Whoever remembers ‘Soul Train’ led the real good teenage life !
Created by Don Cornelius, in the early 1970s, it aired on the Chicago Television station WCIU-TV until 2006.
Cornelius was the first host and Executive producer. The show is renowned to be the longest running first-run, nationally syndicated program in American history.
Soul Train became a television hit worldwide and featured an array of notable music performers, professional and amateur.
The show was loved by George Johnson, founder of the black-owned hair product manufacturing firm Johnson Products Company.
Johnson helped draw public attention and national syndication to ‘Soul Train’ by 1971.
The patronage also helped increase awareness and love for the Afro hair style, glowing black skin and the African culture and dance moves. The signature dress code, formed part of the street style of the era.
The success of the music show drew attention to and gave rise to soul music, funk artists and the unique kind of fashion.
It also drew attention and prestige to the image of the black race and culture in racially divided America.
The show revealed the black race as exciting, upbeat and vibrant.
‘Soul Train’ continued to be managed by Don Cornelius who produced several annual events of the show until his death.
Over 1,100 episodes were produced from the debut.
An offshoot of the show, the annual Soul Train Music Awards which still holds in the US.