Born in Chicago, Illinois, on the 27th of September in 1936, Donald Cortez Cornelius, more popularly known the world over as Don Cornelius, the host of the first nationally syndicated dance and music franchise dedicated to R&B music. This nationally broadcast Saturday morning show was none other than Soul Train.

Don Cornelius hosted Soul Train for 22 years, from 1971 to 1993. However, he continued to own the franchise until 2008, when it was sold to MadVision Entertainment.

Don Cornelius, through his show, literally was the only TV personality who broadcast on a national level that brought the distinct sound of R&B and Soul music to Americans from coast to coast. Soul Train was the only primary television show that offered Soul singers an opportunity to perform live and get large-scale exposure.

Because of this, Don Cornelius became one of the most influential people in the music industry.

Don Cornelius was very influential in not only getting new artist and their music out into the mainstream, but he also got all the latest and greatest dance moves put on display for everyone to see and imitate.

Cornelius had several catchphrases that stuck in American culture, the most popular is his closing remarks after every show; “… and you can bet your last money, it’s all gonna be a stone gas, honey! I’m Don Cornelius, and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul!”

There is now an annual Soul Train Music Awards that honor the top performers in the R&B category each year.