Table of Contents
- Don Cornelius Net Worth and Career Highlights
- Early Life and Career Beginnings
- The Creation of “Soul Train”
- Later Years and Personal Life
- Net Worth Over Time and Components
Don Cornelius Net Worth and Career Highlights
Don Cornelius, an American television show host and producer, had a net worth of $10 million at the time of his death. Born on September 27, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, Cornelius gained fame as the host and creator of the iconic dance/music franchise, “Soul Train”. He began his career as an announcer, news reporter, and disc jockey on Chicago radio station WVON in 1966. Cornelius joined Chicago television station WCIU-TV in 1967 and hosted a news program called “A Black’s View of the News”. In 1970, he launched “Soul Train” as a daily local show, which later entered national syndication and moved to Los Angeles in 1971. Cornelius hosted “Soul Train” from 1971 until 1993 and continued producing it until he sold the rights in 2008.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Don Cornelius was raised in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago’s South Side. He attended DuSable High School and graduated in 1954 before serving in the United States Marine Corps for 18 months during the Korean War. After leaving the military, he held several jobs selling tires, cars, and insurance before becoming an officer with the Chicago Police Department. Dissatisfied with his work there, Cornelius quit his job in 1966 and enrolled in a three-month broadcasting course. His risk paid off when he landed a job at Chicago radio station WVON.
The Creation of “Soul Train”
Inspired by the civil rights movement and his career in journalism, Don Cornelius noticed the lack of television programs dedicated to soul music in the late 1960s. Determined to introduce the music and culture of Black Americans to a wider audience, he created “Soul Train” in 1970. The show quickly gained popularity and entered national syndication. With Cornelius as the writer, producer, and host, “Soul Train” became a platform for showcasing the hottest acts of the time, including James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and Michael Jackson. The show also played an instrumental role in displaying Black Americans more prominently on television and promoting the “Black is Beautiful” Campaign.
Later Years and Personal Life
Cornelius left “Soul Train” in 1993, although the show continued without him until 2006. He sold the rights to MadVision Entertainment in 2008. Outside of his work on the show, Cornelius had a few film roles, including “Tapeheads” and a fictionalized version of himself in “The Return of Bruno.” He also appeared in an episode of “Unsung” in 2012, his last onscreen appearance before his death. In his personal life, Cornelius was married to Delores Harrison, with whom he had two sons. After their divorce, he married Russian supermodel Victoria Avila in 2001, but the marriage ended in 2009.
Net Worth Over Time and Components
Don Cornelius’ net worth of $10 million at the time of his death is a reflection of his successful career as the host and creator of “Soul Train”. The components of his net worth include his earnings from hosting and producing the show, as well as any investments or business ventures. Throughout his career, Cornelius built a strong brand and a lasting legacy with “Soul Train”, which contributed to his overall net worth. It is important to note that net worths are estimated figures based on available information and may not capture the full extent of an individual’s wealth.
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