"Soul Train" Creator Don Cornelius Commits Suicide

The 75-year-old was found dead this morning

Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Not Available Lead

Don Cornelius, the creator of the iconic Soul Train, was found dead in his home this morning. TMZ reports that law enforcement is calling the death an apparent suicide from a gunshot wound to the head. Cornelius was 75 years old.

Cornelius created Soul Train in 1970 and continued to host the show until 1993. The program was a huge influence on not only music, but fashion, dance, and culture in general. Recently, Don had faced some hard times. He was arrested for domestic violence in 2008, went through an ugly divorce in 2009, and was dealing with severe health issues that led to brain surgery and a stroke.

Don's lawyer Shawn Holley told TMZ, "This is devastating news. Don was a kind, funny and brilliant man. Even though his many health battles had left him frail, he remained vibrant, courtly and always sharp as a tack." 

[via TMZ]

Watch a clip of Don dancing down the classic Soul Train line below:

Latest in Music