Don Cornelius Has Passed Away
It's one thing to wake up to the news that Don Cornelius has strut up to heaven at the age of 75, but it's another hearing that you got there after he apparently committed suicide. And on the first day of Black History Month. Damn. Damn. Damn. TMZ says that police were called to Don's home in Sherman Oaks, CA early this morning after he allegedly shot himself in the head. Don was shortly pronounced dead at the hospital. Don's family hasn't confirmed any of this and an investigation into the cause of his death is happening right now.
Don was apparently in a sad and sick way after divorcing his wife in 2009. Before the judge granted the divorce, Don told the court that he was suffering from major health problems and wanted the divorce behind him before he died. During the past few years, Don had a stroke and had to undergo brain surgery.
Don created Soul Train in 1970, because he wanted to give soul music a wider audience and there was nothing like it on TV. Soul Train moved to syndication in 1971 and throughout the years James Brown, Michael Jackson and Aretha Franklin all performed on it. Rosie Perez, Pebbles, Jody Watley, MC Hammer and Nick Cannon all got their start shaking their shit on Soul Train. Soul Train aired over 1,000 episodes and ended in 2006.
Rest in peace, Don. And as Don used to sign off every Soul Train with: “As always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul!” Don is with the angels now doing THIS:
• 
Ellen's new dance repertoire.
Bummer. It was cool to see acts that would otherwise be unknown. Seriously, who else was bringing the funk back then? The clothes, the hair, the dances, it was fun. RIP. Can't blame a guy if your health is going down the tubes. Not cool with the domestic violence but I'm not all that surprised by that either. Control freak to the end.
CORRECTION: HE DIDN't PASS AWAY, HE KIILED HIMSELF. The world has not ended. He had fame, millions of dollars a great house in Hollywood Hills and he killed himself. Now I suppose Pres. Obumber is going to have to attend the funeral for his next photo opt. Are we all suppose to feel sorry for this nutt case who couldn't deal with life? There are bigger problems in this world then this fool. Pathetic.
Big Bowl of Frootie Pebbles: Check
Seat Right In Front of the TV: Check
11:00 AM Soul Train Is On: Check
Trying the Hottest New Dances: Check
Pillow to the Head Because I'm Blocking the TV: Check
Glowing Childhood Memories to Last a Lifetime: Check
THANKS DON!! LOVE PEACE AND SOUL!!
Sincerely,
Alana Smithee
I hope he is at peace now. I remember dancing to soul train when I was very young with my arms flailing, my feet stumbling and my head back in joy. You know, I still dance like that. God rest you Don.
RIP Mr. Cornelius, and on a side note, the man in the green tracksuit who is shimmying for his life is my best friend's uncle and has not aged a day, seriously.
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"Joe Perry, you are a man of many colors. But I, motherfucker, am the rainbow!”~Steven Tyler
R.I.P Don Cornelius.
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Read Triston's Heaux-ventures as he traipses the Heaux-rient Sexpress!
http://scallywagandvagabond.com/2012/01/heaux-confessionals-traispsing-t...
The poster formerly known as Snow Owl formerly known as Nightowl!
Soul train = *FASHIONGASM*....RIP-------------------------------------
"How are little green men who fly saucers any less believable than an invisible man in the sky who impregnated a virgin?"
- Submitted by TrashyWilma on Mon, 01/30/2012 - 10:14pm.
I grew up in small town IL, and soul train was my weekend morning link to CHI town, I shot past all that but can totally remember public enemy's first appearance on soul train, much love DC
yes Hekki, his name is Lenny.
If you go:
#1 please be there between 7 and 8
#2 make sure you're in the front row
#3 proudly display a DListed poster and I will leap for joy from my bed, shake my husband and say I KNOW HER I KNOW HER LOLWTFOMG!!!
#4 ask him how he manages to be there on time every day...like is he retired or something? or does he live in the building?
Submitted by ditquoi: "...Lenny. :D "
His name is Lenny? I always say one day we're going to go there early one morning and try to meet him. Mr. Hekki hates that idea, but I LOVE SuperFly Don Cornelius Lenny!
Punk musician and artist Mike Kelley committed suicide today.
http://www.artinfo.com/news/story/758572/legendary-artist-mike-kelley-de...
Strange, I was feeling like absolute fucking crap earlier today and wondering if it was just me. Seems a lot of people out there are feeling depressed.
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"This is so over the top the director must be a Sherpa." -- Who Datt
Did I just watch a clip of an epileptic convention being held in a pinball gallery? *scratches head*
RIP, Mr. Cornelious.
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"Uh, hello, room service? I'd like some bacon, a couple of Cokes, and a bunch of whores." -Butthead, of Beavis and Butthead
"Revenge is sweet and not fattening"
-Alfred Hitchcock-
I always thought Soul Train sucked because ALL of the performers Had to lip sync. My parents used to watch Solid Gold and if i was bored I would watch that mess. But, I thought Arsenio was funny-ish.
Don, thank you for the effortless cool you brought to our lives. Go with God and strut down the Soul Train Line with the angels.
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"And to the commentator who snarked that Boston can't be a drinking city because we don't have a legal happy hour - think again, chief. We work around that shit."
It's gonna make a great Biopic and I think Vin Diesel can get an Oscar for this one.
LoreHi
Brothas sure CAN NOT DANCE
Check out Dancing with The Stars for free lessons!
WOW. Weaves sure have come along way!
FREEDOM!
Devastated. I didn't miss a show, no matter where I was, for my entire childhood. That was where we SHONE. Every other dance show since was just trying to keep up.
Questlove wrote a great impromptu piece on the importance of Don Cornelius:
http://www.okayplayer.com/news/brand-new-bag-questlove-on-don-cornelius....
Don, I'm so sorry that, after all you gave, you were in so much pain. We love you.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We worked hard for our money! So hard for it, honey!
Bummer. I loved Soooooooooooooooouuuuuuuuuuuuuulll Train when I was a kid.
Submitted by KA on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 10:21am.
Submitted by zocalo1 on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 10:14am.
WOW....Not one comment on how he was convicted on spousal abuse... so let me be the first to say, "Fuck you and the train you rode in on."
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if i paid attention to the criminal history of every single person i watched on the tv, listened to on the radio or what have you, every single person i see in movies, i would have no time to enjoy myself because i'd be looking at 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 give me a break.
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I won't give you a break, but Don will...a bone or two...there is no pity whatsoever for a man who hits on a woman
Submitted by Hekki on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 10:08am.
LMAO at sucky's awfulness. Bad sucky! Back in your corner!
Soul Train was exotic as hell to the little white girls in CT. It was awesome.
There's this black guy that's ALWAYS in the crowd at Rockefeller Plaza during the Today show. I turn it on and the kids and I always yell "SuperFly!!!!" when we spot him. I refer to him as Don Cornelius. Watch it yourself and you will see him. When the camera hits him, he points at it like Uncle Sam. SuperFly Don Cornelius!!!!!
Lenny. :D
How flippin' sad. RIP.
I am just about done with this week....
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I've got ten bucks and me and dirty eddie are staying out all weekend! - Rob Pue (thank you BBitch and Sweetas)
The difficult brown?! I think we're all done here. -MK
RIP!
aw, this gives me the sads in a bad way. i grew up watching soul train and the soul train line was my favorite part. i wish he could've hung in there, but sounds like he was just hurting too much. i won't judge. RIP, Don.
Submitted by lastdiva on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 10:53am.
Submitted by A.cotw on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 10:29am.
Can't hear that song without dancing.Drowning in middle-aged nostalgia here, as Soul Train was an early childhood show for me.
I was also thinking that the 70s were the peak years for Soul Train. Mavis Staples,Gladys Knight,etc.
If Don Cornelius had died in New Orleans,he'd get a jazz funeral with the Rebirth Brass Band playing "I Feel Like Funking it Up" all the way back from the cemetary.
The guy at 1:07 - is that Lemar from Revenge of the Nerds?
Submitted by paulapoo on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 10:57am.
You were right about the scary part though. Dick Clark looks more like Fire Marshall Bill every year.
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"That's an awfully high horse sir, may I pet him?"
that just sucks. I always thought the Soul Train LIne was the do-not-ever-miss part of the show 'cos the chicks were sexy with looking like the hootchies today and the guys were always stylin'.
thanks Don...
That is entirely too much satin and polyester for one short video!
RIP, Don.
Ok my math skillz suck. He was only 7 years younger than old Dick.
Stealyonce swiped those ladies' dance moves! They were robbed!
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"That's an awfully high horse sir, may I pet him?"
Damn. He was 10 years younger than Dick Clark, who is still scaring the hell outta everybody with his New Year's Rockin Eve appearances.
Submitted by A.cotw on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 10:29am.
Watching American Bandstand,then Soul Train on Saturday mornings and dancing like happy epileptics was a great way to start the weekend.
^^^YES! THIS^^^
...Singers should be those who can perform with dignity.It would be best to have those who appeared on Soul Train during its peak years. Any ideas,hussies?
^^I'd like to see Dazz Band performing Brick^^
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"That's an awfully high horse sir, may I pet him?"
RIP and thanks for the entertainment.
Submitted by guest on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 10:39am.
Submitted by A.cotw on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 10:29am.
*raises hand* I remember the bump! LOL.
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*moves hips from left to right*
As I look at this show with older eyes, it's not the dancing that has me in giggles...it's the fashions. My goodness, we wore some wild and crazy shit back in the day.
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He kinda reminds me of Ron Jeremy, but...not as classy! - Submitted by david Letterman
Besides, it's just marriage! Who in the hell takes that shit seriously? - Michael K
Submitted by KA on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 10:21am.
if i paid attention to the criminal history of every single person i watched on the tv, listened to on the radio or what have you, every single person i see in movies, i would have no time to enjoy myself because i'd be looking at 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 give me a break.
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This^^^^
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He kinda reminds me of Ron Jeremy, but...not as classy! - Submitted by david Letterman
Besides, it's just marriage! Who in the hell takes that shit seriously? - Michael K
Submitted by A.cotw on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 10:29am.
*raises hand* I remember the bump! LOL.
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Submitted by DirtyWhoreMouth on Sat, 06/11/2011 - 9:32am.
It's ok to be a redneck by the way.. just don't yell git 'er done because we all hate that.
damn! Damn! DAMN!
Watching American Bandstand,then Soul Train on Saturday mornings and dancing like happy epileptics was a great way to start the weekend. It was always after a slumber party at a friend or cousin's house. Aretha Franklin singing "Rock Steady" is the first one I remember-I was about five and would hula-hoop like Alvin on speed. Does anyone remember "the Bump"?
The Afro-Sheen commercials were so fly.
Even if Don Cornelius's funeral is completely private,I expect there will be a memorial/tribute show for him. Singers should be those who can perform with dignity.It would be best to have those who appeared on Soul Train during its peak years. Any ideas,hussies?
Submitted by zocalo1 on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 10:14am.
WOW....Not one comment on how he was convicted on spousal abuse... so let me be the first to say, "Fuck you and the train you rode in on."
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if i paid attention to the criminal history of every single person i watched on the tv, listened to on the radio or what have you, every single person i see in movies, i would have no time to enjoy myself because i'd be looking at 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 give me a break.
Damn. A girl I used to Nanny for is very good friends with his granddaughter. I hope she is okay today.....
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I love you, is all that you can say
Years gone by and still, words don't come easily
Like I love you, I love you
Please tell me we didn't really look like that, dress like that, and dance like that? I swear I saw a man who could pass for a sista, another Michael Jackson "don't stop til you get enough" video clone, and Rhianna's mother (the chick with her hair down to her ass dancing in some sort of baby doll lingerie outfit). Oh and I'm sure I saw a Rick James wannabe in there too. All this before 10 in the morning!
WOW....Not one comment on how he was convicted on spousal abuse... so let me be the first to say, "Fuck you and the train you rode in on."
R.I.P., man.
Submitted by Dog on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 9:35am.
Submitted by A.cotw on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 9:29am.
Christina Aguilera better not sing at his funeral.
^^^^^^^^^^^^
Worse. Beyonce.
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Heaven forbid she should grab the spotlight AGAIN. Even the Original Cornbread Coloratura,Patti Labelle would be better.
LMAO at sucky's awfulness. Bad sucky! Back in your corner!
Soul Train was exotic as hell to the little white girls in CT. It was awesome.
There's this black guy that's ALWAYS in the crowd at Rockefeller Plaza during the Today show. I turn it on and the kids and I always yell "SuperFly!!!!" when we spot him. I refer to him as Don Cornelius. Watch it yourself and you will see him. When the camera hits him, he points at it like Uncle Sam. SuperFly Don Cornelius!!!!!
Submitted by Mama Bear on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 9:52am.
Midnight Special,
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I never really saw Midnight Special when it was on but I see the late night ads for the DVDs and MAN they had EVERYONE on that show and most when they were in their prime. When it come on I marvel at how awesome that show must have been.
There is a show like that called Later......with Jools Holland out of the UK and I wish we had something comparable in NA. He has the best of the best on giving some amazing performances and we get stuck with 2 songs on SNL or worse American Idol??
Those shows show people and bands with REAL talent not just the ability to look good and warble out some vocal acrobatics.
oh, wow ... I grew up watching soul train! don cornelius was like a member of my family. sadness. but I am comforted by the youtube hole I just fell into, watching old soul train line videos. classic!
if it had music and people dancing on it, i loved it. my parents had no problems with me watching it - their idea of good programming back then was mtv so i was pretty much set. loved soul train. so sad that it looks like he ended his life.