40 Years of Soul Train

R.I.P., Don Cornelius (1936-2012)

Success Ahead - By 1971, Soul Train was airing nationally, and would continue to do so until 2006. Cornelius hosted the show from its inception until he stepped down in 1993, famously signing off each episode with, "We wish you love, peace and soul." (Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

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R.I.P., Don Cornelius (1936-2012) - The world lost a legend when Don Cornelius died on Feb. 1 from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at the age of 75. Starting out as a music tour, his groundbreaking show Soul Train would become a nationally broadcasted TV show in 1970, under the direction of Cornelius (pictured above). Dubbed as the "hippest trip in America," Soul Train soon became the premier TV show for African-American singers and musicians.(Photo:  Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

"You have 60 seconds..." - As emblematic as the Soul Train logo, the Scramble Board has remained a sacred component to the show for as long as its been on air. Failure to accurately unscramble the word in 60 seconds is the musical equivalent to failing the bar exam—and best believe it’s twice as humiliating. (Photo: Everett Collection)

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"You have 60 seconds..." - As emblematic as the Soul Train logo, the Scramble Board has remained a sacred component to the show for as long as its been on air. Failure to accurately unscramble the word in 60 seconds is the musical equivalent to failing the bar exam—and best believe it’s twice as humiliating. (Photo: Everett Collection)

The Good Ol' Days - Bell bottoms and natural hair was all the rage back in the day. Plus, you had to know how to dance and catch that beat at the proper rhythm. On a less finer note there weren’t any rules about keeping your shirt buttoned.(Photo:  Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

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The Good Ol' Days - Bell bottoms and natural hair was all the rage back in the day. Plus, you had to know how to dance and catch that beat at the proper rhythm. On a less finer note there weren’t any rules about keeping your shirt buttoned.(Photo:  Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

A Term of Endearment - To this day the term “Soul Train dancer” evokes a nostalgic memory that much of the new generation neglects to understand. To be a Soul Train dancer means you had to be the total package plus more—there was no turning back when it was your time to shine.(Photo: Everett Collection)

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A Term of Endearment - To this day the term “Soul Train dancer” evokes a nostalgic memory that much of the new generation neglects to understand. To be a Soul Train dancer means you had to be the total package plus more—there was no turning back when it was your time to shine.(Photo: Everett Collection)

Photo By Photo: Everett Collection

Getting in Line - Another term popularized by the show was “Soul Train line,” which almost every party-goer has been a part of at some point in their life, whether they realized it or not. If you couldn’t make it on TV, than the club is the next best way to show off you’re two-step skills, albeit in the company of your friends. (Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

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Getting in Line - Another term popularized by the show was “Soul Train line,” which almost every party-goer has been a part of at some point in their life, whether they realized it or not. If you couldn’t make it on TV, than the club is the next best way to show off you’re two-step skills, albeit in the company of your friends. (Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

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Full Metal Soul - Though many may not remember Full Force, some music aficionados assert they were the first hip-hop band. Soul Train got a taste of them in all their glory in the '80s.(Photo: Everett Collection)

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Full Metal Soul - Though many may not remember Full Force, some music aficionados assert they were the first hip-hop band. Soul Train got a taste of them in all their glory in the '80s.(Photo: Everett Collection)

So Emotional - The Emotions hit the Soul Train stage and made sure that all those watching (and dancing) felt their energy.(Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

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So Emotional - The Emotions hit the Soul Train stage and made sure that all those watching (and dancing) felt their energy.(Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Doing the Robot on Soul Train  - To promote their 1974 hit "Dancing Machine," the Jackson 5 took the TV stage of Soul Train to perform. Little did the audience know that a teenage Mike had been studying the famous moves of Slim the Robot, a member of the pioneering dance troupe the Lockers. They (and millions across America) witnessed Michael's street-dance skills during the song's breakdown segment as he proceeded to lock, swivel and slide his way to the front of the stage... and into hip hop history.

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A Family Trip - What happens when an iconic musical group appears on an iconic show? History. The Jackson Five made multiple appearances on Soul Train, with their first appearance dating back to the second season. Cheers to the dancers who got to hear little MJ perform signature hits such as "I Want You Back" and "Little Bitty Pretty One.” (Photo: Tribune Entertainment / Getty Images)

“Blowing Like Shalamar in ‘81” - Don Cornelius chats with a young Jody Watley, who would go on to achieve fame as a dancer on Soul Train. Cornelius would eventually pick her to become a vocalist for the huge successful R&B band, Shalamar. (Photo: Tribune Entertainment/ Everett Collection)

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“Blowing Like Shalamar in ‘81” - Don Cornelius chats with a young Jody Watley, who would go on to achieve fame as a dancer on Soul Train. Cornelius would eventually pick her to become a vocalist for the huge successful R&B band, Shalamar. (Photo: Tribune Entertainment/ Everett Collection)

Rising Stars - In the 1970s and 1980s, megastar talent — including James Brown, Diana Ross, Michael Jackson and Aretha Franklin — made guest appearances on the show. Perhaps even more thrilling was catching a glimpse of a star on the rise, including a young Janet Jackson, who first appeared on the dance-music program in 1982. (Photo: 2001 Tribune Entertainment/Getty Images)

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The Queen of Soul - Aretha Franklin hits a few notes for Don Cornelius. Judging by Don’s expression he is more than amazed by this magical moment.  (Photo: 2001 Tribune Entertainment / Getty Images)

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Rock ‘n’ Blues - Chuck Berry breaks it down on Soul Train with his signature guitar playing moves.(Photo: 2001 Tribune Entertainment / Getty Images)

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Rock ‘n’ Blues - Chuck Berry breaks it down on Soul Train with his signature guitar playing moves.(Photo: 2001 Tribune Entertainment / Getty Images)

Soul Train Supreme - Don Cornelius stands proudly next to the original R&B Diva Diana Ross. (Photo: 2001 Tribune Entertainment / Getty Images)

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Soul Train Supreme - Don Cornelius stands proudly next to the original R&B Diva Diana Ross. (Photo: 2001 Tribune Entertainment / Getty Images)

The Soul Train Line Never Stops - Stevie Wonder stirs the Soul Train line with his trademark style and performance.  (Photo: Everett Collection)

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The Soul Train Line Never Stops - Stevie Wonder stirs the Soul Train line with his trademark style and performance.  (Photo: Everett Collection)