Soul Train was one of the most iconic American music television shows that aired from 1971 to 2006. The show featured some of the biggest and most influential artists in R&B, soul, funk, hip-hop, and disco genres over its long run. However, many people wonder who was the first artist to perform on Soul Train?
The answer is Don Cornelius himself.
Don Cornelius is known as the creator and host of Soul Train. He introduced a platform for African-American artists which had historically struggled to gain exposure on mainstream media outlets.
Cornelius started his career in broadcasting as an announcer at WVON radio station in Chicago before transitioning into television with WCIU-TV where he created Soul Train. The weekly dance show featured predominantly black young adults busting moves to some of their favorite tunes.
However, Cornelius seized every opportunity he could not only for music but also started showcasing fashion designers and comedians on his show.
On August 17th, 1970 when planning this new venture (which would become “Soul Train”) he filmed a pilot episode hosted by local radio disc-jockey named Rick Shaw. It went well enough that investors backed him despite there being no guarantee it would sell beyond Chicago (yet).
Then later that year filming was moved from Roosevelt High School’s school auditorium unit(the location where we see teen dancers) until they were able convert green screen rooms below WCIU studio/office itself – creating much more elaborate backdrops(more famous OR iconic sets) then what existed previously
It wasn’t until October 2nd of that same year when “Soul Train” officially hit airwaves across America via syndication -hosted by Don Cornelius himself.The series ran nationally as first-run syndication up until itcame to an end because Don sold off royalty rights & production company sometime mid-90s—continued onward without him or Dick Griffey taking over creative operations until last broadcast on March 25th, 2006 hosted again by Don(Cornelius) himself; shot non-studio(located in the parking space of CBS), and particularly memorable for no preview information beforehand.
During the first episode of Soul Train, Cornelius welcomed his audience with these words:
“Welcome to our first show, and we hope it will be a continuing effort here on out. And as always in parting, we wish you love, peace…and soul!”
Following this introduction from Don Cornelius was a performance from Gladys Knight & The Pips. They performed their famous hit “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” which received an ecstatic response from the live studio crowd.
The following week’s episode highlighted performances from Eddie Kendricks (most notably known for his work with The Temptations) and Honey Cone. Since then many artists have graced the stage during “Soul Train,” including Aretha Franklin (“The Queen Of Soul”), Smokey Robinson & The Miracles (“Tears Of A Clown”), James Brown (“Super Bad”), Donna Summer(“Love To Love You Baby”) and countless others each leaving their own mark at different time periods of American music history.
Conclusion
When addressing questions such as who was the first artist to perform on Soul Train? One may consider any guests whose appearances were prior or contemporaneous towards its existence while being aired- whether locally or nationally. However there truly is only one answer: Don Cornelius himself premiered what would soon become America’s longest-running nationally syndicated television program dedicated exclusively to soul/black culture since changing location after having some success within Chicago market specifically – propelling him not just into stardom but also legend status within African-American culture itself.It helped give exposure to previously marginalized voices that went beyond soul/funk genres exploring fashion,music videos which would later influence popular media forms like MTV among other things, and comedic relief airing on television at the time – cementing legacy that will forever live within American music history.
Soul Train was undeniably one of the most iconic American music television shows that aired from 1971 to 2006. Created by Don Cornelius, the show became a platform for African-American artists who had historically struggled to gain exposure on mainstream media outlets. The weekly dance show featured predominantly black young adults busting moves to some of their favorite tunes in front of elaborate and iconic backdrops.
Don Cornelius started his career in broadcasting as an announcer at WVON radio station in Chicago before transitioning into television with WCIU-TV where he created Soul Train. On August 17th, 1970 when planning this new venture which would become “Soul Train”, he filmed a pilot episode hosted by local radio disc-jockey named Rick Shaw. It went well enough that investors backed him despite there being no guarantee it would sell beyond Chicago.
Then later that year filming was moved from Roosevelt High School’s school auditorium until they were able convert green screen rooms below WCIU studio/office itself – creating much more elaborate backdrops than what existed previously
It wasn’t until October 2nd of that same year when “Soul Train” officially hit airwaves across America via syndication -hosted by Don Cornelius himself.The series ran nationally as first-run syndication up until it came to an end because Don sold off royalty rights & production company sometime mid-90s—continued onward without him or Dick Griffey taking over creative operations until last broadcast on March 25th, 2006 hosted again by Don himself; shot non-studio(located in the parking space of CBS), and particularly memorable for no preview information beforehand.
During the first episode of Soul Train, Cornelius welcomed his audience with these words:
“Welcome to our first show, and we hope it will be a continuing effort here on out. And as always in parting, we wish you love, peace…and soul!”
Following this introduction from Don Cornelius was a performance from Gladys Knight & The Pips. They performed their famous hit “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” which received an ecstatic response from the live studio crowd.
The following week’s episode highlighted performances from Eddie Kendricks (most notably known for his work with The Temptations) and Honey Cone. Since then many artists have graced the stage during “Soul Train,” including Aretha Franklin (“The Queen Of Soul”), Smokey Robinson & The Miracles (“Tears Of A Clown”), James Brown (“Super Bad”), Donna Summer(“Love To Love You Baby”) and countless others each leaving their own mark at different time periods of American music history.
Don Cornelius not only provided African-American artists with a platform to showcase their talent but also started showcasing fashion designers and comedians on his show. This helped give exposure to previously marginalized voices that went beyond soul/funk genres, exploring fashion, music videos, which would later influence popular media forms like MTV among other things, and comedic relief airing on television at the time – cementing legacy that will forever live within American music history.
In conclusion, when addressing questions such as who was the first artist to perform on Soul Train? One may consider any guests whose appearances were prior or contemporaneous towards its existence while being aired- whether locally or nationally. However there truly is only one answer: Don Cornelius himself premiered what would soon become America’s longest-running nationally syndicated television program dedicated exclusively to soul/black culture since changing location after having some success within Chicago market specifically – propelling him not just into stardom but also legend status within African-American culture itself.