Every so often a pioneer comes our way, and opens the door for new artists and new genres. When the world looses that pioneer, we often reflect on the impact their life has had on us. Don Cornelius was one of those pioneers. The Soul Train creator was found dead inside his California home yesterday. Dying of an apparent suicide.
As I reflected on my time watching Don Cornelius’ Soul Train that aired every Saturday in my Houston area home, I begin to think of more pioneers that the world would miss. I pondered the impact they’ve had on the world and especially the Gospel industry.
The glaring name that has parallel similarities to Don Cornelius’ accomplishments, is non other than our very own Dr. Bobby Jones. The two are nearly identical in many ways, and it’s important that the Gospel industry continue to stand on the shelves that Dr. Bobby Jones helped to elevate on our behalf.
Despite being from two different forms of music, Cornelius and Jones are almost identical in age. Jones 73 and Cornelius was 75 when he passed in the wee hours Wednesday, February 1, 2012.
Both led their genres of music to increased visibility on television and radio. And both have distinctive voices that you can recognize instantly. Don Cornelius served soul music with 35 years of influence. Dr. Bobby Jones has 31 years as a pioneer of Gospel music. The first Gospel show on BET, and the longest running show on BET can be attributed to Jones. And perhaps most important, both Cornelius and Jones introduced faces that people had never seen. Effectively boosting their celebrity status by looking into the network’s camera lens. Dr. Jones is still on the air today with his hit show ‘Bobby Jones Gospel’ still going strong.
You never know the pain that someone is carrying. On the outside it appears that they’re rich and happy, but it could just be your kind word that will keep someone clinging to Jesus.
I spoke to Dr. Bobby Jones the day Don Cornelius passed because it was burning on my heart to thank him like so many others in Gospel do and should do. Jones sorrowfully told me, “I felt that without Don Cornelius, there would have been no Bobby Jones Gospel. Don chose Soul Music, and I chose Gospel. Will the Gospel Music Industry give Gospel on TV the same respect as the Soul Music Industry gave Soul Train? The answer is yes. I ‘m glad that I am alive to witness it. I loved Don and what he did for our people, a legend and a pioneer.”
Similar expressions were sent straight to me by Aretha Franklin’s representatives, “It’s so shocking and stunning, God bless him. He created a solid and broad foundation for young people and adults alike to socialize, dance and have good clean fun. He united the young adult community single-handedly and globally. With the inception of Soul Train, a young, progressive brother set the pace and worldwide standard for young aspiring African American men and entrepreneurs in TV—out of Chicago. He transcended cultural barriers among young adults. They became one. Everybody loved Soul Train and appreciated Don!”
Gospel artist and Mega-Church televangelist Pastor Gregg Patrick says, “Don was a true pioneer and trailblazer of the television and music industry. This is the third such tragedy for me in just a year. You never know the pains people are carrying; try to take some of the load off them with a smile or kind word.”
Many more expressions have poured in, but I wanted to take this time out to say thank you to the legends that have paved the way.
It’s important to let our Gospel legends smell the flowers while they’re still alive. Then maybe a little bit of their success and goodwill can embed itself into the fabric of our purpose. Their dream will give birth to your dreams and purpose. Continue to ask God to reveal your purpose, and lean on him to direct your Path. Regardless of your profession, you can make a difference by calling a few people you haven’t spoken to in a while. Like someone said on the PATH Facebook page, “We can all do better!”
