'Soul Train' Creator Don Cornelius Dead in Apparent Suicide

"Soul Train" creator Don Cornelius was found dead Wednesday morning in his Sherman Oaks, CA. home. Police discovered his body around 4 a.m. He apparently died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to sources who spoke on condition of anonymity. He was 75.

The sources say he was discovered by a family member early Wednesday morning, suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. He was rushed to a hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.

The source said there was no sign of foul play, but the LAPD is investigating. In a 2010 interview, Cornelius discussed a movie project he was developing about "Soul Train".

"We've been in discussions with several people about getting a movie off the ground. It wouldn't be the 'Soul Train' dance show, it would be more of a biographical look at the project," he said. "It's going to be about some of the things that really happened on the show."

According to a Times article, Cornelius' "Soul Train" became the longest-running first-run nationally syndicated show in television history, bringing African American music and style to the world for 35 years.

Cornelius stopped hosting the show in 1993, and "Soul Train" ceased production in 2006. He was given an award last weekend from legendary Brooklyn R&B group Full Force.

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