[Updated] Don Cornelius Commits Suicide, Quincy Jones Speaks Out + Don Dances on ‘Soul Train’

TMZ has reported that at the age of 75, Don Cornelius (real name Donald Cortez “Don” Cornelius) has died. Reportedly, he was found dead in his California home Wednesday morning. It appears to be a suicide, as police reports share that his death was from a self-inflected gunshot wound. Cornelius, who was well-known for the nationally syndicated dance/music franchise Soul Train (from 1971-1993), told a judge during his divorce proceedings, that he was suffering from “significant health issues” and wanted to “finalize this divorce before I die.”

Updated: After the news hit, Quincy Jones, Cornelius’ good friend, released the following statement:

“I am shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden passing of my friend, colleague, and business partner Don Cornelius. 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.”

Please keep Cornelius’ family in your prayers.

P.S. Here’s vintage footage of Don Cornelius performing, down the Soul Train line, at the 2:51 mark.

[youtube width=”590″ height=”415″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ5iuWotw3M[/youtube]