35 Facts About Soul Train

The Birth of Soul Train

Soul Train wasn't just a TV show; it was a cultural revolution. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about its creation and early days.

1. Creation and Debut: Soul Train was the brainchild of Chicago radio announcer Don Cornelius. It initially aired in 1970 on Chicago television station WCIU-TV.

2. Local Success: The show was produced in hour-long segments five afternoons a week and became a local television hit, duplicating the environment of a dance club.

3. National Syndication: Soul Train moved into national syndication in 1971, thanks to the support of George Johnson, founder and president of Johnson Products Company, a Black-owned hair-product manufacturer.

4. Cultural Impact: By presenting an image of Black culture as upbeat, exciting, and vibrant, Soul Train attracted many viewers of other ethnicities and contributed to the growing prestige of African Americans and Black culture in mainstream America.

The Man Behind the Magic

Don Cornelius was more than just a host; he was the visionary who made Soul Train a household name.

5. Host and Executive Producer: Don Cornelius maintained control of the Soul Train brand until his death and produced several successful annual specials, including the ongoing Soul Train Music Awards.

6. Theme Song and Opening Sequence: The show's funky, uplifting theme song played with the jubilant exclamation of “Sooooouuul Traaaaaiiin,” accompanied by an animated locomotive passing through an urban backdrop.

Musical Extravaganza

Soul Train was a stage for some of the most legendary performances in music history.

7. Musical Genres: The show primarily featured performances by R&B, soul, dance/pop, and hip-hop artists, although funk, jazz, disco, and gospel artists also appeared.

8. Live Performances: Most presentations were live and included legendary performers such as James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, and the Jackson 5.

Dancing into Hearts

The dancers on Soul Train were as iconic as the musicians, bringing joy and energy to every episode.

9. Dancers as Stars: The true stars of the show were the everyday kids who knew how to get funky. These dancers were brought directly into people’s living rooms in a wholesome light, and they shined through their dancing and joyfulness.

10. Soul Train Line: The Soul Train Line was a site of intentional joy, liberation, and tradition. It was a variant of the 1950s fad known as The Stroll, with roots in the American South, continental Africa, and the Caribbean.

Breaking Barriers

Soul Train was inclusive, featuring a diverse range of performers and breaking racial barriers.

11. Diversity in Performers: While mostly Black musicians performed on the show, everyone was welcome. White artists like Duran Duran, Michael Bolton, Sheena Easton, and Michael McDonald appeared, among many others.

12. David Bowie’s Performance: In 1975, English pop star David Bowie delivered inspired performances of his funky hits “Golden Years” and “Fame,” introducing Black youth in America to his own brand of “plastic soul”.

Fashion Forward

Soul Train wasn't just about music and dance; it was also a fashion runway.

13. Fashion on the Show: From high-waisted, yellow flared pants to silver, glittery catsuits, the show featured a wide range of fashion trends that were both stylish and iconic.

From Chicago to the World

Soul Train's journey from a local Chicago show to a national sensation is a story of ambition and success.

14. Chicago Origins: The origins of Soul Train can be traced back to 1965 when WCIU-TV, an upstart UHF station in Chicago, began airing two youth-oriented dance programs: Kiddie-a-Go-Go and Red Hot and Blues.

15. First Episode: The first episode of Soul Train premiered on August 17, 1970, featuring Jerry Butler, the Chi-Lites, and the Emotions as guests. It was a low-budget affair, airing in black and white.

16. Clinton Ghent’s Role: Clinton Ghent, a local professional dancer, assisted Cornelius in the early episodes and later moved behind the scenes as a producer and secondary host.

17. National Expansion: In 1971, Soul Train moved to Los Angeles and began broadcasting nationally. This marked a significant shift in the show’s reach and influence.

Evolution and Legacy

Soul Train evolved with the times, introducing new genres and continuing to influence culture long after its final episode.

18. Hip-Hop Introduction: By the 1980s, hip-hop was added to the program, introducing the genre’s artists to a national audience. This move further solidified Soul Train’s position as a cultural icon.

19. Annual Soul Train Music Awards: In 1987, Soul Train began giving out the Annual Soul Train Music Awards, honoring the best in African American culture, music, and entertainment.

20. Host Changes: After hosting the program on television for 22 years, Don Cornelius stepped down in 1993. He was replaced by three guest hosts: comic Mystro Clark (1997-1999), actor Shemar Moore (1999-2003), and actor/playwright Dorian Gregory, who was the final host from 2003 until the show ended in 2006.

21. Inductions and Honors: In 1995, Don Cornelius was inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame. In 2006, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

22. Production Suspension: Production of Soul Train was suspended following the 2005–2006 season. A rerun package under the moniker The Best of Soul Train aired for two years subsequently.

23. Longest-Running Program: During its run, Soul Train held the record for the longest-running first-run, nationally syndicated program in American television history, with more than 1,100 episodes produced from its debut through the 2005–2006 season.

24. Legacy: Despite the production hiatus, Soul Train continued to be celebrated for its cultural impact and influence. The show’s 50th anniversary in 2021 was celebrated in Harlem, New York, at the historic Apollo Theater.

Black Placemaking and Joy

Soul Train was more than entertainment; it was a space for Black joy, expression, and cultural innovation.

25. Black Placemaking: Soul Train was an example of Black placemaking and cultural innovation. It provided an affinity space for Black expression and joy, especially during a time when images of Black folks and Black life were riddled with stereotypes.

26. Joy and Liberation: The Soul Train Line was not just a magical moment trapped in a television studio; it leaped into living rooms, backyards, and block parties. It was a site of intentional joy, liberation, and tradition.

27. Celebration of Black Life: In conditions that otherwise produce suffering and command silence, joy and laughter are revolutionary ideals. The celebration of Black life in the wake of ever-present death and in spite of organized terror is the preoccupation of those who believe in hope and love.

Historical Significance

Soul Train changed how Black life was viewed in America, showcasing the richness of Black culture.

28. Historical Significance: Soul Train transformed visions of Black life in America when it debuted nationally in 1971. It showcased the hottest Black artists, the newest dance moves, and more fashion than anyone could consume in sixty minutes.

29. Affinity Space: Before Black joy had yet to root itself as an official movement, the Soul Train Line gave us an additional affinity space which we could all claim, free of charge. We might not have the snazzy outfits or the dazzling skills, but we could all turn on some music, form two lines, and dance.

30. Influence on Dance: The Soul Train Line was a variant of The Stroll, but its history extends back even further with roots in the American South, continental Africa, and the Caribbean. It was a sacred formation made with bodies carving out a slice of escape from social and political stressors.

31. Intentional Joy: Down the Soul Train Line, everybody gets a turn, everybody gets the claps, and anybody can be a star. This was a lesson in how Black folks collectively reimagine and create what they need despite systemic barriers.

Celebrating Black Culture

Soul Train allowed the world to see the many facets of African American culture, making it a beloved show for all.

32. Celebration of Black Culture: Soul Train allowed the world to view African Americans’ many faces and elements and their unique experiences in American society. Each episode closed with founder Don Cornelius reciting the words, “Love, peace, and soul!”.

33. Fashion Trends: The show featured a wide range of fashion trends that were both stylish and iconic. From high-waisted, yellow flared pants to silver, glittery catsuits, the fashion on Soul Train was always a highlight.

34. Cultural Innovation: Soul Train was an example of cultural innovation, providing an affinity space for Black expression and joy. It was a lesson in how Black folks collectively reimagine and create what they need despite systemic barriers.

35. Legacy and Impact: The show’s legacy extends beyond its 35-year run. It continues to be celebrated for its cultural impact and influence. The Soul Train Music Awards, which were established in 1987, continue to honor the best in African American culture, music, and entertainment.

The Legacy of Soul Train

Soul Train wasn't just a dance show; it was a cultural revolution. Created by Don Cornelius, it brought Black culture into living rooms across America, showcasing the best in R&B, soul, funk, and hip-hop. The Soul Train Line became a symbol of joy and liberation, while the show's fashion set trends that still resonate today. With over 1,100 episodes, it became the longest-running first-run, nationally syndicated program in American TV history. Even after production stopped in 2006, its impact remains. The Soul Train Music Awards continue to honor the best in African American culture. Soul Train transformed how America viewed Black life, offering a vibrant, positive image that broke down stereotypes. Its legacy of love, peace, and soul endures, reminding us of the power of music and dance to bring people together.