Don Cornelius

Donald Cortez Don Cornelius was an American television show host and producer who was best known as the creator of the nationally syndicated dance and music show Soul Train, which he hosted from 1971 until 1993. Eventually Cornelius sold the show to MadVision Entertainment in 2008.

Cornelius was born on Chicagos South Side on September 27, 1936, and raised in the Bronzeville neighborhood. After graduating from DuSable High School in 1954, he joined the United States Marine Corps and servedmonths in Korea. He worked at various jobs following his stint in the military, including selling tires, automobiles, and insurance, and as an officer with the Chicago Police Department. He quit his day job to take a threemonth broadcasting course in 1966, despite being married with two sons and having only 400 in his bank account. In 1966, he landed a job as an announcer, news reporter and disc jockey on Chicago radio station WVON. He stood roughly 6160ftin tall.

Source: Wikipedia