RIP Don Counelius

[chico]

The originator of Soul Train committed suicide. I remember watching that show as a kid on Saturdays and thinking he was the coolest man in the world (along with Lindsey Nelson doing ND highlights - hey, I was 6). He's still in my top 10. Soul Train was a great show. And his role is the 80's cult classic Tapeheads was masterful.

Sad news. (http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/obit/story/2012-02-01/don-cornelius-soul-train-dies/52913978/1)

[Xman95]

Sad news, indeed. Always enjoyed Soul Train and Don Cornelius when I was a kid staying up late on the weekends.

RIP, Don, and as you said, "in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul!"


Edit:
Apparently CJ doesn't agree, here's one of his tweets (got a kick out of this, even if I don't necessarily agree):

THEREALC_Weez Ocean Front Weez
Ahhhh Hell Nah!! I take back my R.I.P. to Don Corneilus!!! That nigga killed himself!!! I have ZERO respect for that!!! THAT'S WACK!!!

[LutherRackleyRulez]

Truly sad news...

"... and you can bet your last money, it's all gonna be a stone gas, honey!
I'm Don Cornelius,
and as always in parting,
we wish you love, peace and soul!"


RIP Donald Cortez "Don" Cornelius!!!!
http://mylifeofcrime.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/don-cornelius.jpg

http://www3.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/Clive+Davis+Pre+Grammy+Party+Arrivals+L4zLcunsQ-vl.jpg

http://groyofro.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/don-cornelius1-600x340.jpg

[paulxu]

He will live on (I'm sure even at the Superbowl) in Coors Light commercials.

[MHettel]

DANG.

I didnt watch soul train when it was on, but that is the BOMB. There is an awesome 30 minute infomertial that features some awesome clips that is on occasionally.

[chico]

If you get a chance, I'd recommend watching the Soul Train documentary VH1 did a few years back. My guess is they'll show it again at some point. Don't watch a lot of VH1 but this is definitely something worth watching. A lot of great footage of acts performing live.

Edit: Actually just googled it, and it looks like they will be showing it, along with BET.

http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/tv-zone-1.811968/bet-has-cornelius-soul-train-tribute-1.3496184

[LutherRackleyRulez]

Per Rev. Jesse Jackson/Rainbow PUSH Coalition.....




We are all saddened by the passing of my friend and Brother Beloved, Don Cornelius. At this moment, “Precious Memories” flood my soul as I remember all that this great man contributed to the popular culture---and all that he gave to me personally.

I first met Don in 1964 when he was a reporter with the iconic WVON radio station. Then, and throughout the course of his lifetime, Don was driven by a singular determination to tell the story of the African American experience. Indeed, his coverage of Dr. King’s charge for open housing in the city of Chicago gave voice to the legitimate hopes and aspirations of a community pinned under the historical weight of disadvantage.

Inspired by the Civil Rights movement, Don Cornelius transitioned from journalism and ventured into the realm of music and entertainment. There existed a disconnect between the profound impact that Black culture had on American society and the absence of these artists from the mainstream stages, especially in the medium of television. His remedy was to provide a stage upon which these cultural innovators and their talents could be highlighted. With his own $400, Don rented out the WCIU/Channel 26 studios and started “SOUL TRAIN”, a dance review featuring young high schoolers and some of the highest profile, yet under-recognized Black talent in the world of entertainment. It exploded in popularity, and after a year, with the sponsorship of JOHNSON’S PRODUCTS Hair Company, “SOUL TRAIN” went national---and the rest is, quite literally, history.

I was blessed to have known Don over the years and he was an unceasing and tireless supporter of my work. But, more than all of this, Don was a personal friend. He shared many wonderful times in my home with my wife and children. And in times of triumph and challenge, he was always there. A part of my soul has traveled with him today. My love, thoughts and prayers are with his family.

We are beneficiaries of his special kind of genius.

Let us all wish him, “Love! Peace! And, Soul!”