Don Cornelius: Through the Years

Remembering the iconic host of 'Soul Train' on his heavenly birthday.

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Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of a true pioneer, Don Cornelius. Although he is no longer with us, his influence and impact on the music and television industry continue to resonate, even on what would have been his 87th birthday. Don Cornelius, the host and creator of "Soul Train," helped to shape the landscape of music. As we remember this trailblazing visionary on his heavenly birthday, we reflect on his remarkable journey and the enduring significance of his work.

Photo By Photo by Soul Train

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Chi-Town Rising Star - After a year as a radio disc jockey, Cornelius joined Chicago television station WCIU-TV in 1967 and hosted a news program called A Black's View of the News. (Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Photo By Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Bringing Soul to the People - Cornelius conceived the idea for Soul Train during the civil rights movement after observing that there weren’t any venues for Black music on mainstream television. The show would debut on Chicago’s WCIU-TV in 1970. (Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

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Bringing Soul to the People - Cornelius conceived the idea for Soul Train during the civil rights movement after observing that there weren’t any venues for Black music on mainstream television. The show would debut on WCIU-TV in 1970. (Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images/ Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Success Ahead - By 1971, Soul Train was airing nationally, and would continue to do so until 2006. Cornelius hosted the show from its inception until he stepped down in 1993, famously signing off each episode with, "We wish you love, peace and soul." (Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

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Success Ahead - By 1971, Soul Train was airing nationally and would continue to do so until 2006. Cornelius hosted the show from its inception until he stepped down in 1993, famously signing off each episode with, "We wish you love, peace and soul." (Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Rising Stars - In the 1970s and 1980s, megastar talent — including James Brown, Diana Ross, Michael Jackson and Aretha Franklin — made guest appearances on the show. Perhaps even more thrilling was catching a glimpse of a star on the rise, including a young Janet Jackson, who first appeared on the dance-music program in 1982. (Photo: 2001 Tribune Entertainment/Getty Images)

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Rising Stars - In the 1970s and 1980s, megastar talent — including James Brown, Diana Ross, Michael Jackson and Aretha Franklin — made guest appearances on the show. Perhaps even more thrilling was catching a glimpse of a star on the rise, including a young Janet Jackson, who first appeared on the dance-music program in 1982. (Photo: 2001 Tribune Entertainment/Getty Images)

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Comeon Down the Soul Train - As popular as the musical acts were, audiences were drawn to watching dancers on the show shuffle down the famous Soul Train “dance line,” showcasing their hottest moves. Over the years, the segment helped popularize dozens of dance crazes, including pop-locking, the Breakdown and the Robot. (Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

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Come on Down the Soul Train - As popular as the musical acts were, audiences were drawn to watching dancers on the show shuffle down the famous Soul Train “dance line,” showcasing their hottest moves. Over the years, the segment helped popularize dozens of dance crazes, including pop-locking, the Breakdown and the Robot. (Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Don Cornelius: (9/27/36 – 2/1/12) - A look back at the life and legacy of Soul Train creator and host Don Cornelius, who died on Feb. 1 from an apparent suicide. He was 75.The legendary host was born in Chicago on September 27, 1936. Cornelius got his start in broadcasting as a journalist on WVON, an African-American talk radio station in Chicago. —Britt Middleton (Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

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Soul on Wax - In 1975, Cornelius founded Soul Train Records with Dick Griffey, Leon Sylvers and Gary Silverman. The label is responsible for founding hit disco and dance group Shalamar. (Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Soul Train Awards - In 1987, after finding another void for Black entertainers, Cornelius took his initial concept to the next level and created the Soul Train Awards to honor the contributions of Black artists; the annual program continues to this day. (Photo: Vince Bucci/Getty Images) 

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Soul Train Awards - In 1987, after finding another void for Black entertainers, Cornelius took his initial concept to the next level and created the Soul Train Awards to honor the contributions of Black artists; the annual program continues to this day. (Photo: Vince Bucci/Getty Images) 

Bidding Farewell - The broadcaster would step down as host of Soul Train in 1993.  (Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

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Passing It On - After 22 years, the broadcaster stepped down as host of Soul Train in 1993. After years of rotating guest hosts, Mystro Clark began hosting the show in 1997, followed by Shemar Moore (1999–2003), and Dorian Gregory (2003–2006). (Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

The Soul Train Line Never Stops - Stevie Wonder stirs the Soul Train line with his trademark style and performance.  (Photo: Everett Collection)

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Soulful Spinoffs - Cornelius launched two successful brand spinoffs, the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards in 1995 and the Soul Train Christmas Starfest in 1998. Both would cease production in 2005. (Photo: Courtesy Everett Collection)

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Cementing His Status - Cornelius was inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame in 1995 and also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (Photo: AP Photo/John Hayes, File)

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Cementing His Status - Cornelius was inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame in 1995 and also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (Photo: AP Photo/John Hayes, File)

Photo By Photo: AP Photo/John Hayes

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Soul for Sale - In May 2008, he sold the rights to the Soul Train library to MadVision Entertainment, who then went on to sell the brand to a group of investors helmed by Magic Johnson in 2011. (Photo: Paul Natkin/WireImage)

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Bidding Farewell - Cornelius died in his Los Angeles home in February 2012. He was 75. Happy heavenly birthday, Mr. Cornelius! (Photo: AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

Photo By Photo: AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes/ AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes