Don Cornelius: Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle and more pay tribute to the "Soul Train" creator

Topics: Celebrity

Don Cornelius at his office in Los Angeles.

(Credit: AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

(CBS/AP) Aretha Franklin, Rev. Jesse Jaskson and Patti LaBelle are among the stars paying tribute to "Soul Train" creator Don Cornelius, who died early Wednesday of an apparent suicide.

Franklin, an early "Soul Train" performer, called the show's producer Don Cornelius, who hosted the show from 1971-1993, "an American treasure."

Pictures: Don Cornelius, 1936-2012

"God bless him for the solid good and wholesome foundation he provided for young adults worldwide," the singer said Wednesday, "and the unity and brotherhood he singlehandedly brought about with his most memorable creation of 'Soul Train.'"

In a statement, LaBelle called Cornelius, "simply a genius, and the contributions he made to music and our culture are second to none. I will always treasure the fond memories I have of working with Don over the years and being part of the history that he created through Soul Train."

She added, "He will truly be missed and my heart and prayers go out to his family."

Jackson told KNX-Los Angles Corenlius "was a transformer."

"Soul Train' became the outlet for African-Americans," he said, adding that he talked to Cornelius a few days ago and there were no signs Cornelius was upset.

Los Angeles Police Department officers responding to a report of a shooting found Cornelius at his home around 4 a.m. He was pronounced dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound about an hour later at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, said Los Angeles County Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter.

"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."

"I have known him since I was 19-years-old and James Brown had me speak on Soul Train," the Rev. Al Sharpton said in a statement from New York. "He brought soul music and dance to the world in a way that it had never been shown and he was a cultural game changer on a global level."

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

Some celebrities also paid tribute to Cornelius on Twitter.

R.I.P. Mr. Don Cornelius. His historic contribution to our lives will never be forgotten.
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) February 1, 2012

When I did soul train ill never 4get Don Cornelius came 2 me after rehearsal n said "you are a star! A giant!" No don u R! RIP
— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) February 1, 2012

Love Peace and Soul- RIP Don Cornelius ....
-- iamdiddy (@iamdiddy) February 1, 2012

LOVE- PEACE and SOUL!!! Don Cornelius!!!!
-- LA Reid (@LA_Reid) February 1, 2012

18 Photos

Don Cornelius, 1936-2012

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by thx1138_fun February 1, 2012 9:24 PM EST: He really took that Gingrich loss hard.; Reply to this comment


by DesMoreno February 1, 2012 9:18 PM EST: Yeah Its hard to believe a man of is stature could even think of suicide. He accomplished so much in his life and was a leader in the black community. He broke through barriers that many could not.

I hope this was not a set up.; Reply to this comment