Don Cornelius, "Soul Train" creator, dies of suicide

Don Cornelius attends the 10th Annual Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards Nominations on Aug. 9, 2005, in Beverly Hills, Calif.

/ Getty

Updated 10:37 a.m. ET

(CBS/AP) LOS ANGELES - Don Cornelius, the creator of the long-running TV dance show "Soul Train," shot himself to death Wednesday morning at his home, police said. He was 75.

Officers responding to a report of a shooting found Cornelius at his Mulholland Drive home at around 4 a.m., police said. He was pronounced dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at 4:56 a.m. at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, said Los Angeles County Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter.

Pictures: Don Cornelius, 1936-2012

"I am shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden passing of my friend, colleague, and business partner Don Cornelius," said Quincy Jones. "Don was a visionary pioneer and a giant in our business. Before MTV there was 'Soul Train,' that will be the great legacy of Don Cornelius. His contributions to television, music and our culture as a whole will never be matched. My heart goes out to Don's family and loved ones."

"Soul Train" began in 1970 in Chicago on WCIU-TV as a local program and aired nationally from 1971 to 2006.

It introduced television audiences to such legendary artists as Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and Barry White and brought the best R&B, soul and later hip-hop acts to TV and had teenagers dance to them. It was one of the first shows to showcase African-Americans prominently, although the dance group was racially mixed. Cornelius was the show's executive producer and its host from 1971-1993.

"There was not programming that targeted any particular ethnicity," he said in 2006, then added: "I'm trying to use euphemisms here, trying to avoid saying there was no television for black folks, which they knew was for them."

Cornelius, who was inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame in 1995 and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, said in 2006 he remained grateful to the musicians who made "Soul Train" the destination for the best and latest in black music.

"I figured as long as the music stayed hot and important and good, that there would always be a reason for 'Soul Train,"' Cornelius said.

The series spawned a franchise that includes the Soul Train Music Awards, the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards and the Soul Train Christmas Starfest.

In his later years, Cornelius had a troubled marriage. In 2009, he was sentenced to three years probation after pleading no contest to misdemeanor spousal battery. In his divorce case that year, he also mentioned having significant health issues.

[Eternal_E]

I love watching Soul Train it comes on Centric all the time. Soul Train is party music everybody has done or seen a Soul Train line at wedding or something. I just heard a tribute song on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuxCizelvkQ check it out and party on the Soul Train.

[thx1138_fun]

If only Newt had won Florida, this could have been avoided.

[mstant]

Please explain to me what this has to do with politics. Other than the fact that you and Newt are just alike. Open your mouth and something stupid comes out.

[thx1138_fun]

boo hoo?

[chromenun]

Rest in peace, and I understand. I have no harsh words for you. Thanks for sharing great music with us.

[dkb218]

RIP Mr. Cornelius. You changed the shape and color of America when everyone said you couldn't. If you ever want to see what can be accomplished after everyone said It couldn't happen, just think Soul Train and Mr. Cornelius.

[goffredo29]

If I were smart, I would do the same thing.

[Jhihmoac]

Soul Train propelled many a music career in its 35 year run...RIP Don Cornelius

[Ben37221]

In peace may you rest. I watched Soul Train growing up as a kid in Nigeria. This man brought joy to millions around the globe. Thanks for your contributions.

[1pheasant1]

All aboard!

[rrnc5lmce]

So sorry to learn about Mr. Don Cornelius' passing.His show was one that I always watch when I first arrived here in the US...May God bless him and grant him eternal peace...so sad.....

[rwsmith29456]

Groundbreaking show. I'm sorry the last part of his life wasn't as successful as Soul Train.