Thursday, July 5, 2012

Documentary Celebrates The Life of Don Cornelius

DON CORNELIUS

The life, career and legend of Soul Train creator, Don Cornelius is celebrated in a touching, sometimes funny, sometimes poignant, documentary set to be released by Centric and The Don Cornelius Foundation.

Friends, family and industry insiders recently attended a private screening of ‘Don Cornelius: Visionary, Trailblazer and Cultural Icon’ in the Clive Davis Theater at the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live.  The one-hour special was met with applause and gratitude for the various accomplishments of Cornelius, who died Feb. 1, 2012. He apparently died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

TONY CORNELIUS

His son, Tony Cornelius, one of the co-producers, said the Don Cornelius Foundation, formed by the family of Donald C. Cornelius, is committed to establishing a program for awareness, prevention, and support for those contemplating suicide, or survivors who have lost loved ones.  The organization is also committed to establishing programs to support those in transition and in need of healing.

The Don Cornelius Foundation, Inc., a non-profit, will launch its inaugural “People All Over The World” campaign in early 2013.


Cornelius was best known as the smooth-voiced creator of the nationally syndicated dance/music franchise Soul Train, which he hosted from 1971 to 1993.  He single-handedly brought black music and culture into America's living rooms when he created the musical/dance phenomenon.

TONY CORNELIUS

The film, the first original posthumous documentary, tells the story behind the man by the man himself.  Inspired by one of Don Cornelius' last taped interviews, this documentary features the late Don Cornelius giving firsthand accounts and reflections of his early life and career during Soul Train that are accompanied by intimate photographs, exclusive footage and special stories from former Soul Train performers, dancers, and devoted fans, illustrating the impact of Soul Train across the nation.  From the innovative Soul Train Line to exclusive live performances by the Jackson Five, James Brown, Donna Summers, Stevie Wonder, and many more music legends from breaking fashion trends to cutting-edge dance moves, we will hear Don's deep, resonating voice take us once more on the hippest trip in America.

ANITA BAKER

‘Don Cornelius: Visionary, Trailblazer and Cultural Icon’ features interviews by Gladys Knight, Anita Baker, Quest Love, Kool and the Gang, Eddie Levert, New Edition, Kenny Lattimore and Missy Elliott. 

The film is executive produced by: Paxton Baker and Bart Phillips and co-executive produced by Tony Cornelius and Kenard Gibbs from Soul Train Holdings.

For more information about the Don Cornelius Foundation: www.TheDonCorneliusFoundation.com


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