Don Cornelius, the creator and longtime host of "Soul Train," died this morning of a gunshot wound. He was 75. Cornelius was found at his Sherman Oaks home at 4 am by officers responding to a reported shooting. The Los Angeles Times, citing sources, said the gunshot wound appeared to be self-inflicted. Police told TheWrap the investigation was ongoing. The Los Angeles County Coroner's office said Cornelius was pronounced dead at Cedars-Sinai hospital. Also read: 'Soul Train' Marathon to Honor Don Cornelius As a journalist in the Civil Rights Era, Cornelius recognized the lack of a televised venue for soul music. The show he first aired on a low-power station in Chicago became one of the longest-running syndicated hits. From the show's debut in 1971, the always smooth Cornelius was the master of ceremonies for performances by a who's who of soul legends, including Marvin Gaye, the Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson, Diane Ross, Aretha Franklin and the Isley Brothers. Cornelius coolly! presided over each episode's party, interviewing guests in a soft baritone. After an interview with The Supremes' Mary Wilson, he displayed his own flawless moves on the "Soul Train" line. Watch the video: Fashion was always a crucial part of the show: Older episodes offer a sweet and sometimes hilarious look back at 70s styles, from pastel bell bottoms to flowing vests and unapologetically endless collars. Also read: Heavy D Autopsy: Flight Back From UK Jackson Memorial Led to His Death As it aged
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