Edd’s MANtra: Don Cornelius Found Dead at 75

What a horrible way to start the day. From TMZ.com:

Don Cornelius — who famously created “Soul Train” was found dead in his Sherman Oaks, CA home this morning … and law enforcement sources tell us it appears he committed suicide.

We’re told cops discovered the body at around 4 AM PT.  Law enforcement sources tell us … Cornelius died from a gunshot wound to the head and officials believe the wound was self-inflicted.

Don Cornelius was a true icon. It was his vision that created the first national stage for black music. Soul Train was essentially the urban “American Bandstand” and was an institution for decades. Running from October 1971 to March 2006, it still holds the record of the longest-running, first-run, nationally syndicated program in television history.

Don’s name is rarely mentioned when naming black music icons, but he truly changed the industry and opened doors many thought would forever be closed. Plus, he’s probably the smoothest brother to ever grace planet Earth.

Thanks for all you’ve done for black music, Don. So, who’s gonna start a Soul Train Line with me?