Urban World

Peace Love & Soul

On the first day of Black History Month, Soul Train founder Don Cornelius was found dead in his Sherman Oaks, California home. The 75-year-old was found at his mansion in Sherman Oaks, California with a gunshot wound to the head which was reportedly self-inflicted

Soul Train became the longest-running first-run nationally syndicated show in television history, bringing African American music and style to the world for 35 years.

Cornelius inspired by the civil rights movement, developed 'Soul Train,' a musical variety television program highlighting African-American musicians and music from several genres including R&B, soul, funk, jazz, disco, and gospel As the host of the signature show, his sign-off catchphrase became popular, as he said "I'm Don Cornelius, and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul.

It has been revealed that his ex-wife Viktoria Chapman-Cornlieus, whom he 'hated' according to TMZ, will receive around $300,000 in insurance payouts.

Mr Cornelius and his second wife, a Russian model, had their divorce finalised in 2009 amid allegations of domestic abuse on both sides. He told an LA judge he was suffering from 'significant health issues' at the time.  He was believed to have suffered a stroke and had brain surgery in recent years which left him in a great deal of pain.