For decades, Don Cornelius was the driving hand behind the popular syndicated dance show "Show Train." Los Angeles police found his lifeless body in his home early Wednesday morning. Although the death looks like an apparent suicide, an investigation is ongoing.
Don Cornelius, the legendary creator and first host of television's longest running syndicated show, "Soul Train," was pronounced dead at a local hospital shortly after police discovered his body at 4 a.m. (PST) in his Sherman Oaks home. The Los Angeles Times reported that police sources, speaking on conditions of anonymity because an investigation into the death was ongoing, told reporters that Cornelius had been found dead, the apparent victim of what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Officials are reporting that there was no sign of foul play.
Don Cornelius was 75.
TMZ reported that sources close to Cornelius said he had suffered a series of health-related setbacks in recent years, including a stroke and even brain surgery.
Cornelius went through bitter divorce proceedings that began after he was arrested for an incident of domestic violence in 2008, for which he pled no contest and and received three years probation. His probation was recently terminated.
In 2009, during the divorce proceedings, he told a judge he had "significant health issues" and wanted to "finalize this divorce before I die."
The Times noted that Cornelius had been working on a movie project involving "Soul Train" when the paper interviewed him in 2010. The iconic show -- which showcased artists and music from various genres, including R&B, hip-hop, soul, gospel, disco, and funk -- was a big part of Cornelius' life. Not only did he create and host the show, but he also produced it, even after he gave up hosting duties in 1993. The show ran for another 13 years with a variety of hosts, including a five-year stint with Shemar Moore, perhaps better known now for his prominent role as an FBI behavioralist on CBS' "Criminal Minds."
Over the years, Don Cornelius, his signature deep voice, and "Soul Train" became American television staples. The show introduced hundreds, if not thousands, of new artists and different musical styles to its audiences, entering homes with what became its equally iconic introductory title announcement. Even after its 35-year run, "Soul Train" was retooled into a "Best of Soul Train" package that ran for another two years in syndication after the original production stopped in 2006.
Officials have notified members of the Cornelius family of the incident.
(photo credit: Adamantios, Creative Commons)
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