What Year Did Don Cornelius Die

What Year Did Don Cornelius Die

Don Cornelius died in 2012 at his home in Sherman Oaks, California. The former host and creator of Soul Train passed away from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. He was 75 years old at the time of death. The official cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head, and the case was closed as a suicide.

The death was confirmed on February 1, 2012, by the Los Angeles Police Department and the coroner's office Los Angeles Police Department. Authorities responded to his residence after receiving a call reporting an unconscious individual. Emergency personnel pronounced him dead at the scene. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner later released the official autopsy report confirming the cause of death.

Don Cornelius Career and Legacy

Soul Train Creator and Host

Don Cornelius created Soul Train in 1971 and served as its host and executive producer for decades. The show became the longest-running first-run nationally syndicated music program in American television history Billboard. He was known for his signature catchphrase "Love, Peace and Soul," which became synonymous with the show's brand. Under his leadership, Soul Train introduced millions of viewers to emerging Black musical artists across genres including R&B, soul, funk, and hip-hop.

Cornelius sold the Soul Train brand to MadVision Entertainment in 2008, and the show continued to air in reruns and specials afterward MadVision Entertainment. The program launched the careers of numerous artists and became a cultural touchstone for African American music and dance. His influence on television music programming and Black entertainment remains widely recognized in media retrospectives and industry coverage.

Personal Life and Financial Background

Don Cornelius was born on September 27, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois. He served in the United States Marine Corps before working as a radio disc jockey and television host United States Marine Corps. He built a career in radio and television that spanned more than four decades before creating Soul Train. His net worth was reported to be in the millions at the peak of his career, derived from television production, syndication rights, and personal investments.

In his later years, Cornelius faced health challenges including a stroke in 2004 and ongoing health issues reported by family and close associates. He was married multiple times and had several children. His estate was handled through probate proceedings following his death, and his contributions to music and television continue to be documented by entertainment historians and archival organizations.