On Wednesday morning it was reported that Don Cornelius, the creator of the musical variety show Soul Train, was found dead in hisCalifornia home from a self-inflicted gun shot wound to the head. He was 75-years-old. 

Cornelius’ death left many stunned and saddened. Celebrities took to Twitter to express their grief and also appreciation of the legacy that Cornelius leaves behind. Questlove of the The Roots, who has expressed his love for “Soul Train” on numerous occasions, tweeted, “140 characters can’t do justice to #DonCornelius impact…”

Marsha Ambrosius tweeted, “I remember thinking I’d ‘made it’ after performing on Soul Train. Career moment I’ll never forget. Rest in Love Peace & Soul Don Cornelius.”

Ledisi sent out a tweet saying, “R.I.P. Mr. Don Cornelius thank you for leaving behind a legacy of Soul. You gave so many a chance to be seen and heard. My Prayers 2 your family.”

Jermaine Dupri expressed having the opportunity to appear on Soul Train while Cornelius was still the host. “    IM SO BLESSED TO SAY I GOT TO VISIT SOUL TRAIN WHEN DON WAS STILL THE HOST, THANK YOU FOR YOUR CREATION, YOU WILL BE MISSED,” he tweeted.

Jody Watley, who began her career on “Soul Train” sent out a tweet saying, “An incredible legacy of music, dance, television that will live on forever, a bright spot in our culture, a true visionary. #RIPDONCORNELIUS”

Stevie Wonder called in to “CNN Newsroom” to talk about the impact “Soul Train” had on his career and how he came to know Cornelius.

“Soul Train” was the longest-running first-run nationally syndicated show in television history. The show ran from 1970-2007 and Cornelius is credited with bringing African-American music to the national forefront.

On Friday, February 3, VH1 and VH1 Classic will re-air the special “Soul Train: The Hippest Trip inAmerica” at 10PM ET/PT.

What’s your favorite memory of “Soul Train”?

 By: Brittney Fennell