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Soul Train and Don Cornelius

     Black History Month kicked off in a very sad and somber way with the announcement of Don Cornelius passing.  You can't celebrate Black History Month without mentioning music and Don Cornelius played a major role in black history music.  The year was 1971 when Soul Train aired across the country.  I was ten going on eleven years of age at that great time in music history.  Don Cornelius, creator and host of soul train, was known for his hip dress style, his coolness along with a baritone voice.  One of his famous rap lines at the end of the show "we wish you love, peace and soul" will always be upon the lips of many.    
          Soul Train came on Saturday mornings around 11:00am.  My siblings and I would make sure our chores for the weekend were done, that's right CHORES, we had them back then.  After that it was all soul train, funky music and dancing.  The show aired once a week so we were always excited and we couldn't wait to see who would be appearing on the next show.  Acts like the Jackson Five, Stevie Wonder, Run DMC, just to name a few all graced the soul train stage.  Over the three decades some of the hottest groups and singers would appear on "The Hippiest Trip in America" and indeed it was.!    
          The dancers were free to express themselves in rare form and style.  Thanks to Don Cornelius so many people gained their stardom and fame from being on the show.  Don created the group Shalimar, some of the dancers from the show Jodi Watley, Howard Hewett and Jeffrey Daniel were the members.  And the rest is history.  Thank you Don Cornelius for all that you have given to our culture, and to all that you have shown us, and inspired us with through the years.  You wanted to show us in a positive light and you did achieve that.  We are forever grateful.   


Miss DJ L.A.
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