"I have known him since I was 19-years-old and James Brown had me speak on Soul Train," he said. "He brought soul music and dance to the world in a way that it had never been shown and he was a cultural game changer on a global level. Had it not been for Don Cornelius we would not have ever transcended from the Chitlin circuit to become mainstream cultural trendsetters."

Don Cornelius hosting 'Soul Train' in style

Legendary creator and host of the R&B dance/variety show Soul Train Don Cornelius was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound earlier this morning in his Muholland Drive home, reports The New York Times.

Mr. Cornelius was widely credited with bringing African-American performers like Aretha Franklin, James Brown, and Michael Jackson to the public's consciousness during Soul Train's almost 35 year syndicated run: one of the longest in history.

As he ended every show, the former radio jockey would turn to the cameras. "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."