How did Soul Train influence fashion?
Don Cornelius, with ‘Soul Train,’ helped make a style of music into a huge cultural force. After all the jokes about how his clothes came in colors not found in nature, or how his lapels and polyester bell bottoms were wider than the Hudson River, Don Cornelius was still the coolest host ever on television.
Who was the Soul Train guy?
Donald Cortez Cornelius
Donald Cortez Cornelius (September 27, 1936 – February 1, 2012) was an American television show host and producer widely known as the creator of the nationally syndicated dance and music show Soul Train, which he hosted from 1971 until 1993. Cornelius sold the show to MadVision Entertainment in 2008.
Did Don Cornelius wear wigs?
Wearing the famous Don Cornelius Afro in “American Soul” is Sinqua Walls (“Power”), who needed a little hair help to re-create that look. “The only part of my own hair was the part that we glued the wig to,” Walls tells The Post. “Our wig department created all the Afros.
Who was the last host of Soul Train?
The following fall, Soul Train began using celebrity hosts until comedian Mystro Clark took over as the host in 1997. Shemar Moore took over as the host in 2000. In 2003, Dorian Gregory took over as the host, and stayed until the end of the show’s run in 2006.
Why is it called Soul Train?
Management was willing to listen but offered no financial backing, so Cornelius produced a pilot episode with his own money. He came up with the name Soul Train, based on his experiences working with black artists who performed in four different Chicago locales a day, always on the move.
Why was Soul Train so important?
By presenting an image of Black culture as upbeat, exciting, and vibrant, Soul Train attracted many viewers of other ethnicities and contributed to the growing prestige of African Americans and Black culture in mainstream America.
Who were the original Soul Train dancers?
Consisting of two brothers’ from Cincinnati, Ohio; Gerald Brown & Terry Brown; Judy Jones, Patricia Williamson (replaced by Denise Smith in 1976) and Hollis Pippin, the Soul Train Gang recorded its debut album, Don Cornelius Presents the Soul Train Gang, in 1975.
Did any Soul Train dancers become famous?
But Nick Cannon started his rise to fame by rocking the dance floor on Soul Train. He even graced the stage as a music artist to perform his hit single, “Gigolo,” in 2003. (Photo: Joe Scarnici/WireImage)
What kind of person is Cornelius?
“Don was always a smart man, but in recent years he’d made a lot of poor choices in business and in his relationships with women,” said one friend of 30 years. “He was swayed by a few people to invest in projects that didn’t pan out and the last marriage in many ways destroyed his mind, heart and his soul.
What happened to Don Cornelius Soul Train?
The death of Don Cornelius, the founder of the “Soul Train” television show, has been ruled a suicide, officials said Tuesday. Cornelius, 75, died last week of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to a statement from the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.
What is Don Cornelius best known for?
Don Cornelius. Jump to navigation Jump to search. Donald Cortez Cornelius (September 27, 1936 – February 1, 2012) was an American television show host and producer who was best known as the creator of the nationally syndicated dance and music show Soul Train, which he hosted from 1971 until 1993.
What happened to Don Cornelius of Soul Train?
According to his son, Cornelius was in “extreme pain” by the end and said shortly before his death, “I don’t know how much longer I can take this.” ^ a b c McKinley Jr., James C. (February 1, 2012), “Don Cornelius, ‘Soul Train’ Creator, Is Dead”, The New York Times.
What was Don Cornelius’catchphrase?
Besides his smooth and deep voice and his afro (which slowly shrunk over the years as hairstyle tastes changed), Cornelius was best known for the catchphrase that he used to close the show: “and you can bet your last money, it’s all gonna be a stone gas, honey! I’m Don Cornelius, and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul!”