…with the sad news that Don Cornelius passed away this morning. For you younger mo’s, Don was the creator and host of the ground-breaking dance show Soul Train. Scores of popular entertainers including Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, James Brown, and (really?) David Bowie made appearances during the show’s 35 years on the air.
If you’ve ever been at a party/bar mitzvah/wedding/orgy and people lined up in parallel formation to cheer on crazy bitches busting out insane moves down the center, you can thank Mr. Cornelius for that.
The gay community tends to like to dance, and you can’t tell me that there weren’t more than a few family members poppin’ and lockin’ on one of those platforms during Soul Train’s heyday.
The even sadder news? He didn’t just pass away. TMZ says that he shot himself. Lord. He was reportedly despondent since his divorce in 2009 and had also been experiencing health problems since undergoing brain surgery. He was 75. We need to look after our national treasures! R.I.P. Don.
I don’t know about you, but I could watch Soul Train vids on YouTube all the damn day. Check some out after the jump.
– J. Harvey
I grew up watching Soul Train. I’ve always been told I don’t dance like a “white boy”
Thanks Don
RIP Don, you made part of growing up in the 70’s and 80’s so much fun. Soul Train will rock forever, so rest in peace brother.
damn.
you didn’t have to go out like that, don.
i bet you probably had several hundreds, if not thousands, of people who would have been more than happy to be a Rock upon which you may have lain.
As a white kid watching American Bandstand I gladly switched channels to see how REAL people danced. I so admired all those kids and Don for bringing this rather foreign world into my life as a kid growing up in the Bronx. Rest in peace Don.
LOL Santino I was always told that I did and I am not white …….
Don letting go by choice isn’t wrong, it’s just your decision. I don’t judge you. I thank you for the outstanding parts you brought to my heart and happiness. Go boldly Don – go boldly because it’s a man’s right to live as he will and to die as he will.
Coersion and suicide by bullying is not what I’m talking about. I’m taking a leap here to a person who just decided – I’m ready to go now. You are loved, thanks for an artistic soul and a fine kick ass time while you were busting a nut for us!
Thank you – x 1 million.