[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 23 (Monday, February 13, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E182-E183]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF DON CORNELIUS LEGENDARY CREATOR AND HOST OF ``SOUL TRAIN''

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 13, 2012

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor, remember and 
celebrate the life of Don Cornelius, the legendary creator and host of 
``Soul Train,'' the ground-breaking television program that helped 
define my generation and revolutionized the way Americans--and millions 
of others around the world--learned, experienced, and loved soul music. 
Don Cornelius passed away on February 2, at the age of 75.
  ``Soul Train,'' which he hosted from 1971 to 1993, exposed African 
American recording artists and groups to national audiences and boosted 
the reach and popularity of every artist who appeared on the show. The 
list reads like a who's who of musical giants: Michael Jackson and the 
Jackson 5; James Brown, the ``Godfather of Soul,'' Aretha Franklin, 
Gladys Knight and the Pips; the Temptations, the Supremes, Earth, Wind, 
and Fire; Marvin Gaye; Al Green; Chaka Khan, and the mighty, mighty 
Dells.
  Don Cornelius joined the Marines and was stationed in South Korea 
during the height of the Cold War. He later became a television 
journalist reporting on civil rights and urban issues. This background 
prepared him to conceive and make real ``Soul Train,'' which succeeded 
in using the love of good music to help bridge racial and social 
divisions in our country.
  As one of the millions of young girls who tuned in every week to 
``Soul Train'' to sing and dance along with that week's musical guests, 
I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Don Cornelius for the sheer 
joy and happiness he brought to so many people and for ``Soul Train'' 
's positive impact in bringing people of diverse backgrounds together 
around their shared love of good music and dance.
  We will always remember ``Soul Train,'' the iconic television show 
best known for its flamboyant colors, striking fashion, great music, 
revolutionary dance moves, and the famous ``Soul Train Line.''
  Don Cornelius lived a consequential life. He made a difference. And 
for that, I conclude by wishing him, as he always concluded each ``Soul 
Train'' show by wishing us, as always, ``love, peace and soul!''
    

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