Celebrities mourn, eulogise Don Cornelius

Following the death on Wednesday of one of America’s most iconic show hosts and producer of the groundbreaking Soul Train, Don Cornelius, it has been an outpouring of grief and eulogies by top American celebrities from movies to music. Cornelius, who was 75, was found dead by the police after a self-inflicted gunshot to the head in his Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles home. A long time professional and business collaborator and producer of some of late Michael Jackson’s early hits, Quincy Jones, says, “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. 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.”

Former presidential aspirant, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, is quoted as saying he was on the phone with the deceased days before his death and he did not betray any angst. Jackson concludes, “He was a transformer. Soul Train became the outlet for African Americans. Soul Train was the first and only television show to showcase and put a spotlight on black artistes at a time when there were few African-Americans on television at all, and that was the great vision of Don.” 80s rapper, MC Hammer, tweets, “It meant more to me to perform on Soul Train than to win a Grammy. Loved U So Much Don. Thank U. RIP Don Cornelius. Bluesy singer, Ginuwine also tweets, “RIP Don Cornelius… Someone who paved the way for black music. I still remember my first time on soul train what an experience.” So did R n B singer, Mya; “So grateful for his decades of innovative contribution to black music. R.I.P.” A lot of other entertainers paid homage to the man who led black American culture by the hands to mainstream acceptance.

With the creation of “Soul Train” in 1970, regarded as the longest running nationally syndicated programme in television history, Cornelius helped break down racial barriers and broaden the reach of black culture with funky music, groovy dance steps and cutting edge style. The show is credited with giving voice and visibility to legendary artistes as Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and Barry White and brought the best R&B, soul and later hip-hop acts to TV. Singer, Jody Watley and dance partner, Jeffrey Daniels, who would become part of the hit-making trio, Shalamar, got their start on the show. Cornelius stepped down as Soul Train host in 1993. In his later years, he had a troubled marriage up to th point of being sentenced to three years’ probation after pleading no contest to misdemeanour spousal battery in 2009. In his divorce case that year, he also mentioned having significant health issues.