact might be better because it's both. the seventies were a humorous relic themselves, and my favorite history is always a little bit absurd
RIP Don Conelius, You will be truly missed by the young and old skool. You gave black people a outlet in the music industry. Don, was very calm and collect person. Did you know that EARTH WIND AND FIRE Didn't want to perform on Soul train because they didn't want to lip sync on the show. check the fact about the group... RIP DON .....MAY GOD BLESS THE FAMILY...
Despite being a 45 year old white guy (I think I started elementary school the first year the Dekalb public schools were integrated), I gotta say that I grew up thinking that Soul Train was the real show with genuine bands and honest programming, while American Bandstand was the manufactured pop bubble-gum thing that cool people knew sucked. Just sayin' how I viewed the world when I was 12, which kind of sticks with you. I guess helps to show why I'm listening to a mix tape right now of Son Volt, Otis Redding, the Smiths, the Meters and Cibo Matto...they just make sense together to me. And whatever an SOB Cornelius may have been in his time on this Earth, I think there is a version of salvation out there for him now. Requiescat in pace
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