This morning, the Queen of Soul remembered her old friend in a statement. “It’s so shocking and stunning,” she wrote. “[Don Cornelius] created a solid and broad foundation for young adults and adults alike to socialize, dance and have good clean fun. He united the young adult community single-handedly and globally.”
Franklin also credited Cornelius with setting a standard for “young aspiring African-American men and entrepreneurs in TV.” She added: “He transcended cultural barriers among young adults. They become one.”
R&B diva Patti LaBelle also remembered Cornelius in a statement, writing, “The contributions he made to music and our culture are second to none. I will always treasure the fond memories I have of working with Don over the years and being part of the history that he created through ‘Soul Train.'”
