The iconic disc jockey turned television host Don Cornelius was found dead at his Los Angeles home early Wednesday from what is being reported as a suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot to the head.
According to police spokesman Chris No, someone called police from within the house to report shots had been fired just before 4 a.m. When officers arrived, they found Cornelius lying on the floor from the shot. Los Angeles County assistant chief coroner Ed Winter said the shot appeared self-inflicted. “It was reported as a suicide,” Winter said. “A self-inflicted wound. I have investigators at the hospital.”
Cornelius was taken to Cedar-Sinai Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 4:56 a.m.
Cornelius was a disc jockey that created “Soul Train” in 1970 in Chicago on WCIU-TV and served as its writer, producer and host. The show became an instant hit nationwide and went on in production for the next 35 years. The show is credited for giving exposure to artists like Michael Jackson, James Brown and Aretha Franklin.
Quincy Jones released a statement saying, “I am shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden passing of my friend, colleague and business partner Don Cornelius. Don was a visionary pioneer and a giant in our business. Before MTV, there was ‘Soul Train.’ That will be the great legacy of Don Cornelius. His contributions to television, music and our culture as a whole will never be matched. My heart goes out to Don’s family and loved ones.”
