Popular music icon, Don Cornelius,75, founder, host and producer of "Soul Train" the popular syndicated music/dance television show from 1971 to 1993 was found dead, from an alleged self-inflicted bullet wound to the head at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday morning.

Soul Train aired mainly on Saturdays on television networks and stations across America, launched or promoted the careers of several top American Black music artists like Gladys Knight and the Pips, James Brown, the O-Jays and Aretha Franklyn. On Saturday mornings the lovers, young and old, of popular music and the latest dance craze, made sure to find a television to see what artist appeared on the show, and to learn the latest dance moves.

Cornelius was famous for his extremely deep baritone voice, and the popular phrase, with which he closed the weekly televised show, "...and as always, we wish you love, peace and sooooul!"

In 1987 he launched the "Soul Train Music Awards" which still remains popular, and is aired annually by Black Entertainment Television (BET). He also launched the "Lady of Soul Music Awards" in 1995.

Cornelius had a star in his honor placed on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, for his contribution to American entertainment and popular music.

The Los Angeles coroner is investigating Cornelius' death, but the initial report is that it was suicide.