Soul Train founder Don Cornelius, 75, was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound on Wednesday.
The television show helped bring soul and dance music to a broad audience beginning in August 1970, when the Chi-Lites, Jerry Butler and the Emotions appeared on the premier telecast. Among the performers on the show during its 35-year history were James Brown, Ike & Tina Turner, The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, David Bowie, Elton John, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Beastie Boys, Mariah Carey, Justin Timberlake, The Black Eyed Peas, and countless others including Charlotte artists Jodeci, Anthony Hamilton and Fantasia Barrino.
Cornelius’ famous signoff on each episode was, “…and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace… and SOUL.”
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This article appears in Jan 31 – Feb 6, 2012.
