Don Cornelius, 1936-2012

Don Cornelius, creator of the long-running TV dance show "Soul Train," shot himself to death on Feb. 1, 2012, at his home in Los Angeles, police said. He was 75.

This March 6, 2006 photo shows Cornelius at his office in Los Angeles.

Don Cornelius is seen at the 9th annual BET Awards on June 28, 2009, in Los Angeles.

"Soul Train" creator and producer Don Cornelius is shown during arrivals at the 21st Annual Soul Train Music Awards, in Pasadena, Calif., March 10, 2007.

Don Cornelius and actress Vivica A. Fox attend the 20th Anniversary Soul Train Music Awards Nominations at the Spago Restaurant on Feb. 2, 2006, in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Producer Don Cornelius accepts the "Discretionary Award - Pop Culture" on stage at the TV Land Awards on March 13, 2005, in Santa Monica, Calif.

Producer Don Cornelius and wife Victoria arrive at the 20th annual Soul Train Music Awards at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on March 4, 2006, in Pasadena, Calif.

From left, Musician Stevie Wonder, TV personality Don Cornelius and musician Smokey Robinson attend the 2005 TV Land Awards at Barker Hangar on March 13, 2005, in Santa Monica, Calif.

R&B performer Usher and "Soul Train" producer Don Cornelius arrive at the 19th Annual Soul Train Music Awards at Paramount Studios on Feb. 28, 2005, in Los Angeles.

Producer Don Cornelius greets actor/recording artist Nick Cannon at the 19th Annual 2005 Soul Train Music Awards nomination announcements during press conference at Spago Restaurant on Feb. 1, 2005, in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Don Cornelius and his wife Victoria attend the Martin Scorsese's Film Foundation and Norby Walters 12th Annual Night Of 100 Stars Oscar Gala at the Beverly Hills Hotel on March 23, 2003, in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Don Cornelius and show host Arsenio Hall attend the 17th Annual Soul Train Music Awards Nominations at Spago's Restaurant on Feb. 3, 2003, in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Soul Train Executive Producer and creator Don Cornelius introduces the co-hosts for the 2002 Soul Train Lady Of Soul Awards at Spago Restaurant on July 23, 2002, in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Don Cornelius and his wife attend the Gala Benefit for Debbie Allen's musical Pearl at the Geffen Playhouse on Nov. 19, 2002, in Westwood, Calif.

From left, Reverend Jesse L. Jackson poses with singer Smokey Robinson, Greg Mathis and Don Cornelius at the Rainbow/PUSH Coalitions Fourth Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 11, 2001, in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Television producer Don Cornelius holds a plaque on the Hollywood Walk of Fame after the unveiling of his star in Los Angeles, on Feb. 27, 1997.

Don Cornelius celebrates his 25th season of the syndicated music show, "Soul Train," in Los Angeles, in this 1995 file photo.

Singer Aretha Franklin with show host and producer Don Cornelius. Franklin was one of many entertainers who performed on "Soul Train" in the 1970s, part of the Soul Train 30th Anniversary "Divas and Kings 2000 & Beyond."

Singer Diana Ross with show host and producer Don Cornelius. Ross was one of many entertainers who performed on "Soul Train" in the 1970s, part of the Soul Train 30th Anniversary "Divas and Kings 2000 & Beyond."