Don Cornelius facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Don Cornelius
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Cornelius in 1995
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| Born |
Donald Cortez Cornelius
September 27, 1936 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
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| Died | February 1, 2012 (aged 75) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Occupation | Television host, producer |
| Years active | 1966–2012 |
| Television | Soul Train |
| Spouse(s) |
Delores Harrison
(m. 1956; div. 1976)Viktoria Chapman
(m. 2001; div. 2009) |
| Children | 2 |
Donald Cortez Cornelius (born September 27, 1936 – died February 1, 2012) was an American TV host and producer. He is best known for creating and hosting the famous dance and music show Soul Train. He hosted the show from 1971 until 1993. Soul Train became a very important show for music and culture.
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Don Cornelius's Early Life and Career
Cornelius was born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 27, 1936. He grew up in the Bronzeville neighborhood. After high school, he joined the United States Marine Corps. He served for 18 months during the Korean War.
After the military, he worked many different jobs. He sold tires, cars, and insurance. He also worked as a police officer for the Chicago Police Department. In 1966, he decided to change his career. He quit his job to take a three-month course in broadcasting. He had only $400 in his bank account at the time.
Starting in Radio and TV
In 1966, Cornelius got a job at a Chicago radio station called WVON. He worked as an announcer, news reporter, and disc jockey. In 1967, he joined Chicago TV station WCIU-TV. There, he hosted a news program called A Black's View of the News.
The Birth of Soul Train
In 1970, Don Cornelius launched Soul Train on WCIU-TV. It started as a local daily show in Chicago. The show quickly became popular. The next year, it moved to Los Angeles and became a national show. This meant people all over the country could watch it. Famous artists like Eddie Kendricks and Gladys Knight & the Pips were on the first national episode.
Cornelius was inspired by the Civil Rights Movement. He saw that there were not many TV shows for soul music in the late 1960s. Soul Train changed this. It gave many African-American musicians a chance to be seen by a larger audience. The show was very important for African-Americans. It also became popular with many other viewers.
As the writer, producer, and host, Cornelius helped many black musicians. Artists like James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and Michael Jackson appeared on the show. Soul Train also created chances for talented dancers. It set a new standard for popular TV dance programs. Cornelius said, "We had a show that kids gravitated to." Director Spike Lee called the program an "urban music time capsule."
Soul Train showed African Americans in a new and positive way. Before Soul Train, African Americans were rarely seen on TV. They mostly appeared as guests on shows made for white audiences. Soul Train celebrated African American culture. It brought African American musicians and dancers to television. The show's appeal grew steadily, and it gained a huge following.
Cornelius's Famous Phrases
Don Cornelius was known for his smooth, deep voice and his afro hairstyle. He was also famous for his closing phrase. He would say, "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!" After he left the show, this phrase was shortened. It became "and as always, we wish you love, peace and soul!" This shorter version was used until 2006. He also often used an introductory phrase: "We got another sound comin' out of Philly that's a sure 'nough dilly."
Film Appearances
Cornelius also had a few small roles in movies. He played a record producer named Moe Fuzz in the 1988 film Tapeheads. He also played a version of himself in the 1987 movie The Return of Bruno. This movie was a mockumentary about a fictional singer named Bruno Radolini. In this film, Cornelius hosted a show called Bless My Soul. This show featured Radolini performing with The Temptations.
His last TV appearance was on the show Unsung. This episode featured the group Full Force. It aired just two days before Cornelius passed away.
Later Life and Passing
Don Cornelius faced health challenges for many years. These issues affected him for the last 15 years of his life. He retired from hosting Soul Train in 1993 partly because of these health concerns. His health became much worse in the last six months of his life.
Don Cornelius passed away in Los Angeles on February 1, 2012. He was 75 years old.
See also
In Spanish: Don Cornelius para niños
