[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]
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WOW! So sad.
Wow not the news I would like to hear on the start of such a great month. Praying for his family.
Wow?! I’m sorry to hear that you never know what’s going on in someone else’s life. Sending prayers out to his family and friends. Do not judge him because you did not walk in his shoes. Rest in Peace Mr. Cornelius.
I was so shocked to hear that a man,a legend,and an inspiration to so many around him, had taken his Life. May his “SOUL” rest in heaven,as we will always remember that not everyone is shielded from Harms-way. May god Bless the family as they lay him to rest.
OMGGGGGGGGGGGGooooooddddd. THIS IS SUCH A SHOCKER TO ME. I USED TO WATCH HIS SHOW EVERY SATURDAY. HE USED MUSIC TO EDUCATE. HIS COMMERCIALS TOLD STORYS TO US. EVEN ALL THOSE AFRO SHEEN COMMERCIALS. HE TAUGHT US FASHION DANCE SO MUCH. I CANT BELIEVE HE IS GONE, HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, R.I.P
Don!There was a reason for you to dance on your show for the first time, i loved to see you come down that line in something God created for you. I can remember watching you every saturday. My Blessings of strength go out to all of your family members, and may the Love, Peace,and comfort of their,Soul, be Granted, In Jesus Name, Amen.