'Soul Train' Tribute for Creator Don Cornelius, Dead From an Apparent Suicide

According to the LA Times, Soul Train creator Don Cornelius was found dead at his Sherman Oaks home this morning. The 75-year-old was discovered by a family member and was rushed to a hospital where doctors pronounced him officially dead. While no suicide note or direct motive has been mentioned yet, he had been recently divorced.

"Law enforcement sources said police arrived at Cornelius' home around 4 a.m.," the article states. "He apparently died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the case was ongoing. The sources said there was no sign of foul play, but the Los Angeles Police Department was investigating."

For the youngsters in the audience, Soul Train was a musical variety show that aired in syndication from 1971-2006. Unlike American Bandstand, which seemed to be rooted in the bright, white, clean side of music, Soul Train was fun and funky and loaded with (yes, we'll say it) soul. It featured R&B, soul, and hip hop artists, as well as funk, jazz, disco, and gospel performers as well. But the highlight for viewers, no matter what their musical taste, was the infamous Soul Train Line Dance where regular men and women visiting the show would dress in their craziest club clothes and show their moves while dancing toward the camera.

Cornelius hosted the show until 1993, and it ceased production in 2006. While movies about the show have been talked about for years, interest will undoubtedly spark following his death.

In honor of the magic Cornelius created, here's a look at one of those classic line dances.