The late Don Cornelius, with his distinctive baritone voice, was the creator and host of the long-running dance show, “Soul Train.” The Chicago native was born September 27, 1936. Donald Cortez Cornelius was born in the South Side and raised in the historic Bronzeville neighborhood. After serving in the Marines, Cornelius was honorably discharged after 18 months and began working a series of odd jobs before betting on himself and taking a broadcasting course. The risky move paid off and in 1966, Cornelius was hired by local station WVON. In 1967, he was hired by WCIU-TV where he hosted the “A Black’s View of the News” program. It became a massive hit and a staple of pop culture for exposing Black acts to a larger audience, its famous dancers, “Soul Train” dance line, and Cornelius’ famous “Love, peace and soulllllllllll,” catchphrase that ended every show. Cornelius used the popularity of the show to create the Soul Train Music Awards as well. (READ MORE)(SOURCE: BLACKAMERICAWEB.COM)
