NEWS GAL: Don Cornelius’ Unxpected Death; VH1 Pays Homage Tonight

By Danielle Corcione | February 3, 2012 | Entertainment

Creator of Soul Train Don Cornelius died on Wednesday, Feb. 1 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. According to local law enforcement authorities, a family member allegedly found his head wounded from a gunshot. The television host and national icon was 75- years-old.

As one of the original reality platforms featuring established and up-and-coming performers, especially those of color, Soul Train was the orient of black music during the seventies. After the showΓÇÖs first broadcast in 1970 out of Chicago, Cornelius, who hosted the program, soon became a star of soul, funk and R&B. It was a new age for the Motown generation, and brought to life many memorable musicians like James Brown, Aretha Franklin and Michael Jackson.

As of Thursday, news circulated that the gunshot was a self-inflicted and suicidal injury, according to The Washington Post. The shooting occurred at approximately 4 in the morning. However, there was not a suicide to be found around the starΓÇÖs household.

Cornelius, who hosted the show until 2006, is being remembered by his friends and family. R&B Diva Aretha Franklin has stated, “He created a solid and broad foundation for young people and adults alike to socialize, dance and have good clean fun. He united the young adult community single-handedly and globally.”

VH1 will pay homage to the man and the music he loved with the documentary Soul Train: The Hippest Trip in America. Originally aired in 201o for the show’s 40th anniversary, the network will re-air it tonight, Friday, Feb. 3 at 10 p.m.

photo credit: AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes