below, release from Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr....

PART OF EVERY PERSON'S "SOUL" HAS DIED WITH DON CORNELIUS

Congressman Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. issued the following statement on learning of the death of Don Cornelius: "Don Cornelius, the creator of Soul Train, has died in Los Angeles at the age of 75 apparently the result of a suicide. Part of every person's soul who grew up on Soul Train died with him.

"Don Cornelius started Soul Train at WCIU-TV (Ch. 26) in Chicago and I vividly remember that he often came by my house and visited with my father and me and my brothers and sister at the time. With his death I've lost a dear personal friend.

"Soul Train's self-described "hippest trip" was one of the longest running shows on television, in part, thanks to the efforts of the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson and Operation PUSH. I remember that shortly after Soul Trail began running nationally Dick Clark of American Bandstand began a similar African American oriented show that was a threat to the existence of Soul Train. Rev. Jackson invited Dick Clark and Don Cornelius to come to Chicago's Operation PUSH and he urged Mr. Clark not to drive Soul Train out of business and, to his credit, he agreed. As a result Soul Train grew and went on to achieve one of the greatest records in the history of television.

"On his tombstone should read his immortal words: 'I'm Don Cornelius, and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul!'"

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