Editor’s Note: SoulTrain.com contributor Joe Walker developed a three-part tribute to Don Cornelius several weeks prior to his passing, to run throughout the month of February as a special column in honor of Black History Month. Earlier this week we shared the first part of this all-star tribute with our SoulTrain.com audience. It is our pleasure to bring you part two.
Here in this All-Star tribute finale, multiple generations of entertainment – from the icons we honor and respect, to the beloved established artists of today, to the artists and personalities of the future –all come together for this epic SoulTrain.com exclusive to give Don Cornelius his flowers.
“Don’s impact on entertainment through Soul Train was immeasurable. What Soul Train did was let the party in and made dancing cool again. I think what that show has done still exists today; you’ll see it in movies like Footloose, the Soul Train line is used in weddings all across this country, even the modern day dance circles and dance battles are only an extension of what Soul Train brought. As the face of the show Don certainly left a legacy in pioneering a style for generations to come.” – Mary Murphy (of So You Think You Can Dance)
“What Don did was revolutionary. Prior to Soul Train there was no platform for Black artists to showcase their talents. It was the most significant vehicle for us and, as it turned out later, even for some white artists to be seen on. It changed the game.” – Tomi Jenkins (of Cameo)
“By creating Soul Train, Don Cornelius broadcast Black culture across the airwaves. It showed me that I can take my talents to the mainstream, that I could create a lane for myself, whereas originally I had thought it’d be almost impossible since I was Black. Also, who doesn’t like to get funky down a runway? Don and Soul Train are both dopesauce and will be immortalized through his accomplishments. “– David E. Beats (of The White House Band)
“I must truly say that Mr. Don Cornelius is a genius in his contribution to entertainment. Not only did he give many young Black men like myself a strong identity of who we are, but by creating Soul Train he gave great music an outlet, a vision, and a voice; and thus created stars, and along with that he showed the world how talented we are. We are blessed to have the creator of the longest running dance show ever. And I don’t care what people say, that richness and level of class we achieved should not be deteriorated, it should be celebrated for years to come. Thank you Mr. Don Cornelius for sticking true to your dream which allowed me to dream and make mine come true. Love, peace, and soul forever.” – Doc Ice (of U.T.F.O)
“Don Cornelius’ contributions and commitment to our music and culture spans decades; his vision gave us a platform no other media visionary even thought about doing for us as Black people, making us relevant on household TV sets all across America. [Soul Train] catered to our music and our people every week, giving the country a glimpse of our culture, what’s new, hot and fresh not only in music but dance and fashion as well. I’m not only blessed but grateful to be part of that history, sharing that Soul Train stage with so many greats before us. [I am] gratified and honored to be recognized and awarded several times on the Soul Train Music Awards which was even more special to me coming from our people. This man was a great man that helped mold and shape so many careers, we owe him and his legacy to at least continue helping others as he did for so many of us.” – Marc Gordon (of LeVert and LeVert II)
“As a kid growing up, Soul Train was the dream channel for me. You didn’t see many African American shows during that time and Don Cornelius was a strong positive role model in my life. He always had top performers on the show, which influenced me to practice and work hard in hopes of appearing on the show and meet him. My dream was realized in 1992 when I met Don Cornelius and performed on Soul Train. I remember being extremely nervous during the run-through and he shared some very encouraging words that gave me the confidence to take my performance to another level. He will always have a special place in my heart for sowing that seed.” –
Chris Walker
“While we were all so hungry for it, Don Cornelius – in a suit – mixed up some Soul, Funk, R&B and a pinch of Hip Hop, cooked it all up and served it to us. While it was still hot we ate it all up and still wanted more. Before music videos Soul Train gave us all across America a chance to see and meet the artists who sang our favorite songs. Or if you were deprived, you at least got a chance to see how we throw down. It didn’t matter how old you were, every Saturday we’d all be in front of the TV set jackin’ some dance moves. Soul Train played a big part of the soundtrack to many of our lives and Don Cornelius is the man responsible for orchestrating it all. So if you ask me, I’d have to say ‘Don in my book is considered urban music’s savior.’ Thanks Don for your contribution. May you rest in everlasting peace.” – DJ King Shameek
“Don Cornelius creating Soul Train was the only way for the majority of Black artists to get on TV, to be exposed to a larger audience. He was responsible for giving Black culture a weekly positive forum. That alone furthered Black music and Black culture more than any one thing I can think of at the time it began.” – Case
“The loss of Don Cornelius is heartbreaking. Where would Black music be without Soul Train? What a legacy to leave behind…and he was always the sharpest cat in the room.” – Kem
“I feel his contribution has pioneered the evolution of Black television. During the time of Soul Train’s run segregation was prevalent but Soul Train was used as a vehicle to unite people of all races.” – Tye Tribbett
“Don Cornelius was more than an emcee, he was a Master of Ceremonies. He always knew what to say and how to make an artist look better. Mr. Cornelius is directly responsible through Soul Train for giving most of us the sound track to our lives. His contributions to music, dance and fashion will not soon be forgotten. At a time when there were few to no people of color on television Don Cornelius found a way to showcase the best of us every Saturday morning. He gave us the ‘Stone Gas’ and the ‘Biggin’ you’ll surely be Diggin’. Don Cornelius lead a movement that we still feel the effects of today. To keep it short, Don Cornelius was a bad Mutha… Shut yo mouth! I’m just talkin’ about Don.” – Rodney Perry
“Don Cornelius’ weekly show was the springboard for wannabe dance troupes, future fly girls, and potential tap dance kids. Showcasing funky fashion and uncanny choreography was what made Soul Train the weekly focal point for generations. The infamous Soul Train line was adopted from the show and introduced to house parties and encouraged everyone involved to exhibit their own kinetic rhythm. The ability to create a cultural phenomenon that became embedded into a heritage is something the Cornelius bloodline should be proud of – forever.” – DJ Dub
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“‘TGIF – Thank God It’s Friday; one more day until we get a new episode of Soul Train!’ Those were my exact words as a youngin looking forward to Saturday mornings and that new episode of Soul Train! From the featured artist performances, to the artists’ interviews, to the variety of dancers and the Soul Train line, it was a show of excitement and pure entertainment. I remember trying to imitate Don Cornelius’ voice. He had that deep Barry White-like tone with the OG swagg that drove the ladies crazy, and I wanted to be like him on Saturdays! [Laughs] But on a serious note, Don Cornelius created an outlet and a platform for musical artists to be seen and heard, and was one of the first to do so for our culture. I’m appreciative of that. It was kind of like my introduction to music and artistry! I never knew that one day I would become a successful record producer and touring musician, and here I am today. I owe a BIG thank you to the one and only Don Cornelius who was very influential in my learning and appreciation for music in the early part of my life! R.I.P Don Cornelius. You will never be forgotten!” – Antwan “Amadeus” Thompson
“I think Don Cornelius was a pioneer and he represented, from a creative standpoint, if you’ve got a dream and you put it together, it can touch the whole world. I remember my mom, who is from Japan, grew up on Soul Train. She copied all the dance moves and was basically obsessed with it. And because of the inspiration Soul Train had on my mother, it inspired her learn more about funk and American music, then she came to the United States and met my father. That’s just one example of how Don Cornelius’ amazing vision and dream touched the whole world. He was able to bring such amazing African American talent to the show and expose them in a creative way. It really did transform the whole world and their exposure to great music. He transcended, he created a powerful tool not just for African Americans, but for everyone.” – Judith Hill
“I am greatly saddened to hear about the loss of Don Cornelius. He and the show Soul Train are a huge part of African American history. He made it possible for all races and ages to view and enjoy our music on a weekly basis. The show was a great part of my childhood and many others. We will miss him.” – J.J. Hairston
“Wow… Soul Train for its time was a great platform for many, not just African Americans but for many different cultures to see rising talent. I remember getting my first glimpse into soul music because of him and the show. Not only did he bring in the hottest upcoming talent but I believe it put on display some very talented dancers, which to me was its signature. I learned a lot of cool moves watching that Soul Train line. Seeing all the costumes, fashion and rising talent as a kid is what really hooked me and gave me the inspiration into music. I wanted to live with love, peace, and SOOOOOULLL.” – Saint (of Lafa Music)
“This is a hard one, man… I can remember as a little boy watching Soul Train every Saturday morning. My family would wake up, rush to the restroom one at a time, get the Corn Flakes bowl and turn to Soul Train to see all the hot dances, fashion and recording artists. But one thing that gave the show its swag was the host – Don Cornelius. Soul Train was such a big part of my life I felt like he was an uncle that didn’t know me. I always wanted to be on Soul Train back then. If you got on Soul Train you made it. I still turn to Soul Train to see them old reruns; it takes me back to the days when everything was all good. Don did some things with Soul Train that some people don’t pay attention to. I was driving the morning I heard about what went down with Don; I was in such a daze I missed my turns and stops. That blew my day, and I still can’t believe that he is gone. One thing’s for sure, he made a difference on this planet and every time I see and hear an old school artists I can’t help but think of Uncle Don and Soul Train.” – Big Mel
“To me, it’s cats like Don Cornelius that are the unsung heroes to so many artists’ careers. Sure, it takes talent to become icons, but no one does it alone. Every step is connected. Even James Brown, Michael Jackson and Kurtis Blow could thank Don for exposing them to a wider audience thanks to the vision of Soul Train. For that we should all be thankful.” – Sam Rhamsum
“Don Cornelius is the gateway to R&B/soul and Hip-Hop. He was the first to put Black music where it belonged – in the forefront. Don Cornelius is the Martin Luther King of Black music, hands down. I want to thank him for giving me the chance to be heard. God Bless and rest well Mr. Don Cornelius.” – Blaq Rose (of LeVert II)
“Don Cornelius created a positive spotlight on Urban Music. Through Soul Train you saw people smiling, dancing and having fun all in the name of music. He helped catapult young artists careers with featured spots on television. I remember waking up every Saturday morning, eating cereal and watching Don Cornelius on Television. He was a trailblazer. He contributed so much to music and he will be missed dearly.” – Jirod Green (of Suite 709)
“As a child, dancing in front of the TV on Saturday mornings made us all proud. It was from Soul Train that we found our rhythm and saw our identity flashed on the screen. Thanks Mr. Don Cornelius for giving us decades of soul.” – Willie The Kid
“Don Cornelius’ contributions to entertainment sparked a feeling of rhythm and passion that was unspeakable at my young age. I just somehow was able to relate to the feeling of bliss, royalty and pizazz. Seeing him host a soulful party was a highlight of every Saturday with the hopes of growing older to ‘get loose’ like his guest and slide down the Soul Train line. His innovative idea will be missed and never duplicated.” – “The Angel of R&B” Tiffany Mynon
“Don Cornelius gave us a platform to stand on and perform and promote our music at a time when there was nowhere else to do so. I remember being younger and my mom and I recording all the Soul Train Music Awards and favorite performances. I used to think to myself, ‘I want to be on there someday.’ My siblings and I would try to guess the word game and see who got it first. Soul Train and Don Cornelius just gave you that feeling that no matter what else was going on in the world, no matter how many rights we still didn’t have, no matter how unfairly we were still being treated, we had this – Soul Train – it was ours for our people and all people of color. It was ours and it was great.” – Asia Bryant
“Don was a road-paver, he was someone we patterned our lives after. People that wanted to be in the entertainment industry he was looked at as their role model. He has paved the way for a lot of people. Him letting different people come on his show, I think that’s why we have shows like we have now. It’s because of what he did. Because of that it has come all the way down to where I’m at being able to be on a talent-type show. And that’s what he had; it was the start of a talent show with people coming on there just doing their thing. I owe him a lot for that because I’m here, and I’m thankful to him for that.” – Andrea Helms (Sunday Best Season 4 First Runner-up)
“Don Cornelius’ contributions to entertainment have impacted me greatly, along with many others -whether they may realize it or not. With his creation of Soul Train he opened up doors to broader audiences for African American musicians, giving them a much wider spread of exposure through television. Mr. Cornelius helped introduce the world to some of the most amazing, influential, talented, innovators of urban music – James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and Michael Jackson, just to name a few. So the way I see it, if it weren’t for Mr. Don Cornelius, how would I have seen or even known of the ones that influence my music so much? I’m forever grateful and appreciative for his contributions.” – T.Y. (UMC: Urban Music Challenge Season 3 Champion)
“The impact Don has had on my life was huge. Before BET, TV One, etc., he gave African Americans a place to see our people and hear our music when no one else was really giving us a home to showcase our talents regularly. Our people owe Don a lot for putting us out there in the public eye and getting us the exposure we desperately needed.” – Corey “Roc Bottom” Davis
“As an independent artist I feel Don Cornelius impacted me because he is a visionary, someone who created an amazing platform for our musical culture. Although I never met him, I feel inspired by him because some of the best archived performances of Black music and artists was showcased on the Soul Train platform! It’s all about love, peace, and soul; that message is one I personally live by.” –
Prince Jamir
“Don Cornelius has impacted me–and also all of the America–100%. Don Cornelius doing Soul Train opened up America’s eyes to urban soul music, dance, and fashion. Back in the day if you wanted to be cool, get the latest fashion tips, hair styles, and dance craze – you had to tune into Soul Train. Soul Train basically made America a little more funky, and even though Don didn’t particularly like Hip-Hop music as much as R&B and Soul music, he still had the balls and the vision to expose early Hip-Hop artists to America.” –
Kounterclockwise
“I will forever remember Don Cornelius as a pioneer and as someone who truly exemplified his brand. Soul Train always mirrored Don’s style and tastes. He was cool, classy, and refined. Even to this day, you’ve never seen the show, the awards ceremony, or anything else associated with the Soul Train brand veer too far to the left even when popular urban culture became more ‘gangsta’ or ‘hood’. I don’t believe it was stubbornness or an unwillingness to change with the times. It was his integrity and a desire to showcase us in the best possible light. This industry and our culture as a whole will truly miss him.” – Nick Love (of ATL Bite Life)
A special thanks to Bowlegged Lou, Madeline Smith, Makeda Smith, Jasmine Sanders, Olivia Dikambi, Barry Benson, Joe Gordon, Kelvin Leach, Amadeus, and EVERY SINGLE PERSON WHO APPEARED IN THIS ARTICLE.
–Mr. Joe Walker
Mr. Joe Walker, a senior contributor for SoulTrain.com, is an acclaimed entertainment and news journalist published thousands of times regionally, nationally, internationally, and online. He loves to create, loves that you read. Follow him on Twitter @mrjoewalker. Also visit ByMrJoeWalker.blogspot.com and TheUIMag.com.
