The ultra-magnetic 'swagg' of Don C, King Hustle: Legendary 'Soul Train' Creator/Conductor - Don Cornelius dies, but leaves legacy of "peace, love, and soul!"

    

Don Cornelius:  

creator and conductor of hit show - 'Soul Train' 
___________________________

For millions of, primarily, African American consumers, and hundreds if not thousands of performers, musicians and celebrities who have enjoyed viewing and dancing to weekday afternoon ("Soul Train premiered on WCIU-TV on August 17, 1970, as a live show airing weekday afternoons") and Saturday morning 'get-downs', from 1970 to present date, on the Soul Train, the news of the shows legendary creator, writer, executive producer, and host - Don Cornelius' tragic death, allegedly by suicide according to police detectives, came as a shocking and sad pronouncement.

 

Although preliminary reports suggest that cause of death leans toward [the] likelihood that Cornelius died due to self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, the Los Angeles Police Department, along with the L.A. County coroner's office, will conduct and complete a thorough investigation.

So what happened, DC? If you did take yourself out the game, why, bro? If your life was taken against your will, however, then who did it? 

These are obvious big "if" questions that no one but Mr. Cornelius can truthfully answer, but unfortunately he can't communicate an answer to us -- fans, admirers, friends, associates and loved ones. Once the official police investigation and coroner's cause of death is determined and made public, rumors surrounding foul play or suicide can and should be put to rest - hopefully.

Aside from wondering "why", "how" and "when" - fans and celebrities have continued to voice their fond memories and well wishes to the iconic legacy of Don Cornelius, and his family. 

As mentioned earlier, noted for his historic hit show - 'Soul Train', 

the production holds the record for years on television, and "will continue to hold the honor of the longest, continuously running first-run syndicated program in television history until at least 2016". 

Long before talent and showcase entertainment programs like MTV, America's Got Talent, The X Factor, American Idol and others captured the imagination of pop culture -- 'Don C' envisioned what would years later become this televised genre's original blue-print! "In its 35-year history, the show primarily featured performances by R&B, soul, and hip-hop artists, although funk, jazz, disco, and gospel artists have also appeared." Of the multitude of guest entertainers who have performed on America's original 'band stand' -- it was incredible talents like Marvin Gaye, and many others, who benefited from Cornelius' hit show.

So in celebration of the life, times, and going-forward of former back-up disc jockey (DJ), news reader, sports reporter, touring (MC) emcee, promoter, producer, show host, writer, and television executive with O.G. swagg status - Don Cornelius; here's to you and the train of souls who, in your memory, continue to claim the boogie, want the funk, show the love...and pass the peace! 


World Famous

         'Soul Train' 

        Line_________________________________

                                                  

 and the 

"He quit his day job to take a three-month broadcasting course in 1966 despite being married with two sons and only  $400 in his bank account."

Check DC's 'funky-fly' wardrobe: tight sun-shaped afro, pinky rings (yes, two of them), fat silk tie, and crush velvet jacket -- big swagg 'Soul Train' conductor gettin' it in!

'The Don' even showed love to local youngsters who possessed new, innovative and unusual talents, like  'locking', rapping, and similar artistic forms of expression, which paved the way for future generations.

And without the vision, daring hustle, and business acumen of Don Cornelius, we would not be enjoying annual televised showcased talent, on the 'Soul Train Music Awards', 

which recognizes and honors outstanding achievements in Black music and entertainment. 

"Past hosts for the show include such R&B luminaries as Luther Vandross, Dionne Warwick, Patti LaBelle, Will Smith, Vanessa Williams, Cedric The Entertainer, Gladys Knight" and countless others. The show gives out many awards to worthy recipients, but none have overshadowed the accomplishments, and more importantly, contributions of the award show's pioneering architect. Among many well deserved acknowledgements, 'The Don' has been nominated and honored by the industry he served with velvet flava. 

In 1974, Cornelius was nominated for the 'Daytime Emmy' award, for best writing for a talk, service or variety program. Trumping his nomination in 1974, he won the 'Pop Culture' award for his hit show - 'Soul Train' in 2005. And to top it off, in 1997, O.G. - 'Don C' received, for the category of television, a star on the 'Walk of Fame' in Hollywood, California, located at 7060 Hollywood Blvd.

No question, the king of hustle has made his legendary mark on American pop culture, music and entertainment. Thanks for the ride, 'DC'!

Rest in Peace (RIP):

Donald Cortez "Don" Cornelius 

(September 27, 1936 – February 1, 2012)

"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!"  ~Don Cornelius

Fans and celebrities react to death of Don Cornelius - TV's 'Black King of Hustle':

 "Don Cornelius was a pioneer & a trailblazer. He was the first African-American to create, produce, host and more importantly OWN his own show." — Earvin "Magic" Johnson

 "God bless him for the solid good and wholesome foundation he provided for young adults worldwide, and the unity and brotherhood he single handedly brought about with his most memorable creation of 'Soul Train.'" — Aretha Franklin

"We all have a great debt. His work in the 60s and 70s helped us to see, again, that human beings, we're more alike than we were unalike and the music and the people he showed allowed us to see. Showed us how the music, the gifts of the African American, to this country and to the world were great gifts and belonged to everybody all the time." — Maya Angelou

"I am shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden passing of my friend, colleague, and business partner Don Cornelius. Don was a visionary pioneer and a giant in our business. Before MTV there was 'Soul Train,' that will be the great legacy of Don Cornelius. His contributions to television, music and our culture as a whole will never be matched. My heart goes out to Don's family and loved ones." — Quincy Jones

 "The Soul Train legacy will show you how great this man was. And Soul Train became such a great icon, not only did black people want to be on Soul Train, but you had Elton John, you had The Bee Gees, you had ever white artists wanting to be on. Soul Train became the thing to do. Don Cornelius didn't do pop artists the way that a lot of the shows did black artists; he included everybody on his show." — songwriter Kenny Gamble

"I have known him since I was19-years-old and James Brown had me speak on 'Soul Train.' He brought soul music and dance to the world in a way that it had never been shown and he was a cultural game changer on a global level." — The Rev. Al Sharpton

"So sad! A great guy & happy memories from Solid Gold & StarSearch: (hash)RIP" — Robin Leach

"Sad to hear about the passing of Don Cornelius of Soul Train fame. Grateful to him that he turned me on to so much great music." 

— musician Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins

"Sad to hear of passing of Don Cornelius, creator of Soul Train. He was a super nice man. Had many nice talks w/ him at the golf range. RIP" 

— comedian Jon Lovitz

"RIP don cornelius. A legend, a pioneer, a genius. In your immortal words "love peace & soul" make God boogie & Jesus do the Robot." 

— Marlon Wayans 

"RIP Don Cornelius. LOVE PEACE AND SOOOOUUULLLL 4eva" 

— Snoop Dogg
  

"Don Cornelius was a pioneer & a trailblazer. He was the first African-American to create, produce, host and more importantly OWN his own show." — Earvin "Magic" Johnson