I woke up yesterday morning looking forward to writing a celebratory piece on Black History Month. And then, via Twitter, I read the news about Don Cornelius.
I know I’m not the only one with a heavy heart today.
For so many artists, Don Cornelius represented a certain benchmark. A sign that you had MADE IT. Don Cornelius started Soul Train with $400 of his own money, here in the city of Chicago. Don Cornelius helped to put Chicago on the map, put so many African American musicians and dancers on their road to stardom, it’s hard to count how many.
To this very day, Soul Train remains a relevant cultural touchstone. Just last year I visited an awesome Soul Train exhibition here in downtown Chicago that retraced the program’s local roots and showcased the Soul Train highlights.
Photo by Melissa Burley
At so many black weddings, the reception gathers into a Soul Train line where folks can show off their moves. We all remember the Scramble Board. We all had our favorite dancer, or favorite performance.
Watch this clip – at 2:50, Don Cornelius himself dances down the Soul Train line!
Don Cornelius featured musicians who proved to be one hit wonders, and musicians who went on to become legends. The aesthetic and advertising around Soul Train helped to reinforce to generations of black people – not just in America, but around the world – that we too were cool, talented, and worth emulating. We too, are beautiful.
It is beyond tragic to imagine the man who brought so much joy to the world, ending his life in such a fashion. Despite the speculation we’re seeing from celebrities, we don’t know exactly what led Don Cornelius to this. All we can do is hope that he is at peace and free from the pain, suffering and sadness that leads people to make that final, fatal decision.
My heart goes out to the Cornelius family. To his friends around the world who knew him personally. To those who knew the man behind the golden voice and the stylish suits, we are sending you love and light to deal with this loss.
Several celebrities have offered their memories and emotions in wake of the news today.
Via Twitter —
@SpikeLee – This Morning I’m Sad With Our Loss Of The Visionary Don Cornelius.One Of My Childhood Joys,Waking Up Sat Mornings To Dance To SOUL TRAIN.RIP”
@LA_Reid – LOVE- PEACE and SOUL!!! Don Cornelius!!!!
@WendellPierce – Don Cornelius gave African American artists exposure when American Bandstand wouldn’t. Love, Peace and Sooooooooul. Rest in Peace
@PamGrier – Richard Pryor and I were on Soul Train together back in the day. Don Cornelius was The Emperor. The laughs we had. Prayers to the family.
@MagicJohnson -Don Cornelius was a pioneer & a trailblazer. He was the first African-American to create, produce, host & more importantly OWN his own show.
Questlove wrote a very heartfelt post over at Okayplayer that is totally worth reading.
Love, peace, and soul. RIP, Don Cornelius.
Ah Soul Train – As a family we all watched that iconic show and tried to copy the dance moves – I loved his gravelly voice and cool suits – RIP Don Cornelius. To his family and all Soul Train fans peace and comfort.
RIP!!!
RIP Don Cornelius.
RIP. Your post was a great walk down memory lane
WOW….Not just one comment on how he was convicted on spousal abuse… so allow me to be the first to express, “F you and the train you rode in on.”if i taken notice of the criminal history of every single person i watched about the tv, heard on the radio or whoever else, every single person i see in movies, i’d have no time and energy to enjoy myself because i’d delve into criminal records all damn day and night. i dont defend every fucking thing anyone does and no i dont think spousal abuse is cool. but produce a break.I can’t give you a break, but Don will…a bone or two…there is absolutely no pity whatsoever males who hits on the woman
Watch it yourself and you will see him. When the camera hits him, he points advertising like The government. SuperFly Don Cornelius!!!!!
There’s this black guy that’s Forever in the crowd at Rockefeller Plaza in the Today show. I switch it on and the kids and that i always yell “SuperFly!!!!” when we spot him. I make reference to him as Don Cornelius.