Despite the trials and troubles Don Cornelius faced in his later years and the irony of his death on the eve of Black History Month, the TV personality was a modern pioneer who helped mainstream black music in America.
Originally from Chicago, Cornelius developed Soul Train after a sponsorship from Sears, Roebuck and Co. Soul Train became the inner-city answer to Dick Clark’s American Bandstand.
Here are 5 ways Mr. Cornelius shaped popular culture with black music.
1. His show introduced dancers and entertainers such as Carmen Electra and Stanley Kirk Burrell, aka MC Hammer. (Like it or not, the latter went on to introduce rap music to a wider audience.)
2. Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, James Brown, Teddy Pendergrass, Marvin Gaye, and Al Green were among some of the giants that got a push from the broadcast.
3. The outfits. Yes, they were funky. Not only were we learning new dance moves every week, we got lesson in trendy couture fashion.
4. Soul Train became a campaign engine for not only just R&B music; gospel and hip hop got their share of notice by way of the franchise’s awards ceremonies.
5. There were non-black guests on the show. David Bowie, who is white, and multi-racial band Tower of Power were showcased on Soul Train. This helped propel Cornelius’ empire into mainstream America.
Don Cornelius’ death was a shock to us all. But his vision and product is woven very tightly into our culture. Upon learning his death, fans posted RIP hashtags, videos, and songs to pay tribute via social media. His life ended at 75, but imagine the generations that will still be able to embrace Mr. Cornelius’ dream-come-reality.
RIP Don.
