Don Cornelius Dead: ‘Soul Train’ Creator Commits Suicide

Don Cornelius, the creator of Soul Train, was found dead in his Sherman Oaks, Calif., home Wednesday morning. Law enforcement said that Cornelius died of an apparent suicide.

TMZ reported that cops discovered Don Cornelius' body at 4:00 a.m. PST on Wednesday morning. Cornelius died from a gunshot wound to the head and officials believe that it was self-inflicted.

Cornelius was taken the hospital where he was pronounced dead. He was 75-years-old.

Soul Train changed the landscape of both television and music when it debuted in 1971. The show offered exposure to black musicians like legends James Brown, Aretha Franklin and Michael Jackson. It was not only exceptional for musicians, but for dancers as well.

We had a show that kids gravitated to, said Cornelius. Spike Lee has described Soul Train as an urban music time capsule.

Don Cornelius was best known for his catchphrase And you can bet your last money, it's all gonna be a stone gas, honey! I'm Don Cornelius, and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul!

The show ran until 2009.

Cornelius was going through difficult divorce proceedings that same year and told an L.A. judge he was suffering from significant health issues and wanted to finalize this divorce before I die, according to TMZ.