Don Cornelius
Full Name
Donald Cortez Cornelius
Date of Birth
September 27, 1936
Place of Birth
Date of Death
February 1, 2012
Place of Death
Education
- Attended DuSable High School in Chicago, Illinois
Spouses Names
- Delores Harrison (m. 1956; div. 1976)
- Viktoria Chapman Cornelius (m. 2001; div. 2009)
Children Names
Parents Names
Not available
Known Affiliates Names
- Soul Train (Creator and host)
- Gladys Knight
- Smokey Robinson
- Michael Jackson
Affiliated Organizations’ Names
- Creator and host of Soul Train
- Founder of Soul Train Records
- Founder of the Soul Train Music Awards
Don Cornelius was an American television show host and producer best known for creating, producing, and hosting the music-dance television program “Soul Train” from 1971 until 1993. “Soul Train” was instrumental in offering wider exposure to black music genres, including R&B, soul, funk, jazz, disco, and hip hop, as well as promoting African American culture and style. The show became one of the longest-running syndicated programs in American television history and significantly influenced the representation of African American music and culture on television. Cornelius’s smooth, deep voice and cool demeanor became iconic, as did his catchphrase sign-off, “We wish you love, peace, and soul!” He was a pioneering figure in the entertainment industry, breaking new ground for African American music and performers and providing a platform for them to gain national and international recognition. Beyond “Soul Train,” Cornelius also ventured into other business endeavors, including launching a record label, Soul Train Records, and initiating the Soul Train Music Awards, further cementing his legacy in the music and entertainment industry. His contributions have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Cornelius’s impact on music, television, and culture remains influential, and his legacy endures through the countless artists and audiences he inspired.