The famed Soul Train host was found dead in his Los Angeles home. He was 75 years old.
Fans are mourning the loss of beloved Soul Train creator, executive producer and host Don Cornelius. According to TMZ, Cornelius was found dead in his Sherman Oaks, CA, home this morning. Officers say the TV legend appears to have committed suicide. He suffered from a gunshot wound to the head, which appears to have been self-inflicted.
Soul Train debuted nationally in 1971 and went on to change the landscape of music. The program, which featured live dancing and performances from the most influential Black artists of all time, including Al Green, James Brown and the Jackson Five, ended its run in 2006. Stephen Hill, BET's President of Music Programming and Specials, says, "If not for Soul Train, there would be no 106 & Park."
TMZ is reporting that the '70s icon was discovered by one of his two sons, who called 911 at around 4:00 AM.
Cornelius is said to have been in pain due to a recent stroke and other serious health conditions, which he described in a 2009 divorce filing.
Stay tuned for more details...
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(Photo: R. Diamond/WireImage)
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