“Soul Train” Creator Don Cornelius Found Dead In L.A. [Video]

(Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images).

The man responsible for giving African-American musicians a mainstream avenue for their music was found dead in his Sherman Oaks, California home around 4 o’clock this morning (PT) according to police.  He was 75.

Authorities say the legendary “Soul Train” founder appeared to have died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Cornelius lead a relatively quiet life until 2008, when his 7-year marriage to Viktoria Cornelius turned sour and he was accused of and eventually charged with spousal battery.

During the bitter divorce battle which followed in 2009, Cornelius told the judge in the case that he was suffering from significant health issues and wanted his marriage ended before he died.

Cornelius began “Soul Train” in Chicago in 1970 and watched it go into syndication in 1971.  The show featured mostly African-American musicians and gave them a platform to share their music and stylings with the nation.

“Soul Train” ended in 2006 as the longest-running, first-run, nationally syndicated show in television history.

Aside from the iconic theme music to the show (who can forget “the soooooooooul train!) there was the Soul Train LINE DANCE! (seriously, this is how I learned to dance)