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"Soul train" creator, Don Cornelius commits suicide

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Don Cornelius, creator of iconic dance program "Soul Train" that helped introduce Americans to black culture on TV, died on Wednesday after shooting himself in the head, in Los Angeles.

Police discovered the body of Cornelius, 75, at his house after responding to reports of shots fired in the wealthy, hillside area of Los Angeles where he lived.

The community is home to many celebrities and entertainment executives. Cornelius was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead, Police Department spokesman Kevin Maiberger said. He declined to give details because detectives were still at the scene investigating.

Cornelius launched "Soul Train" in the early 1970s as a local dance show from Chicago. It relocated to Los Angeles the following year and became part of pop culture history by boosting the careers of young artists such as the Jackson Five, and older artists such as James Brown who were trying to tap into a younger audience.

Civil rights activist, Reverend Al Sharpton, a long time friend, expressed shock and grief over the news of the death. Composer-producer Quincy Jones said he was "deeply saddened" at the sudden passing of his friend, colleague and business partner.

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