Law enforcement sources are confirming that Don Cornelius, the creator of ‘Soul Train,’ was found dead in his home in Sherman Oaks, CA this morning. The cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head.

Police discovered Cornelius’ body at about 4 a.m. Pacific. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. Officials believe the gunshot wound was self-inflicted.

‘Soul Train’ debuted nationally in 1971 and ran until 2006. It holds a longstanding claim as the “longest-running, first-run, nationally syndicated program in television history.” Many say it changed the landscape of television by targeting a largely African-American audience and exposing R&B and hip hop acts to mainstream TV viewers.

Cornelius was 75 years old. Watch a collection of ‘Soul Train’ clips, including the famous theme song, below.

[via TMZ]

 

More From K945, The Hit Music Channel