Category: Biography | Title: How Old Was Don Cornelius | Tag: Don Cornelius | Meta Description: Don Cornelius age, birth date, career timeline, and key facts about the Soul Train creator...
How Old Was Don Cornelius at the Time of His Death
Don Cornelius was born on September 27, 1936, and died on February 1, 2012, making him 75 years old at the time of his death. His age at death is a frequently searched fact tied to his legacy as the creator of Soul Train. The official cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and authorities confirmed the age through public records and statements from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. Learn more about the timeline of his final years via the Associated Press report on his passing here.
Public records and obituaries consistently list his birth year as 1936 and his death year as 2012, which places his final age at 75. Media outlets and reference sites such as IMDb and the Biography Channel have cited this age in their coverage. His age is often discussed alongside his health challenges in the years before his death, including documented reports of declining physical and mental health.
Don Cornelius Age Timeline and Career Milestones
At age 36, Don Cornelius launched Soul Train in Chicago in 1971, transforming a local show into a nationally syndicated music and dance program. By his early 40s, the show had become a cultural institution, featuring major R&B, soul, and hip-hop artists. The platform helped define the visual style of Black music television and influenced later programs. A detailed career overview is available on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame site here.
In his 50s and 60s, Cornelius stepped back from day-to-day production duties while retaining ownership of the Soul Train brand. He sold the rights to MadVision Entertainment in 2008, when he was 71 years old. The deal allowed continued use of the Soul Train name and archives. Reports on the sale and subsequent licensing are covered by Variety here.
Key Facts About Don Cornelius's Life and Legacy
Don Cornelius was a television producer, host, and entrepreneur best known for creating Soul Train, which aired from 1971 to 2006. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, and served in the U.S. Marine Corps before entering the radio and television industry. His net worth at the peak of Soul Train's success was estimated in the millions, though he faced financial and legal difficulties later in life. The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture highlights his impact on American culture here.
Cornelius received numerous awards, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. His influence extends to modern music television and digital media platforms. Industry analyses often cite him as a pioneer in music broadcasting and brand licensing. A profile of his contributions can be found on the Television Academy website here.