VH1 will pay tribute to late Soul Train creator and founder Don Cornelius, who died Wednesday at the age of 75.
According to the network, Soul Train: The Hippest Trip in America, will air Friday, February 3 at 10pm.
An Emmy Award-nominated documentary, ‘The Hippest Trip In America’ celebrates the impact of Soul Train on pop culture, the music industry, fashion and dance.
At 90 minutes in length, the documentary is narrated by Terrence Howard and features an in depth interview with Cornelius.
Cornelius launched Soul Train in 1970 before taking it national in 1971. The iconic program remained on air for 35 years.
Soul Train: The Hippest Trip in America airs Friday, February 3 at 10pm (VH1).
Are you ready to take a trip down memory lane? VH1 is about to air an all-new documentary honoring the legacy of Don Cornelius and Soul Train, one of the longest running music television shows in history. For over 35 years, viewers tuned in every week to watch some of the biggest names in R&B and soul perform on Soul Train’s legendary stage. Now, this groundbreaking new documentary will bring us closer than ever before to understanding how Soul Train changed pop culture forever. So get ready for a journey back through time as we explore the unique story behind this influential show!
This two-hour special offers exclusive interviews with those who knew Don Cornelius best, including family members and former colleagues. We’ll hear stories from artists like Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight and Quincy Jones who graced the iconic train platform throughout its run. Not only that, but we’ll also get an unprecedented look into Don Cornelius’ personal life – his difficult childhood growing up in Chicago; his rise as a media mogul; and his untimely death at 75 years old.
The long-awaited debut of this ambitious project has been eagerly anticipated by fans everywhere since it was first announced last year. Finally, after months of waiting, we have the chance to witness what promises to be an unforgettable look into Don Cornelius’ remarkable career and America’s favorite dance show: Soul Train!
Biography Of Don Cornelius
Don Cornelius was a television host and producer who created the long-running music series Soul Train, which aired on VH1 in the 1970s. He became known as “The Godfather of Soul” for his role in bringing African American soul music to wider audiences throughout the United States. Born Donnell Cornelius Jr., he grew up near Chicago, Illinois and attended college at nearby Lincoln University before beginning his career as an announcer for WVON radio station. His big break came when he was given the chance to create a new show called Soul Train that would feature both R&B and funk artists performing their songs live.
During its run from 1971 to 2006, Soul Train featured some of the most influential musicians of all time including Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, James Brown and Aretha Franklin. It also had many celebrity guests like Muhammad Ali, Whitney Houston and Eddie Murphy. Furthermore, it spawned several spinoffs such as Dance Fever (1979) and Solid Gold (1980). The show’s popularity eventually led to its syndication across North America by 1975.
Cornelius’ influence extended beyond just hosting; he also wrote theme songs for various shows and films including Roots: The Next Generations (1977), Sparkle (1976), Good Times (1974) and A Different World (1987). Additionally, he produced movies such as Tap (1989) starring Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis Jr., Car Wash (1976) starring Richard Pryor, Rose Royce & George Carlin and The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh (1979). In recognition of these accomplishments, Don Cornelius received an Emmy Award nomination in 2008 for Outstanding Host For A Music Or Variety Program or Series. Now VH1 is airing a documentary about him that will provide insight into his life story.
Overview Of The Documentary Series
The documentary series on Don Cornelius will be an in-depth look at the life and legacy of this iconic figure. Through interviews with former Soul Train dancers, musicians who performed on the show, family members, friends, and fans of Cornelius, viewers will gain a greater understanding of how he changed television culture. With rare footage from his personal archives as well as clips of him hosting Soul Train and other appearances throughout his career, it’ll be an emotional journey into what made Cornelius so special to millions around the world.
The series promises to explore not only the history behind Soul Train but also its lasting impact. It will examine how Cornelius used music as a way to spread messages about self-empowerment and Black pride while creating a space for African American artists that was free from racism and prejudice. Additionally, it will cover topics such as his struggles with depression and substance abuse which ultimately led to his death in 2012.
By recognizing one man’s immense contributions to entertainment culture, VH1 hopes audiences can continue celebrating Cornelius’ spirit through this tribute documentary series. The goal is to give viewers an opportunity to discover more about this trailblazer who helped pave the way for future generations of entertainers.
Conclusion
I. Summary:
Don Cornelius was a one-of-a-kind figure in the world of music and entertainment, and VH1 will be honoring his legacy with an upcoming documentary series about Soul Train. This series promises to provide viewers with an intimate look into Don’s life and accomplishments, as well as how he revolutionized the industry.
II. Impact of Don’s Legacy:
The impact that Don Cornelius had on not only the music industry but also popular culture is undeniable. His show was a platform for many aspiring artists who wouldn’t have otherwise been given a chance, while it also provided a safe space for African Americans to come together and celebrate their love of music. Through this documentary series, we can all witness just how much influence he had over generations of fans.
III. Final Thoughts:
As someone who has grown up watching reruns of Soul Train and appreciating its cultural significance, I’m looking forward to seeing what VH1 brings us with their documentary series about Don Cornelius’ incredible journey. It’s amazing to think that even after so many years since his passing, the impact of his work continues to be felt around the world today – something which I’m sure this docuseries will do justice to!
