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Don Cornelius: Home

Don Cornelius was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in the Ahmet Ertegun Award for Lifetime Achievement category in 2023.

Don Cornelius

The visionary entrepreneur who was the creator, producer, and host of Soul Train

Don Cornelius created a vehicle for soul, R&B, dance, and hip hop to find their way into our living rooms. In the process he became a visionary entrepreneur who opened the door – and held it open – for many others to follow him through. More on rockhall.com... 

Black-and-white photograph of Don Cornelius. Don is dressed in black suit, white ruffled shirt, black bowtie and black hat.Black-and-white photo of Don Cornelius standing at a glass podium at the Soul Train Awards. Don is dressed in a black suit and is leaning with both hands on the podium.Black-and-white photograph of Don Cornelius.

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Listed below are notable collections and items from the Rock Hall's Archives. You can find more by searching our catalog here

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Influence & Legacy

Don Cornelius was influenced by...

  • Berry Gordy
  • Al Bell
  • Dick Clark

Don Cornelius inspired people like...

  • Oprah Winfrey
  • Keenen Ivory Wayans
  • Nick Cannon
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