This morning, Don Cornelius, creator and host of the beloved dance show Soul Train, was found dead in his Los Angeles home. Politically and musically conservative, Cornelius nevertheless extended the olive branch to hip hop acts like Kurtis Blow and Public Enemy on Soul Train, offering them mainstream exposure at a time when it was scarce. He had an endearing rapport with a young Michael Jackson, checking in on the status of his pet birds, asking him about his favorite books, warmly encouraging the young man to pursue his acting career. In honor of Cornelius and Soul Train, here are some classic performances, interviews and dances from the show, including footage of the only time Cornelius himself ever danced down the legendary line.
