In the 1970s Soul Train was the only place on TV to see black artists perform and to see young black people dance. Every Saturday morning my son and I would watch the show together. He'd laugh as I tried to mimic the latest dance steps. For a black child being raised by a white mom in a white neighborhood Soul Train was a window into a wider world.
Thank you Don.
Aretha Franklin says that Don Cornelius integrated television and brought young people of all colors together. Yes he did.
I hope Don found the peace he sought. I will never forget his deep booming voice, his incredible presence, his calm and gentle manner. I will be forever grateful for all those years of Saturday mornings where the music was great, the dance was lively and the world was a better, more colorful place.
Peaceful Journey Don
I wish you Peace, Love, and Soul
23 comments:
I only knew him from that song, but I also wish him Godspeed on his journey into new lands. Thanks for the wonderful eulogy, Dianne.
I didn't know of this man but your tribute touched me. I hope he has found peace.
I don't know who Don is but I do love Soul Music so I imagine his demise is a great loss to that particular genre.
A great post and tribute to a great man, Dianne! And I do so relate to you and your son! He was a great man and I do hope he has found peace! Have a great weekend! Hugs to Hope!
Sylvia
Beautiful tribute, Dianne!
I LOVED Soul Train!
"Aretha Franklin says that Don Cornelius integrated television and brought young people of all colors together. Yes he did."
He SURE did!
Peaceful journey, Don.
X
That was very sad about Soul. I didn't know much about him but he sounds like a great guy. Good that you had that wonderful connection with him.
yeah, this was sad...I so remember Soul Train and Bandstand...that's when music was awesome!
Soul Train was a terrific show. I posted a vid yesterday on FB and today at my blog. Great music, fabulous artists. He put a fine show together. And that voice... ahhh, magnificent.
Nice tribute, Dianne.
What a lovely Heartfelt Tribute to a very special man, my dear....He changed the look and sound of television, and inspired so many young people...! RIP Don C.
I love how his show meant so much to you and your son. I think sometimes TV producers forget that there are other reasons to make TV programmes other than to make cash.
Ah yes, I remember watching "Soul Train" on Saturdays and wishing that this white girl had a lot more coordination and rhythm! The mind was willing but the feet were weak!
Rest in peace, Don C.
RIP, Don. Your show is legendary. We never really got to see it over here but clips would appear from time to time and the music was always on the button.
Soul train was a looong time ago.
Ah yes!!! Between Bandstand and Soul Train, Rock and Soul became mainstream!!!
Thanks!!!!
So sad. :( It was a great show. :)
Am still emotional about Don't passing. This excellent post explains why beautifully!
Thanks for expressing what I could not-
Warm Aloha from Hawaii
Comfort Spiral
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I'll admit...I watched Soul Train as a kid. It was one of those shows that I somehow naturally gravitated towards. I always though that Don's voice belonged in a Disney movie. It was just too smooth to believe.
RIP Mr. Cornelius
I too hope he found the peace he searched for .. I was too young for American Bandstand and too old for Soul Train ... damn
Soul Train was so much cooler than American Bandstand.
Lovely tribute Dianne. Didn't get to watch it often and I can't remember why, maybe it was on at a strange time - tv never got turned on before 5 pm unless it was for a football game and then only the finals leading up to the Grey Cup.
great tribute to a great man.May he rest in Peace.
Wow, no wonder black American artists loved Europe so much! I grew up from the late 60s seeing black people on TV. It was no big deal in Holland.
Love the tribute!
You write a tribute like no other, Dianne. I wish him a peaceful journey.
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