Don Cornelius has been remembered with the words “Love. Peace. and Soul” since his untimely death Wednesday. R&B artists from Ginuwine to Patti Labelle and Mariah Carey to John Legend have paid tribute via Twitter and other social media platforms.
See some of their messages with fond memories of Cornelius and Soul Train below:
Cornelius died Wednesday. He was 75.
Patti Labelle: “Simply a genius, and the contributions he made to music and our culture are second to none. I will always treasure the fond memories I have of working with Don over the years and being part of the history that he created through Soul Train. He will truly be missed and my heart and prayers go out to his family.”
Aretha Franklin: “It’s just so sad, stunning and downright shocking … a huge and momentous loss to the African-American community and the world at large”
Jackson Brothers: Tito, Jackie and Marlon: “A transformative figure in music and television. Behind his baritone and graciousness lurked a revolutionary who completely changed the way black performers were included on broadcast TV. We owe a tremendous debt to Don, and our prayers are with his family. We will never forget him.”
Mariah Carey: R.I.P. Mr. Don Cornelius. His historic contribution to our lives will never be forgotten
Raheem DeVaughn: On the 1st day of Black History Month I wanna Say RIP to Soul brotha Don Cornelius thank you for all you contributed to BLACK MUSIC.
Ginuwine: “Don Cornelius — Someone who paved the way for black music I still remember my first time on soul train. What an experience.”
John Legend: “Soul Train’ was a big influence on me as I grew up watching his show every Saturday. I performed one of my first songs on his show. And I’ve always loved performing at the Soul Train Awards. It’s a very sad day for me. He will be missed.”
Marsha Ambrosius: I remember thinking I’d ‘made it’ after performing on Soul Train. Career moment I’ll never forget. Rest in Love Peace & Soul Don Cornelius.
Keri Hilson: Black music never looked so good. R.I.P. Don Cornelius.
Mya: Condolences to the family, friends+ associates of Don Cornelius. So grateful 4 his decades of innovative contribution to black music. R.I.P.
Keyshia Cole: Sorry to hear Don Cornelius has passed. My 1st And 2nd EVER TV performances were “Soul Train’ And “Soul Train Awards”! Thank U. God bless you.
Don Cornelius, the iconic creator and host of ‘Soul Train’ passed away in 2012. Since then, the world of R&B has paid tribute to him in many ways. From honoring his legacy at award shows to featuring covers of some of Soul Train’s most beloved songs, artists have found creative ways to honor Don’s life and career. In this article, we’ll explore how the R&B community pays tribute to Don Cornelius and celebrates his remarkable contributions to music and culture.
Many fans remember watching ‘Soul Train’ growing up- it was a staple for any house party or sleepover. The show featured renowned musical acts from all genres with unique choreography that made it one of a kind. More importantly though, it highlighted African American talent during a time when mainstream media largely ignored their presence on television – thus earning its place in history as an influential cultural force.
The influence that ‘Soul Train’ had on the black community cannot be overstated and continues to impact today’s generation of musicians and performers alike. This is why so many artists continue to pay homage to Don Cornelius by dedicating performances, albums, tributes and more in his name- they are celebrating not only him but also what he contributed to society—a platform where black artistry could shine without limitations.
Life And Career Of Don Cornelius
Don Cornelius was a broadcasting pioneer and an iconic figure in the music industry. He is best known for creating, producing, and hosting Soul Train, the longest-running syndicated show on television. With its signature dance moves and memorable theme song, it introduced African American soul and R&B music to the world.
Cornelius started his career as a radio DJ in Chicago before launching Soul Train in 1971. His affable charm quickly made him one of America’s most beloved TV hosts. The show featured performances from some of the biggest names in music—from Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder to Aretha Franklin and Chaka Khan—and helped bring black culture into mainstream media. It also provided generations with a space to express themselves through dance while celebrating Black excellence.
Sadly, Cornelius passed away at age 75 after suffering from health issues for many years. But the legacy he left behind will live forever in our hearts and minds; we are eternally grateful for all that he has done for us!
Impact And Legacy Of Don Cornelius
Don Cornelius’ impact on the world of music and entertainment cannot be overstated. His influence can still be felt today, decades after he first began hosting Soul Train. He was a true visionary who changed the face of television, introducing us to some of our favorite artists and paving the way for future generations of Black entertainers.
Cornelius’ legacy is one that will live forever in our hearts, as he left an indelible mark on millions around the world with his groundbreaking work. He provided a platform where African Americans could express themselves through dance and song without judgement or criticism—something that had never been done before. This show gave viewers from all backgrounds access to incredible performers in a positive space, helping to spread awareness about black culture throughout mainstream media.
It’s clear that Don Cornelius has made an enormous contribution to both R&B music and pop culture at large, and his memory will continue to inspire us for years to come. We are thankful for all he has done and will remain grateful for this gift he gave us: the opportunity to experience joy through music and dance!
Conclusion
I. The passing of Don Cornelius has been a great loss to the world of R&B music. His influence in the industry was undeniable and his impact will be felt for years to come. He truly changed the landscape with Soul Train, creating a platform that showcased some of the biggest stars in the genre while also introducing new artists to audiences all over the world.
II. Don Cornelius’s legacy is one of innovation and passion. He was always willing to take risks and push boundaries, which made him respected by many in the industry who saw him as a leader and pioneer. His contributions have left an indelible mark on R&B culture, and it’s clear he will never be forgotten.
III. We can continue to honor Don Cornelius’ memory by celebrating his accomplishments and ensuring that future generations are aware of his immense contributions to music history. By reflecting upon his life and work, we can ensure that his spirit remains alive in our hearts forever.
