Don Cornelius, the founder and former host of Soul Train, was discovered dead in his Los Angeles home Wednesday morning as first reported by TMZ. According to Los Angeles police, Cornelius died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was 75.
Cornelius and Soul Train, which he hosted from 1971 to 1993, were highly influential in bringing African-American musicians to the forefront of the American music scene. Many of his admirers have taken to Twitter to express their condolences for the legendary Cornelius and have made “Soul Train” and “Don Cornelius” nationwide trending topics.
RIP Don Cornelius. Thank you for inspiring all of us. Especially @questlove #soultrain
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@StevenMandel
Steven Mandel
ahhhh don cornelius, i loved that guy, so much great music i saw through him R.I.P. bless his soul
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@flea333
Flea
RIP the GREAT Don Cornelius! #PeopleAllOverTheWorld #KingOfSoul #Smooth #SoulTrainLine
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@BravoAndy
Andy Cohen
May u rest in peace and thank u 4 ur platform. U will always be remembered R.I.P. Don Cornelius
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@QtipTheAbstract
QTip
When I did soul train ill never 4get Don Cornelius came 2 me after rehearsal n said “you are a star! A giant!” No don u R! RIP
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@QtipTheAbstract
QTip
Don Cornelius RIP – The 1st time I played Soul Train it changed my life! Thank you for creating a funkier more informed world
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@nilerodgers
Nile Rodgers
Don Cornelius was brilliant and the epitome of cool. He created an iconic show and hosted it in a suave way. Everything he wore was custom.
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@Toure
Touré
RIP the legend Don Cornelius. Soul Train was a huge part of my saturday mornings growing up. http://t.co/C4xrV4VG
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@TalibKweli
Talib Kweli Greene
An American treasure passed away today… Don Cornelius… Wishing him peace, love and Soullllllll! RIP #Blackhistory
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@GregAnthony50
Greg Anthony
Man, R.I.P. Don Cornelius …one of the great ones ..watch that 2 hr Soul train documentary when u get a chance..serious
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@DJGREENLANTERN
DJ GREEN LANTERN
So sad: Don Cornelius ,”Soul Train” creator was found dead in his Sherman Oaks, CA home this morning, appears he committed suicide.
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@alroker
Al Roker
Very sad to hear about the death of Don Cornelius, former host of Soul Train. Grew up watching that show: “peace, love and sooooul”. RIP
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@RobinRoberts
Robin Roberts
#RIPDonCornelius. Boarding the “Soul Train” each week as a kid changed my whole world view.
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@Wildaboutmusic
David Wild
I am shocked and grief stricken by the reported suicide of Don Cornelius of Soul Train. I have known him since I was 19 years old.
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@TheRevAl
Reverend Al Sharpton
Rest in “love peace and soul.”