Master Don Cornelius shows how to get down on the Soul Train Line
| Don Cornelius | |
|---|---|
 Don Cornelius at the 40th anniversary event for Soul Train. |
|
| Born | Donald Cortez Cornelius September 27, 1936 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | February 1, 2012 (aged 75) Sherman Oaks, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Television host/Producer |
| Years active | 1966–2010 |
| Known for | Creator of Soul Train |
| Spouse | Delores Harrison (? - ?) Viktoria Chapman (also known as Victoria Avila-Cornelius; 13 December 2001 - ?) (divorced) |
| Children | Anthony and Raymond (from first marriage) |
~Don Cornelius Commits Suicide~
Don Cornelius -- who famously created "Soul Train"
was found dead in his Sherman Oaks, CA home this morning ... and law
enforcement sources tell us it appears he committed suicide.
We're told cops discovered the body at around 4 AM PT. Law enforcement sources tell us ... Cornelius died from a gunshot wound to the head and officials believe the wound was self-inflicted.
We're told Cornelius was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
"Soul Train" changed the landscape of television when it debuted in 1971 and ran until 2006.
Don Cornelius did not leave a suicide note at the home where he shot himself ... this according to multiple law enforcement sources.
We have been told by numerous people today that Don's health problems plagued him for years ... and the pain had become unbearable.
As we first reported, Don was discovered early this morning at his Sherman Oaks, CA home with a gunshot wound to his head.
The picture shows the ambulance that took Don to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead early this morning.
Don Cornelius -- who famously created "Soul Train"
was found dead in his Sherman Oaks, CA home this morning ... and law
enforcement sources tell us it appears he committed suicide.We're told cops discovered the body at around 4 AM PT. Law enforcement sources tell us ... Cornelius died from a gunshot wound to the head and officials believe the wound was self-inflicted.
We're told Cornelius was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
"Soul Train" changed the landscape of television when it debuted in 1971 and ran until 2006.
Officials have notified Don's family.
Cornelius was 75.
During Don's bitter divorce proceedings in 2009, he told an L.A. judge he was suffering from "significant health issues" and wanted to "finalize this divorce before I die."
Cornelius was arrested in 2008 for beating up his wife. He pled no contest to misdemeanor domestic violence and was placed on 3 years probation. His probation just terminated.
The divorce was granted in 2010.
Sources close to Don tell us ... the TV icon was plagued with health issues for years ... including a stroke and a condition that required brain surgery.
8:10 AM PST -- Shawn Holley -- Don's lawyer and good friend -- tells TMZ, "This is devastating news. Don was a kind, funny and brilliant man. Even though his many health battles had left him frail, he remained vibrant, courtly and always sharp as a tack."
Cornelius was 75.
During Don's bitter divorce proceedings in 2009, he told an L.A. judge he was suffering from "significant health issues" and wanted to "finalize this divorce before I die."
Cornelius was arrested in 2008 for beating up his wife. He pled no contest to misdemeanor domestic violence and was placed on 3 years probation. His probation just terminated.
The divorce was granted in 2010.
Sources close to Don tell us ... the TV icon was plagued with health issues for years ... including a stroke and a condition that required brain surgery.
8:10 AM PST -- Shawn Holley -- Don's lawyer and good friend -- tells TMZ, "This is devastating news. Don was a kind, funny and brilliant man. Even though his many health battles had left him frail, he remained vibrant, courtly and always sharp as a tack."
http://cdn.photos.tmz.com/gallery_images/images/2012/02/74285924_10_full.jpg
Don Cornelius No Suicide Note
Don Cornelius did not leave a suicide note at the home where he shot himself ... this according to multiple law enforcement sources. We have been told by numerous people today that Don's health problems plagued him for years ... and the pain had become unbearable.
As we first reported, Don was discovered early this morning at his Sherman Oaks, CA home with a gunshot wound to his head.
The picture shows the ambulance that took Don to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead early this morning.
R.I.P.2/1/2012 11:50 AM PST BY TMZ STAFF
Shemar Moore I Couldn't Fill Don's Shoes On "Soul Train"
Former Soul Train host Shemar Moore said his “heart is heavy” after hearing about the suicide of Don Cornelius -- and says it was impossible to fill his shoes on the iconic show.
Moore, who hosted Soul Train from 1999 to 2003, released a statement saying, Cornelius was “one of a kind” ... and "showed generation after generation over 40 years how to keep it funky and get your groove on every Saturday morning on ‘The Hippest Trip In America’”.
Moore added he was honored that Don gave him the opportunity to host Soul Train for 5 years, but insists, "I didn't dare try to fill his shoes because it just couldn't be done! Don was The Man!!"
Soul Train creator Don Cornelius, found dead in apparent suicide, set to pay $300k life insurance to ex-wife 'he hated'
- Divorced second wife, Russian model Viktoria Chapman-Cornlieus, in 2009
- Cornelius suffered gunshot wound to head but 'no foul play', say police
- Call to emergency services made by legendary producer's son
- Aretha Franklin said: 'It is a huge and momentous loss'
- Worked with Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, James Brown and Patti LaBelle
By
Louise Boyle
Last updated at 10:53 PM on 1st February 2012
Don Cornelius left behind two
lucrative life insurance policies worth hundreds of thousands of dollars
- which will go to his ex-wife whom he divorced after a bitter legal
battle three years ago. The creator of Soul Train was found dead in an apparent suicide at his home in the early hours of this morning, according to police.
The 75-year-old was found at his mansion in Sherman Oaks, California with a gunshot wound to the head which was reportedly self-inflicted.
Scroll down for video
Troubled: Don Cornelius (with his ex-wife
Viktoria Chapman-Cornelius) was found at his home in Sherman Oaks,
California after apparently committing suicide
It
has been revealed that his ex-wife Viktoria Chapman-Cornlieus, whom he
'hated' according to TMZ, will receive around $300,000 in insurance
payouts.
Mr Cornelius
and his second wife, a Russian model, had their divorce finalised in
2009 amid allegations of domestic abuse on both sides. He told an LA judge he was suffering from 'significant health
issues' at the time.
He was believed to have suffered a stroke and had brain surgery in recent years which left him in a great deal of pain.
This morning, police found Mr Cornelius lifeless at his Mulholland Drive home. He was
pronounced dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound about an hour later at
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, according to the coroner's office.
Police officer Sara Faden said authorities have ruled out foul play. Detectives have not found a suicide note and were talking to the 75-year-old's family about his mental state.
The 911 call was made by one of his two sons from his first marriage to wife Delores, according to TMZ.
His death prompted many to speak of the positive influence he and his show Soul Train had on pop culture, music and the African-American community.
Aretha Franklin, an early performer on the show, told People: 'It's just
so sad, stunning and downright shocking... a huge and momentous loss to
the African-American community and the world at large.'
The soul singer added: '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.'
Reverend Jesse Jackson told KNX-Los Angeles that Cornelius 'was a transformer'.
He added that he talked to Mr Cornelius a few days ago and there were no signs that he was upset.
Quincy Jones said: '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.'
Clarence Avant, former chairman of Motown Records, said: 'Don Cornelius' legacy to music, especially black music, will be forever cemented in history.
'Soul Train was the first and only television show to showcase and put a spotlight on black artists at a time when there were few African-Americans on television at all, and that was the great vision of Don.'
On his blog, music mogul Russell Simmons called Cornelius 'one of the greatest music legends there was'.
He wrote: 'Don Cornelius gave artists
who had been segregated from most mainstream vehicles of expression a
chance to perform in front of a huge national audience.
'It was a tremendous opportunity that changed their careers and the whole music industry. To win a Soul Train Music Award meant that the most sophisticated tastemakers in the world loved your work.'
In his later years, Cornelius had a troubled marriage.
In 2008, Cornelius was arrested at his Mulholland Drive home on suspicion of domestic violence.
He appeared in court on November 14, 2008 charged with spousal abuse and pleaded not guilty before changing his plea to no contest the next year and was placed on 36 months probation.
Cornelius' second wife, Viktoria Chapman-Cornelius, a Russian model, filed for divorce in 2007.
She had filed two restraining orders against her former husband while Cornelius claimed she pepper-sprayed him many times, according to TMZ.
Soul Train was a dance-variety show which ran for 35 years, beginning in Chicago as a local program and aired nationally from 1971 to 2006.
Don Cornelius was credited with helping break down racial barriers and broaden the reach of black culture with funky music, groovy dance steps and the cutting-edge style of the show.
Over the years, artists including Michael Jackson, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Marvin Gaye and Barry White appeared on the series.
The series was created by Don Cornelius, who was both its host and executive producer. It holds the title of the longest, continuously running syndicated program on TV.
Cornelius also created the Soul Train Awards, which would become a key honor for musicians. The series also spawned the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards and the Soul Train Christmas Starfest.
He was known for his catchphrase at the end of every show: '...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!'
Cornelius stepped down as Soul Train host in 1993. The producer, who has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, said in 2006 he remained grateful to the musicians who made Soul Train.
He said: 'I figured as long as the music stayed hot and important and good, that there would always be a reason for Soul Train.'
Police officer Sara Faden said authorities have ruled out foul play. Detectives have not found a suicide note and were talking to the 75-year-old's family about his mental state.
The 911 call was made by one of his two sons from his first marriage to wife Delores, according to TMZ.
His death prompted many to speak of the positive influence he and his show Soul Train had on pop culture, music and the African-American community.
Making a mark on history: Don Cornelius (right)
with Martin Luther King (centre). The creator of Soul Train was
remembered for his contribution to the civil rights movement in the U.S.
The soul singer added: '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.'
Reverend Jesse Jackson told KNX-Los Angeles that Cornelius 'was a transformer'.
He added that he talked to Mr Cornelius a few days ago and there were no signs that he was upset.
Cultural icon: Don Cornelius (centre) with Stevie Wonder (left) and Smokey Robinson (right) in 2005 at an awards ceremony
Supporter of soul: Aretha Franklin performed on
Soul Train early in her career and called the loss of Mr Cornelius as
'downright shocking' today
'Soul Train was the first and only
television show to showcase and put a spotlight on black artists at a
time when there were few African-Americans on television at all, and
that was the great vision of Don.'
'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.'
Clarence Avant, former chairman of
Motown Records
Motown Records
'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.'
Clarence Avant, former chairman of Motown Records, said: 'Don Cornelius' legacy to music, especially black music, will be forever cemented in history.
'Soul Train was the first and only television show to showcase and put a spotlight on black artists at a time when there were few African-Americans on television at all, and that was the great vision of Don.'
On his blog, music mogul Russell Simmons called Cornelius 'one of the greatest music legends there was'.
Unexpected: The LAPD maintained a presence
outside Don Cornelius's Mulholland Drive home in today after he
apparently committed suicide in the early hours of the morning
'It was a tremendous opportunity that changed their careers and the whole music industry. To win a Soul Train Music Award meant that the most sophisticated tastemakers in the world loved your work.'
SOUL TRAIN 'TAUGHT THE WORLD TO DANCE'
When Soul Train began in 1970, there was little indication it would become a long-running success - as only a handful of TV stations initially were receptive.
Cornelius said in 2006: 'When we rolled it out, there were only eight takers.
'There was just, ''We don't want it. We pass'', with race going unmentioned. No one was blatant enough to say that.'
Soul Train arrived at a time when the U.S. was changing thanks to the civil rights movement lead by Martin Luther King, political upheaval and cultural swings.
It was one of the first shows to showcase African-Americans prominently, although the dance group was racially mixed. It showcased legendary artists like Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and Barry White and brought the best R&B, soul and later hip-hop to TV.
Soul Train, with its trademark opening of an animated chugging train, also made Cornelius, a former DJ, a star. The dancers soon became as much of an attraction as the music. They made the 'Soul Train' dance - where people lined up on two sides and others sashayed down the middle to show off their moves - a cultural flashpoint.
Earvin 'Magic' Johnson also cited Cornelius' business acumen.
The former basketball player wrote on Twitter: 'Don Cornelius was the first African-American to create, produce, host and more importantly OWN his own show.
Johnson added: Soul Train taught the world how to dance!'
Cornelius said in 2006: 'When we rolled it out, there were only eight takers.
'There was just, ''We don't want it. We pass'', with race going unmentioned. No one was blatant enough to say that.'
Soul Train arrived at a time when the U.S. was changing thanks to the civil rights movement lead by Martin Luther King, political upheaval and cultural swings.
It was one of the first shows to showcase African-Americans prominently, although the dance group was racially mixed. It showcased legendary artists like Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and Barry White and brought the best R&B, soul and later hip-hop to TV.
Soul Train, with its trademark opening of an animated chugging train, also made Cornelius, a former DJ, a star. The dancers soon became as much of an attraction as the music. They made the 'Soul Train' dance - where people lined up on two sides and others sashayed down the middle to show off their moves - a cultural flashpoint.
Earvin 'Magic' Johnson also cited Cornelius' business acumen.
The former basketball player wrote on Twitter: 'Don Cornelius was the first African-American to create, produce, host and more importantly OWN his own show.
Johnson added: Soul Train taught the world how to dance!'
In 2008, Cornelius was arrested at his Mulholland Drive home on suspicion of domestic violence.
He appeared in court on November 14, 2008 charged with spousal abuse and pleaded not guilty before changing his plea to no contest the next year and was placed on 36 months probation.
Cornelius' second wife, Viktoria Chapman-Cornelius, a Russian model, filed for divorce in 2007.
She had filed two restraining orders against her former husband while Cornelius claimed she pepper-sprayed him many times, according to TMZ.
Soul Train was a dance-variety show which ran for 35 years, beginning in Chicago as a local program and aired nationally from 1971 to 2006.
Don Cornelius was credited with helping break down racial barriers and broaden the reach of black culture with funky music, groovy dance steps and the cutting-edge style of the show.
Over the years, artists including Michael Jackson, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Marvin Gaye and Barry White appeared on the series.
The series was created by Don Cornelius, who was both its host and executive producer. It holds the title of the longest, continuously running syndicated program on TV.
Cornelius also created the Soul Train Awards, which would become a key honor for musicians. The series also spawned the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards and the Soul Train Christmas Starfest.
He was known for his catchphrase at the end of every show: '...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!'
Cornelius stepped down as Soul Train host in 1993. The producer, who has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, said in 2006 he remained grateful to the musicians who made Soul Train.
He said: 'I figured as long as the music stayed hot and important and good, that there would always be a reason for Soul Train.'
Donald Cortez Cornelius was born on September 27,
1936, in Chicago. He had two sons with his first wife Delores.
Star quality: Don Cornelius holds the plaque
from his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (left) and attending the
Soul Train awards alongside Johnny Cochrane (right)
Groovy: Mr Cornelius, created the American institution Soul Train which ran from the Seventies for 35 years
Update: Don Cornelius Dead From Apparent Suicide (Official Statements)
By MikeyFresh |
February 2nd, 2012
VIBE is extremely sad to report Soul Train
legend, Don Cornelius, was found dead at earlier this morning. The
longtime host of the seminal music program's body was discovered at his
Sherman Oaks, Ca home at 4 AM this morning.
Law Enforcement told TMZ
Cornelius died from a gun shot wound to the head, which they believe
was self inflicted. Don was 75-years old at the time of his death.
Cornelius served as host of Soul Train from its debut in
1971 to 1993. The show aired until 2006. He was loved by many and helped
introduce the world to a number of classic artists.
Stay tuned for more on this developing story
UPDATE: OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM SOUL TRAIN CEO KENARD GIBBS AND MAGIC JOHNSON, CHAIRMAN OF SOUL TRAIN HOLDINGS “We are overwhelmed with the news regarding the passing of Don Cornelius. Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with his family at this time. He was a true television visionary and his contributions to African American culture, music, and entertainment are incomparable. The outpouring of affection and tributes to his legacy are a true testament to the profound impact that his life’s work had on many generations.” -Kenard Gibbs, CEO of Soul Train Holdings
“Don Cornelius was a pioneer, an innovator, and a trailblazer. He was the first African-American to create, produce, host and more importantly OWN his own television show. Soul Train was a nationally syndicated show that paved the way for singers, musicians and dancers, giving them the ultimate platform to showcase their talents when no one else would. Every Saturday morning I looked forward to watching Soul Train, as did millions of other people. Soul Train taught the world how to dance! Don’s contribution to us all is immeasurable. He will truly be missed. I thank him for trusting me with his Soul Train brand and I will carry on his legacy through it. My condolences to his son and my good friend Tony Cornelius and the entire Cornelius family.” -Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Soul Train Holdings Chairman
UPDATE: JOINT STATEMENT FROM LEGENDARY
‘SOUND OF PHILADELPHIA’ PRODUCERS AND PIONEERS KENNETH GAMBLE & LEON
HUFF ON THE PASSING OF SOUL TRAIN CREATOR DON CORNELIUS.”
“Don Cornelius and his creation of ‘Soul Train’ and its legacy had a
great impact on American culture. Don’s vision allowed for
African-American artists to be exposed to people all over the world
through the power of television. We were glad to help Don Cornelius
fulfill his dream and legacy by creating the theme song for his hit
show. The ‘Soul Train’ and TSOP brands will forever be inseparable. We
thank Don Cornelius for his tremendous contributions to the
entertainment world. “Our deepest sympathy goes out to Don’s family and
everyone he touched.”~KENNETH GAMBLE & LEON HUFF
~BIO~
Donald Cortez "Don" Cornelius (September 27, 1936 – February 1,
2012) was an American television show host and producer who was best
known as the creator of the nationally syndicated dance/music franchise Soul Train, which he hosted from 1971 to 1993. Cornelius sold the show to MadVision Entertainment in 2008.
Career
Cornelius was born in Chicago's South Side on September 27, 1936,[1] and raised in the Bronzeville neighborhood. Following his graduation from DuSable High School in 1954, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served 18 months in Korea. He worked at various jobs following his stint in the military, including selling tires, automobiles and insurance and as an officer with the Chicago Police Department.[2]
He quit his day job to take a three-month broadcasting course in 1966
despite being married with two sons and only US $400 in his bank account.[1] In 1966, he landed a job as an announcer, news reporter and disc jockey on Chicago radio station WVON.
Prior to moving the show to Los Angeles where it went into national syndication, Cornelius began SOUL TRAIN as a local show on WCIU-TV in Chicago in the mid 1960s.[3][4][5]
Originally a journalist inspired by the civil rights movement,
Cornelius recognized that in the late 1960s there was no television
venue in the United States for soul music, and introduced many African-American musicians to a larger audience as a result of their appearances on Soul Train, a program that was both influential among African-Americans and popular with a wider audience.[6] As writer, producer, and host of Soul Train, Cornelius was instrumental in offering wider exposure to black musicians such as James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and Michael Jackson, as well as creating opportunities for talented dancers that would presage subsequent television dance programs.[7] Cornelius said "We had a show that kids gravitated to," and Spike Lee described the program as an "urban music time capsule."[7]
Besides his smooth and deep voice, Cornelius was best known for the catchphrase that he used to close the show: "...
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!" After Cornelius's departure, it was shortened to "...and as
always, we wish you love, peace and soul!" and was used through the most
recent new episodes in 2006. Another introductory phrase he often used
was: "We got another sound comin' out of Philly that's a sure 'nough dilly".
He had a small number of film roles, most notably as record producer Moe Fuzz in 1988's Tapeheads.
The 2008 Soul Train Music Awards ceremony was not held due to the WGA strike and the end of Tribune Entertainment
complicating the process of finding a new distributor to air the
ceremony and line up the stations to air it. The awards show was moved
in 2009 to Viacom's Centric cable channel (formerly BET J), which now airs Soul Train in reruns.
Cornelius last appeared at the 2009 BET Awards to present The O'Jays with the 2009 BET Lifetime Achievement Award.
Arrest
On October 17, 2008, Cornelius was arrested at his Los Angeles home on Mulholland Drive on a felony domestic violence charge.[8]
He was released on bail. Cornelius appeared in court on November 14,
2008 and was charged with spousal abuse and dissuading a witness from
filing a police report. Cornelius appeared in court again on December 4,
2008, and pleaded not guilty to spousal abuse and was banned from going
anywhere near his estranged wife, Russian model Victoria
Avila-Cornelius (Viktoria Chapman), who had filed two restraining orders against him. On March 19, 2009 he changed his plea to no contest and was placed on 36 months probation.[9]
Death
Officers responding to a report of a shooting found Cornelius at his
Mulholland Drive home about 4 a.m. on February 1, 2012, police said.
Cornelius is reported to have suffered a self-inflicted gunshot to the
head. He was pronounced dead at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, said Los Angeles County Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter.[1][10]
Speculation on motivation for suicide
Shemar Moore, one of the former hosts of Soul Train,
said prior to his former boss's death, Cornelius might have suffered
from dementia: "I don't know what his health was like. I had heard
rumors that it was early [onset] dementia, Alzheimer's, things like
that." Moore added, "I'd heard that he was sick."[11]
References
- ^ a b c McKinley Jr., James C. (February 1, 2012). "Don Cornelius, ‘Soul Train’ Creator, Is Dead". The New York Times.
- ^ O'Donnell, Maureen. "'Soul Train' creator, South Side native Cornelius dead in suicide," Chicago Sun-Times, Thursday, February 2, 2012.
- ^ Press, Associated (1936-09-27). "'Soul Train' host Don Cornelius dead of suicide | wwltv.com New Orleans". Wwltv.com. Retrieved 2012-02-02.
- ^ "Full Text of HR0190". Illinois General Assembly. 2003. Retrieved 2008-10-23.
- ^ "WVON History". WVON.com. Midway Broadcasting Company. 2008. Archived from the original on 2008-04-30. Retrieved 2008-10-23.
- ^ 'Soul Train: The Hippest Trip in America' New York Daily News Feb. 5, 2010
- ^ a b After 38 Years, ‘Soul Train’ Gets New Owner, The New York Times, June 17, 2008
- ^ "Viktoria Chapman Cornelius | 'Soul Train' creator arrested - Los Angeles Times". Articles.latimes.com. 2008-10-19. Retrieved 2012-02-02.
- ^ Don Pleads No Contest to Conducting Pain Train TMZ, March 19, 2009
- ^ Kot, Greg; Metz, Nina (2012), Arts & Entertainment - Music, "'Soul Train' creator Don Cornelius found dead", Chicago Tribune, retrieved 2/1/2012
- ^ http://www.etonline.com/news/118642_Shemar_Moore_Don_Cornelius_May_Have_Had_Dementia/index.html
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