Don Cornelius’ Suicide Reveals Troubled Life of ‘Soul Train’ Founder
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Credit: John Hayes/AP Photo.
Don Cornelius’ death from a self-inflicted gunshot wound has drawn new attention to the dark side of the “Soul Train” founder.
Cornelius, 75, was plagued by health problems in the last three decades of his life. He underwent a 21-hour operation in 1982 to correct a congenital malformation in blood vessels in his brain. ”You choose your brain surgeons for their stamina,” he said afterwards, according to The Washington Post. “You’re never quite the same afterward. Travel is always a real test.”
His personal life also suffered. In 2008, he was arrested for felony domestic violence against his estranged wife, Victoria Avila-Cornelius. In 2009, he plead no contest to one count of “corporal injury resulting in traumatic condition of a spouse,” was put on probation for 36 months, and ordered to pay over $1,000 in fines. She also filed multiple restraining orders against him.
But Cornelius’ lasting legacy is his impact on diversifying pop culture and giving rise to a hugely influential group of black performers. Cornelius created “Soul Train” and hosted the show in national syndication from 1971 to 1993. It was the first real venue on American TV for soul music, and as the show’s writer, producer, and emcee, Cornelius played a vital role in bringing stars like James Brown, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson to a wider audience.
He was known for the catchphrase with which he closed each episode: “I’m Don Cornelius, and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul!”
“Soul Train” also spun off the Soul Train Music Awards and the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards. “Soul Train” went off the air in 2006.
Cornelius’ colleagues have been quick to commemorate him. Aretha Franklin, who shot to fame in part because of “Soul Train,” released a statement calling Cornelius’ death “sad, stunning, and downright shocking … a huge and momentous loss to the African-American community and the world at large.”
In a phone interview with ABC News, Franklin said Cornelius was much more than a successful entrepreneur, he was a role model for the young African-American community.
“What I remember about Don and what stood out most to me was that he was a gentleman first, last and always,” she said. “He had a great sense of humor, beautiful sense of humor.”
Franklin said ”Soul Train” was important, not just to her, but other emerging African-American artists at the time because it was a spring board for their careers.
“An appearance on ‘Soul Train’ meant, what it could mean, a person being virtually an unknown person to an American sensation overnight, very similar to ‘American Idol,’” Franklin said. “It was like if you had a record that sold maybe 10,000 copies, to be on ‘Soul Train’ meant it might sell 100 to 200- to 300- or even 500,000 or more.”
Smokey Robinson put out a statement saying Cornelius “brought exposure to black talent and a positive image to young black teenagers that had never been done before.” Quincy Jones called his “friend, colleague, and business partner” a “visionary pioneer and a giant in our business.”
“Before MTV there was Soul Train, that will be the great legacy of Don Cornelius,” Jones said. “His contributions to television, music and our culture as a whole will never be matched. My heart goes out to Don’s family and loved ones.”
ABC News’ Wonbo Woo contributed to this report
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What a damn shame.Did’nt his friends know something was wrong??????? GEESHHHHHHH
Posted by: Shyel | February 1, 2012, 1:51 pm 1:51 pm
I’m so sorry to learn that this man was so tormented. He must have suffered from depression and to him, death was the only solution, only way out. I remembered seeing Soul Train when I was a kid. I always thought the performers had such talent. His show reminded me of my childhood.
Posted by: Bill | February 1, 2012, 1:56 pm 1:56 pm
Don,
I want to thank you for your inspiration and how you impacted the Black community, giving us a venue in which to express the talent that you saw in our people. You have made many a superstar before many of them even knew they were stars from the dancers, the performers, musicians and we will never forget the scramble board and the infamous “Soul Train Line”. We LOVE and THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS.
Posted by: Melvin | February 1, 2012, 2:04 pm 2:04 pm
Suicide is an option after life becomes meaningless. It is relief from a tortured soul. RIP my friend.
Posted by: David | February 1, 2012, 2:05 pm 2:05 pm
I am thinking he had some sort of terminal illness and wanted to go out on his own terms. In 2009 when he was in court for his divorce he told the judge that he had significant health issues and he wanted his divorce finalized before he died. That statement speaks volumes.
Posted by: Dawn | February 1, 2012, 2:53 pm 2:53 pm
This is a devastating blow! Mr.cornelius, were a Innovator of Soul. He gave a platform to many Artist`s that were unsung! ARETHA, GLADYS, MARVIN, SMOKEY.etc. Young men and women of color, may have never Heard of these artist, now listen to their music! I grew up watching Soul Train. LOVE, PEACE, AND SOUL ON YOUR JOURNEY TO THE HEAVENLY HOST!
Posted by: jessica | February 1, 2012, 2:54 pm 2:54 pm
The guy had a better life than most people even though he was ill and having family problems. Its hard for me to feel sorry for a suicide victim when in effect they murdered themselves and caused pain and grief to their whole family by doing so.
Posted by: Paulie | February 1, 2012, 3:58 pm 3:58 pm
How can one not find sympathy for someone who murders themselves? How desperate and hopeless he must have felt to take his own life! I feel badly that he thought his life so worthless as to take it, maybe even feeling that he was doing some family members a favor. RIP Mr. Cornelius.
Posted by: MsT-Mac | February 1, 2012, 4:49 pm 4:49 pm
Paulie it’s the exact opposite for me. I feel sorry for anyone who was that depressed and out of sorts and felt there was no other recourse or no other way to relieve the pain but by killing themselves…. That scares me…. In this economy, many have succumbed to depression…but to think you have no where to go but death… I feel sorry for them. I feel sorry for the family because of the guilt they go through….why didn’t he call me? Why didn’t I see this? I know families that have gone through the pain…and the questions are nevered answered. Be careful how you judge….you have NO clue what that person went through to make that decision.
Posted by: Deborah | February 1, 2012, 4:54 pm 4:54 pm
If you haven’t lived to see 55 or 60, and even 70, you have no idea what may or may not confront you in this life. Health may be one of the # one reasons that people seek the option of leaving hear on your own. Sometimes life can deal such pain that suicide seems like a viable optiona. Don’t judge til you’ve been there.
Posted by: willie | February 1, 2012, 5:37 pm 5:37 pm
How totally sad. Loved the show and him on it. People like Don Cornelius can not be replaced. Very depressing. RIP
Posted by: Fred | February 1, 2012, 5:55 pm 5:55 pm
I’m glad he created Soul Train.I personally can’t dance,but it was cool to see what other folks danced.If he didn’t start Soul Train,the world would be much different, less soul in it, I’d think.Too bad he died,but maybe it was one of those nasty diseases like colon cancer or prostate cancer and he just didn’t want to stick around for the final act, so he ended his own misery.
Posted by: Norm | February 1, 2012, 6:07 pm 6:07 pm
I must admit, this aging old white man loved Soul Train….:>)
Posted by: newcountryman | February 1, 2012, 6:09 pm 6:09 pm
RIP Don, You will be missed and thank you for all the years that Soul Train was on the air. My condolences to the family that is mourning his loss.
Posted by: Lonewolf1044 | February 1, 2012, 6:09 pm 6:09 pm
Thank you Mr. Don C. For everything you did for us, you will be missed deeply. #LovePeaceAndSoul to you my brotha!
Posted by: Chanel | February 1, 2012, 6:47 pm 6:47 pm
Although I find it sad that a person should take his own life, I find it really sad that anyone should think that this man was a role model. If reports about his life were true, I guess it is okay to hit your wife.
Posted by: Lisa | February 1, 2012, 7:30 pm 7:30 pm
Mr… Thank you for all these wonderful saturday mornings Soul train. Yoiu will be missed.
Posted by: marjorie | February 1, 2012, 9:27 pm 9:27 pm
Fond memories of my late sisters and i watching ST in the early 70s!! So Sad.
Posted by: cory | February 1, 2012, 10:03 pm 10:03 pm
Don Cornelius was a mainstay in my recovery from wounds in Viet Nam. I am white, I am so sorry for his trouble. I hope those close to him are soothed by his contribution entertainment. I appreciate his talent.
Posted by: Richard Braswell | February 1, 2012, 10:36 pm 10:36 pm
Growing up in the Suburbs outside of Chicago with dreams of being on the Radio or TV, Loving Music-especially “Soul”, Don Cornelius was one of my Idols and still is! No one could not pry me away from the TV when Soul Train was on!!! His contribution to the Music World by sharing the talents of all the greats will never be forgotten. He was ultra cool – that golden voice – he will long be remembered. I’m so sorry he was obviously suffering and pray that he has now found ultimate peace. “It’s been a Stone-Gas” I wish you Love, Peace and Soul!!!!
Posted by: Eaglewoman | February 1, 2012, 11:43 pm 11:43 pm
“I’m Don Cornelius, inviting you to join Soul Train.” Memories of my youth, this was one smooth cat. RIP
Posted by: mississippibred | February 2, 2012, 12:03 am 12:03 am
He talked black but saw white. Maybe he couldn’t get anymore 30yr old. How sad.
Posted by: Jess | February 2, 2012, 2:23 am 2:23 am
May God rest your soul Don! Ill NEVER forget, getting up on saturdays and getting my chores done EARLY so that I could watch Soul Train wherein me and my siblings would have our OWN soul train line and we would also enjoy unscrambling the special names on the board …….Im still in tremendous shock, as this man was such an integral part of the early black television music scene of whom which young black artists could be seen as well as heard …..RIP, I wish you love, peace and SOUL!!
Posted by: crazydi | February 2, 2012, 8:16 am 8:16 am
RIP, Don.
“Soul Train” started in 1971. Article carelessly says, “Aretha Franklin, who shot to fame in part because of ‘Soul Train.’ ” Aretha had “shot to fame” and been reigning as the Queen of Soul for *several* years before 1971. So, “Soul Train” could mostly only help her like this, as she’s quoted: ‘ “It was like if you had a record that sold maybe 10,000 copies, to be on ‘Soul Train’ meant it might sell 100 to 200- to 300- or even 500,000 or more.” ‘
Now, that’s Aretha. For performers coming up in the ’70s and later, though, *yes*, “Soul Train” could have made a crucial difference.
Posted by: Peter | February 2, 2012, 9:03 am 9:03 am
Thank you Mr. Don for the best show there was and is my God bless your family.
Posted by: Addie Hudson | February 2, 2012, 9:06 am 9:06 am
Peter…I guess you thought this to really be that important when a icon like Don was so troubled he took his own life. Wow…what will they say about you when your gone! RIP…Don may god have mercy on your soul.
Posted by: Michelle | February 2, 2012, 11:09 am 11:09 am
First and foremost, RIP Mr. Don Cornelius. Soul Train brought many families together forSaturday afternoon entertainment. Not to mention the artists whose careers were furthered by appearing on the show. Second, suicide is controversial; but why is it okay put animals out of their misery, but wrong to end the suffering of a human being?
Posted by: RowDog | February 2, 2012, 11:47 am 11:47 am
What? No quote from Bill O’Reilly, who thought Soul Train was still on the air? (lol) Also in response to the blog stating Don Cornelius is a poor example of a role model, that view may be understandable to a degree, but he was a role model to those young people who knew nothing about his troubled personal life, and I think that includes about 98 percent of us. In the entertainment industry, he did a superb job. Soul Train was the music-video track of the ’70s.
Posted by: JustMeIntheRock | February 2, 2012, 1:21 pm 1:21 pm
I’m very shocked and sorry about the death of Don Cornelius, he was a great guy and as a kid I love watching soul train also. Lord Bless his family.
Posted by: Teresa G, | February 2, 2012, 2:54 pm 2:54 pm
lwt make sure it was suicide and not murder. lots of money involved and hitting a white women. This is still America.
Posted by: straighttalk | February 2, 2012, 3:06 pm 3:06 pm
My heart goes out to this man. He’s the best that’s ever done it. The only thing is I just watched this show just last weekend for the first time in about 15 years. (One of them 1990 shows.) A week later, the man ends up dead. Ain’t that a real mutha for ya?
Investigate this matter, thouroughly. It looks like animosity is good for creating fake suicides.
Posted by: Wayne RM | February 2, 2012, 5:44 pm 5:44 pm
So many people with health problems take medications that could possibly alter their moods negatively. I know of someone who because violent after he started dialysis and someone else said they knew someone who also became violent after starting dialysis. Maybe the drugs Cornelius was taking made him think suicide was the only way out. It’s a shame no matter what the reason.
Posted by: Last | February 2, 2012, 7:14 pm 7:14 pm
i hate that this happened!!!! i wish he could have found some help. too bad he wont get a chance to walk into the kingdom of God and dwell with the Father. the truth is the truth and u cant do nothing about it. God is the giver of life and no one has the right to take a life including ur own. my heart goes out to the family !! may God bless and keep u.
Posted by: stand truth | February 2, 2012, 9:31 pm 9:31 pm
I MET DON AT A VERY YOUNG AGE,MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY.I KNOW HE IS AT PEACE NOW HE IS IN HEAVEN WITH GOD”TO YOU DON LIVE IN PEACE LOVE LENA.
Posted by: LENA ALLS HENDRIX | February 4, 2012, 1:51 am 1:51 am
I have read that the suicide rate is very high among the elderly. It saddens my heart that Mr. Cornelius is now among that statistic. I know that medication can make you very suicidal. Also poor health can lead to deep depression, depending on what the condition is. What I’d like to know is where is his family? He had kids, did they notice ANYTHING?? Did he have siblings or close friends?
When he said he wanted to be divorced before he died, that should have been a red flag to keep an eye on him. Let this be a lesson to us all. Don’t leave the elderly people in your family and community all alone, being sick and old is already painful enough.
Posted by: Amanda Cannon | February 4, 2012, 8:48 am 8:48 am
ya a real role model beating his wife, shooting guns and killing him self sounds more like the bad black role models we have these days……….guess blacks really dont ever grow up.
Posted by: bbb | February 4, 2012, 8:57 am 8:57 am
He that is without sin Let him/her cast the first stone.
Posted by: Terry | February 6, 2012, 8:20 pm 8:20 pm
It’s always sad, people often don’t know how much people love them, appeciate them, and care about them until they are gone. Maybe we should work on this…..me included.
Posted by: insight | February 12, 2012, 2:40 pm 2:40 pm