MANHATTAN — Don Cornelius, the legendary host of "Soul Train," died Wednesday in an apparent suicide, according to reports.
Police found Cornelius in his Los Angeles home with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head early Wednesday morning, the Associated Press reported. He was 75.
Word of his death reverberated across the country.
"I am shocked and grief stricken by the reported suicide of Don Cornelius of Soul Train," the Rev. Al Sharpton tweeted. "I have known him since I was 19 years old."
"Soul Train" ran nationally from 1971 to 2006. It was hosted by the ever-stylish Cornelius, and showcased up-and-coming African-American musical talent.
Q-Tip, a member of A Tribe Called Quest, recalled performing on "Soul Train" for the first time.
"May u rest in peace and thank u 4 ur platform U will always be remembered R.I.P."" Q-Tip tweeted.
"Don Cornelius was brilliant and the epitome of cool," writer Toure tweeted. "He created an iconic show and hosted it in a suave way."
