Don Cornelius - RIP

Mr. Don Cornelius was a great man who was bold enough to create Soul Train when he did. This was the only national platform many recording artists of color had to showcase their talent at the time, till they were deemed experienced and good enough for mainstream America. The bravery he exhibited in creating the show, and using so little to create so much is inspiring.

I remember watching many famous recording stars reminiscing

about their earlier days on Soul Train and saying they couldn't move around so much while dancing because the place was so small and they were hot and sweating because of the hot lights and lack of good air conditioning, but the correctly angled cameras made it look larger than life on TV, which just was what many young boys and girls saw on their TV screens all over the world, which inspired them to become the major recording stars they are now. The images he created caused so many young and impressionable minds to be pregnant with dreams they would go on to give birth to.

Although everyone is now saying this and that about his legacy and how much they loved him etc., however, the truth is that many of the younger generation didn't connect with him the way they should have, if only to honor the Soul Train legacy.  I say this because in 2007 when I was at the Soul Train Music Awards in California and it was a very poor showing of African American recording stars at the event. Most of the award winner’s didn’t come to the event and their awards had to be accepted on their behalf by someone else who showed up or by the actual award presenters. It was so bad.

However, Letoya Luckett was a presenter, Jennifer Hudson came and song, however, she was tired after doing so many other events to the point that people were saying she was doing too much and needed to take time off to rest, Robin Thicke sang as well, TI and his ATL crew came, and Baby Face also attended. These people basically saved the day. I felt so bad for him because those recording artists who were nominated for awards knew they should’ve showed up.

I will never forget after the event, I was arranging my stuff in my car, which was parked close to a black limousine. Then I saw a young Caucasian or biracial looking young man with his hair in a ponytail, come to the car, then a Caucasian or biracial young lady came and joined him. Within 5 minutes an older middle aged looking Caucasian woman who you know was really hot in her youth joined them in the Limo, but I still didn't get it. Then another 5 minutes later, I saw Mr. Don Cornelius coming, as he came down the steps he looked tired and his back was hunched. That’s when it clicked that this is the Cornelius family.

However, I didn't think that should have been the demeanor of a person who just finished an award show, but I felt it was since it was after the event, it was late and that was the only response he could have considering that so many recording artists ignored the event. We all know that if it was the Grammies they would cancel every other engagement to attend, but since it was the Soul Train Awards, many of them couldn't be bothered. Such is life!

He is now gone, but will not be forgotten…RIP