Reflections on the Life and Legacy of Don Cornelius, "Mr. Soul Train"

Reflections on the Life and Legacy of Don Cornelius,

“Mr. Soul Train”

In the several months since the regrettable suicide that took the life of Don Cornelius, “Mr. Soul Train,” I continue to pay homage to a brother who mainstreamed Rhythm & Blues and Soul music.  Using the medium of one of the longest syndicated shows on television, Cornelius revealed to the citizenry of United States of America an openly hidden treasure.  His “Black Nationalist” impulses catapulted previously marginalized and ghettoized genres of “Black music” and African American vocalists and musicians into generally accepted audiences and venues.  In time, the wizards of Madison Avenue would underlay this music in television commercials.  Relentlessly maintaining its projections of Black stereotypes, even Hollywood executives began to utilize R & B and Soul music in movie sound tracks inevitably boosting ticket and record sales.  Initially, this music was the songs and recordings that Black folk listened to as they persevered through the racial hardships of the century and a half following slavery.  Because of Don Cornelius’ visionary impulses, it became the music that America listens to whether in the marketplace, using personal electronics or on the airwaves.

As one of the millions of African Americans who grew up to the “classic sounds of Soul and R & B” in the seventies, I easily dip in a treasure trove of childhood memories of the “good ole days when music was really music.”  As I write, I see in my mind’s eye my siblings and myself gathering around our black and white television set on a Saturday morning as we anxiously awaited “Soul Train.”  Living in a small town in South Carolina, we watched eagerly to learn the new dances that emanated from the urban centers of the Northeast and Midwest.  By the time a dance reached us, it was old stock in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago or Los Angeles.  Yet, “Soul Train” was our main and most reliable source of transmission.  After all, relatives only visited annually during the summertime and the Internet was inconceivable at the time. 

Moreover, watching “Soul Train” yielded insights into emerging fashion trends in the Black community.  From dashikis to bell bottom slacks to double knit polyester leisure suits to Afros to gerry curls  to fades, “Soul Train” kept us informed as to the what was cool and in style.  Airing just before shopping trips, the show had the power to determine that afternoon’s purchases.  Further, the show brought a sense of racial, ethnic and cultural pride into the provincialism of an American Southern rural setting.  Undoubtedly, we discussed it on the bus rides to school on the following Monday morning.  It gave us a reason to “Say it loud.  I’m Black and I’m proud.”  Indeed, we were Black and proud notwithstanding the derogatory images and caricatures perpetrated by the dominant culture.  As television legitimized anyone or any issue in those days, “Soul Train” essentially showed America that Black people possessed style, ability and music worth emulating.

As I reflect upon Don Cornelius’ life and legacy, I consider the incalculable debt we owe him.  I hope in the annals of history his life will be accorded more than a footnote primarily summarizing the unfortunate relational and intrapersonal dilemmas that resulted in his suicide.  Rather, I hope a future generation will venerate him for his insight.   Cornelius ingeniously expanded upon the Civil Rights and Black Power movements using market forces and popular culture to win respectability for African American culture.  Realizing the power of music to communicate a message and transform a society’s worldview, Cornelius withstood whatever adversities and prejudices necessary to obtain a national market for “Soul Train.”  I imagine so many slammed doors and ignominious comments as I sought support for this idea of mainstream and distinctly Black television show.  Nevertheless, his perseverance enabled many vocalists and musicians to become rich and famous since his initial courageous investment as “Soul Train” became the unquestionable venue to stardom for so many performers who enjoy contemporary household fame. 

More significantly, Cornelius’ pioneering efforts expanded upon the enduring musical legacy of the African Diaspora as it evolved in the spirituals and blues of American slavery and the burgeoning Jazz and Black, regional musical hybrids of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.  Appropriately, Cornelius won acceptance of this collective African American art form without surrendering to acculturation, assimilation and accommodationist influences.  He ensured Black unapologetically retained its authenticity.

We will never knew the intricacies of the private descend into a very personal hell that fired the gunshot wound to his head thereby liberating him from an excruciating pain.  News report quoted a very close friend who mentioned having had lunch with Cornelius on the Tuesday prior to his death.  The friend did not observe any indications of what would occur within the week.  He also does not recall any verbal foreshadowing of Cornelius’ imminent suicide.  My heart bleeds for this close friend as I imagine he still asks “Did I miss something?  Was the lunch a last cry for help and I simply missed the warning signs and did not hear Don’s plea for help?”  I pray Cornelius’ friend will find peace and resolution in the coming days.  His pain reminds us of the importance of investing genuinely and faithfully in friendships. 

Like Cornelius’ friend, I wish someone could have penetrated the citadel of despair, depression and destitution that defamed a visionary on his final day.  After all he did to enrich the lives of millions of persons who may never know his seminal contribution to American popular culture, certainly something could have reached toward him and assist him as he stepped off the precipice of bleakness and hopelessness.  It stands to reason we are unable to answer any of these questions for our brother, Don Cornelius.  However, we can invest more authentically in our friendships to prevent such a dastardly ordeal in the lives of people who are nearest and dearest to our hearts.

Don Cornelius ended each episode of “Soul Train” with a blessing for the viewing audience.  “I wish you love, peace and soul.”  In an ecclesiastical setting, his closing words equate with a Benediction, the final component of a worship service.  As we celebrate his life and immeasurable legacy, we commend his soul to Almighty God from whom Brother Don Cornelius came with the humble and fervent hope of divine graciousness.  I pray Brother Don’s soul shall rest in peace with thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God for Don’s unique contribution to humankind.  For you, the reader of this blog entry, I extend his immortal words as you pursue the life you always imagined.