Soul Train

Soul Train was an iconic American music-dance television program that aired for 35 years, from 1971 to 2006. Created by Don Cornelius, the show served as a vital platform for African American music, culture, and dance, showcasing R&B, soul, dance-pop, funk, jazz, disco, and hip-hop artists. It became a cultural phenomenon, famously featuring the 'Soul Train Line,' where dancers would form two parallel lines and dance down the center, showcasing their unique styles and fashion. Beyond the music, the show was a significant force in the Civil Rights era and beyond, providing mainstream visibility to Black artists who were often ignored by other television networks. Hosted by the deep-voiced Don Cornelius for most of its run, the program evolved alongside the changing landscape of American music, helping to launch the careers of countless legends and defining the aesthetic of generations of viewers.