Selects: The Soul Train Episode

Career Path and the Encounter That Changed Everything

Don Cornelius is born on Chicago’s South Side in the Bronzeville neighborhood, also known as the Black Metropolis. The son of a postal worker, Cornelius joins the Marines after high school and serves in South Korea. Returning home, he tries his hand first at selling cars, then insurance. Eventually, he becomes a police officer, married to his high school sweetheart and raising two sons.

While working as an officer, Cornelius experiences a pivotal moment—he pulls over Roy Wood, a local AM radio news director at WVON. Wood, struck by the quality of Cornelius’s voice, suggests he consider a career in broadcasting. Encouraged by this, Cornelius takes a three-month broadcasting course. Within his first year after graduating, he becomes a TV broadcaster by day and a radio and sock hop DJ by night. He is involved in news and civil rights reporting and is part of the “Good Guys,” a group of Black DJs in Chicago known for shaping cool culture on the airwaves.

Entrepreneurial Vision and Ownership of Soul Train

Don Cornelius leverages his experience with Chicago’s music and party scene, deciding that the energy of the dance parties and sock hops he DJ’d should be brought to television. He envisions a program that showcases Black culture and creativity, eventually launching Soul Train. Cornelius approaches his TV station, WCIU, for a pilot. Although WCIU agrees, they do not provide funding. Cornelius invests $400 of his own money to shoot the black-and-white pilot, which becomes an instant success. Over time, he notes that investing his own money turns out to be a lucky decision because retaining sole financial investment allows him to keep ownership and control of the show—a rarity then and now.

In 1971, Cornelius expands his vision by moving to Los Angeles and syndicating Soul Train nationally. The LA-based version is filmed in color, gaining major traction, while the original black-and-white local Chicago version continues. For about five years, Cornelius manages both shows, flying to LA every weekend to shoot four episodes before returning to Chicago to host the local version on Mondays. This dedica ...

Soul Train stands as a landmark in American television, widely credited with breaking new ground in the authentic presentation and celebration of Black culture. Its impact resonates through its unapologetic portrayal of Black life, its profound influence on music and style, and its role in bridging cultural divides.

Breaking Ground in Authentic Black Cultural Presentation

Unlike predecessors such as American Bandstand, Soul Train unapologetically presented Black culture by and for Black audiences, with no attempt to mediate or seek approval from white viewers. Josh Clark highlights how the show gave African American teenagers the space to be themselves, unfiltered and without external judgment or negative caricature. Soul Train depicted club kids and everyday young people as hip, self-assured participants in the culture, distinct from common television portrayals of Black individuals as sidekicks, servants, or negatively framed protestors. The show simply celebrated Black life and creativity, insisting, "We're going to put it on TV and show it off. If you like it, awesome. If you don't, get lost." This approach set Soul Train apart and led a TV critic in 1973 to famously say comparing it to American Bandstand was like "comparing champagne to seltzer."

The cultural shift Soul Train created was recognized by figures like Cornel West, who described never missing an episode as a graduate student. West argued that Soul Train made available to the entire world the great tradition of soul music, teaching America not just about color but also about deeper ways of loving and being free. Jesse Jackson and other civil rights leaders also hailed the show for reshaping perceptions of Black Americans in the mainstream media and for emphasizing pride and excellence within Black culture.

Launching a Lifestyle Influence Movement Pre-digital Age

Soul Train’s influence extended far beyond the television screen. The dancers on Soul Train became trendsetters in dance, fashion, and hairstyles, shaping the aspirations of Black youth and setting the tone for cool in the era before digital media. Club kids brought their moves from the nightclub to the television audience and back again, creating a continuous cycle of innovation, imitation, and reinvention.

Common described Soul Train as giving "ordinary everyday people an opportunity to express themselves." The dance innovations were legendary; moves like the moonwalk (originally called the backslide), the robot, and the re-run danger were all incubated and made famous on Soul Train. Viewers—kids, college students, and adults—saw these dances, practiced them at home, and then brought them to their local clubs, helping to establish a movement of Black cultural expression that would resonate for generations.

The show’s fashion influence was equally significant. Soul Train was famous for its dancers’ stunning outfits, bol ...

Soul Train’s distinct format, unifying features, and guidance from influential figures established it as a groundbreaking music and dance show, deeply shaping performance culture.

Soul Train Line's Revolutionary Impact on Performance

The Soul Train line emerges as the show’s most recognizable and revolutionary feature. In every episode, dancers would form two lines, clapping along the sides while individuals or couples danced down the center corridor. This format provided each performer a unique moment to showcase their creativity and capture the audience’s attention. The participatory structure encouraged both group engagement and solo brilliance, opening doors for unknown dancers to find visibility and recognition in front of a national viewership.

Musical Performances and Artist Selection

Live musical performances were central to the appeal of Soul Train. The very first nationally syndicated episode featured Gladys Knight and the Pips, a significant coup that Don Cornelius credited with legitimizing the show and helping to attract future major artists. From then on, a roster of legendary performers graced the stage, often performing while lip-syncing in the early years. Icons like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Barry White, Patti LaBelle, and Al Green appeared, solidifying Soul Train's reputation as a premier platform for rhythm and blues and soul music.

Production Standards and the Dancer Experience

Soul Train maintained high production expectations for its participants. Don Cornelius required dancers to adhere to a code: "Be on time, be tactful, be creative, be funky, and be yourself." Filming was intense, with four episodes typically recorded over a weekend. Dancers worked hard through back-to-back episodes, and while most were unpaid for the non-performance segments, they were often provided meals to sustain the demandi ...

Soul Train was a launchpad for many artists, dancers, and entertainers who went on to reshape pop culture, music, and television. From breakout musicians to dancers who became celebrities, the show championed diversity, broke new ground, and featured unforgettable performances from artists across backgrounds.

Breakout Artists Who Achieved Superstardom

Jodi Watley Launched Her Career on Soul Train; Don Cornelius Paired Her With Jeffrey Daniel, Forming Shalamar In 1977

Jodi Watley began her career as a teenager on Soul Train, where her talent quickly caught the attention of host Don Cornelius. Recognizing her potential, Cornelius decided to pair Watley with fellow dancer Jeffrey Daniel. This collaboration led to the formation of Shalamar in 1977—one of the show's most successful group acts. Their pairing marks one of the most iconic group origins within the history of the program.

Jodi Watley Launched a Successful Solo Career After Shalamar

After her breakthrough with Shalamar, Jodi Watley moved on to establish herself as a solo artist. Her solo career was highly successful, earning her recognition well beyond her Soul Train beginnings.

Dancers Who Transitioned To Entertainment Careers

Rosie Perez: 1980s Soul Train Star, Brooklyn Hip-hop vs. LA Groove

Rosie Perez became a standout Soul Train dancer during the 1980s, a period when the show embraced the burgeoning influence of hip-hop. Hailing from Brooklyn, Perez brought a unique New York hip-hop energy to the floor, contrasting with the established LA groove. Her confident style and high energy quickly sent her to prominence. Don Cornelius tried to contract her exclusively, but Perez, ever independent, rebuffed him—with a dramatic story about hitting him in the head with a piece of fried chicken during a disagreement. Her experience on Soul Train helped launch her career in choreography and acting.

Carmen Electra (Born Tara Lee Patrick) Launched Her Entertainment Career On Soul Train As a Dancer Before Moving To Modeling and Acting

Carmen Electra, whose real name is Tara Lee Patrick, also began as a Soul Train dancer. Her distinct stage presence, exemplified by her river-dancing on the show, drew significant attention; soon, others tried to imitate her moves. Electra transitioned from the show to modeling and acting, becoming a well-known figure in entertainment.

Jermaine Stewart Danced On Soul Train Before Becoming a Recording Artist, Returning In 1986 to Perform His Hit "We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off," With Cornelius Celebrating His Success

Jermaine Stewart started as a Soul Train dancer, later achieving fame as a recording artist with hits like “We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off.” When Stewart returned to perform the song on Soul Train in 1986, Don Cornelius highlighted his journey from dancer to star, expressing pride in Stewart’s success and demonstrating how Soul Train cultivated entertainment talent.

Diversity Breakthroughs and Representation Milestones

Cheryl Song, the First Asian Dancer on Soul Train, Faced Pressure to Prove Herself Beyond Tokenism and Established Herself As a Skilled Performer

Cheryl Song broke ground as the first Asian dancer on Soul Train. She had to prove that she was more than a token non-African American presence and quickly established herself as a skilled and respected dancer. Her representation on ...

Soul Train’s remarkable journey from its challenging beginnings through industry rivalry, generational shifts, and ultimate recognition as a titan of television illuminates both the enduring power and the transformative influence of Black culture in American entertainment.

Economic and Sponsorship Challenges in the Early Years

Soul Train was a breakout success when it debuted, but found it difficult to attract mainstream advertisers who were unsure how to engage with its unique celebration of Black culture. This hesitancy among white-owned brands left Don Cornelius searching for partners who understood the show’s significance.

Johnson Products, a Black-owned Chicago company started by George and Joanne Johnson in 1954, stepped into this void. They sponsored Soul Train with their Afro Sheen and Ultra Sheen hair care products, and their commercials became as intertwined with the show’s fabric as the musical performances and iconic Soul Train line. These ads promoted products specifically designed for Black Americans, encouraging them to embrace natural hair. This message was radical at the time, as it pushed back against white beauty standards and aligned perfectly with Soul Train’s ethos—celebrating Black culture authentically and unapologetically.

Dick Clark's Failed Competitive Response and Industry Dynamics

Soul Train’s popularity did not go unnoticed by television mogul Dick Clark, known for “American Bandstand.” Seeking to capture the burgeoning Black audience, Clark launched “Soul Unlimited” on ABC as a direct competitor. The show was an explicit imitation of Soul Train but failed to connect with viewers or capture its authenticity.

Recognizing the threat this posed to Black cultural ownership, Black leaders began a campaign to cancel “Soul Unlimited,” arguing for the protection of Soul Train’s uniqueness. The show was quickly taken off the air after only a few episodes, allowing Soul Train to stand alone as a pioneering platform for Black music and artists.

Hip-hop Era and Generational Shifts in Artistic Direction

1980s Soul Train Welcomes Hip-hop and Rap, Introducing New Aesthetics and Energy

The 1980s brought change, including Don Cornelius’s brief absence after brain surgery and the rise of hip-hop and rap. Cornelius, whose outlook was shaped by mid-century ideals of integration and a love of smooth, polished artistry, found hip-hop’s raw energy and style difficult to appreciate. He saw the new genre as a regression from the progress of his own generation, which had worked to secure a place at the table of mainstream American society.

This generational divide was evident in his interactions with hip-hop artists. For example, in an interview with Public Enemy, Cornelius focused on Flavor Flav’s eccentric persona, largely ignoring Chuck D, the group’s intellectual leader. This highlighted Cornelius’s struggle to fully comprehend or embrace hip-hop as a legitimate evolution of Black cultural expression.

Despite these reservations, Cornelius was astute enough to book major hip-hop acts, recognizing their cultural significance even if their artistry did not appeal to his personal tastes. Acts like Public Enemy appeared multiple times, and memorable moments included Flavor Flav’s call for a moment of silence honoring the recen ...