Legendary TV personality Don Cornelius was born in Chicago on Sept. 27, 1936. Before becoming the iconic host of “Soul Train,” Cornelius began his career as a substitute DJ and on-air personality at a radio station.
He later transitioned to television, working as a sports anchor and host of “A Black’s View of the News” on WCIU, where he pitched the concept of a music show dedicated to African-American artists.
Using $400 of his own money, Cornelius created the pilot for “Soul Train,” inspired by Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand.” The show premiered on Aug. 17, 1970, and became nationally syndicated the following year.
Cornelius passed away in 2012 at the age of 75.
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