babynoz said:

Timmy84 said:

lol 106 didn't even have the brains to do what it did like Soul Train did. Plus Soul Train actually did more for the music than 106 did. That said, I still can't imagine BET without Soul Train especially 1980-1998 BET.

That's true because BET didn't start out as the mess it became. They actually had a news bureau and shows like Video Soul plus community affairs programming before it was sold to Viacom.

Teen Summit used to be something I watched if I wanted to remain progressive and not regressive.

Timmy84 said:

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

He also was the first African-American to create, produce, host & more importantly OWN his own show. He needs to be recognized for this and given credit.

I first read that he was the owner of it around 2006. I don't know why that didn't quite register with me when I was younger.

I knew about the other stuff but I didn't know about Solar records until today.

BET is shit now. TVOne is where it's at.

R.I.P Don

Soul Train will live in our hearts forever

Timmy84 said:

babynoz said:

That's true because BET didn't start out as the mess it became. They actually had a news bureau and shows like Video Soul plus community affairs programming before it was sold to Viacom.

Teen Summit used to be something I watched if I wanted to remain progressive and not regressive.

BET is unrecognizable from the way it started. Shows like teen summit are gone forever I guess.

babynoz said:

Timmy84 said:

I first read that he was the owner of it around 2006. I don't know why that didn't quite register with me when I was younger.

I knew about the other stuff but I didn't know about Solar records until today.

Yeah the label was originally called Soul Train Records with Don and Dick Griffey (who has also passed on) as the founders. It became SOLAR once Don decided he didn't wanna go into the music business. Don also was the reason why Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel stayed in Shalamar after Dick Griffey initially wanted to replace them.

And here's also something that people didn't know about Don:

He also co-wrote TSOP '73. But get this, he didn't think the song had potential to be a hit so Gamble & Huff agreed to take him out of the songwriting credit list and credited it as "TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)" (its original title if I'm not mistaken was "Soul Train Theme (People All Over the World)". I think Don wrote the lyrics ("People all over the world", "Let's get it on, it's time to get down") but since he uncredited himself, he didn't get any of its royalties. It was only after the song became a national hit in 1973 that he added the original song on his show (which included the Three Degrees singing "Soul Train, soul train"...) if I'm not mistaken.

Don went on to co-write some of the 1970s/early 1980s themes of Soul Train. (He and Dick did "Soul Train '75" and "Soul Train '76"; and then he wrote "Soul Train '78"). I think after 1979, he allowed other writers contribute. I think Leon Sylvers III wrote and produced "Up on Soul Train" (which was first sung by the Waters and later sung by the Whispers) and, of course O'Bryan did "Soul Train's A Comin'".

Timmy84 said:

babynoz said:

I knew about the other stuff but I didn't know about Solar records until today.

Yeah the label was originally called Soul Train Records with Don and Dick Griffey (who has also passed on) as the founders. It became SOLAR once Don decided he didn't wanna go into the music business. Don also was the reason why Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel stayed in Shalamar after Dick Griffey initially wanted to replace them.

Hmmm Jody & Jeffrey have not made a comment yet...He was responsible for launching a lot of careers. Guess U can add the late Jermaine Stewart in there who danced on Soul Train..

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

Timmy84 said:

Yeah the label was originally called Soul Train Records with Don and Dick Griffey (who has also passed on) as the founders. It became SOLAR once Don decided he didn't wanna go into the music business. Don also was the reason why Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel stayed in Shalamar after Dick Griffey initially wanted to replace them.

Hmmm Jody & Jeffrey have not made a comment yet...He was responsible for launching a lot of careers. Guess U can add the late Jermaine Stewart in there who danced on Soul Train..

Jody commented on her FB page.

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

Timmy84 said:

Yeah the label was originally called Soul Train Records with Don and Dick Griffey (who has also passed on) as the founders. It became SOLAR once Don decided he didn't wanna go into the music business. Don also was the reason why Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel stayed in Shalamar after Dick Griffey initially wanted to replace them.

Hmmm Jody & Jeffrey have not made a comment yet...He was responsible for launching a lot of careers. Guess U can add the late Jermaine Stewart in there who danced on Soul Train..

Yeah. I think some '70s soul singers also need to thank Don for having them debut their music on there. We first got to know Al Green through Soul Train. His first appearance was hilarious with him wearing the pimp hat, the pink tank top and the hot pants (leather at that) with the boots. Of course he upgraded his look the next time he got on when he performed "Let's Stay Together".

Soul Train also relaunched Marvin Gaye's return to TV performances. Soul Train was the first time Marvin had been on TV since 1969. He and Don became fast friends after his 1974 appearance. He even shouted out Don's name on "Got to Give It Up" (apparently Don was invited to a party Marvin was hosting). Aretha and Tina Turner and Diana Ross got a whole bunch of new fans by their appearances on there.

I don't even know about Teen Summit. Does anyone remember the little computerized-woman that played videos? What was her name? LOL

musicjunky318 said:

I don't even know about Teen Summit. Does anyone remember the little computerized-woman that played videos? What was her name? LOL

Cita's World? LOL

I used to say that was the beginning of BET's downfall.

Timmy84 said:

musicjunky318 said:

I don't even know about Teen Summit. Does anyone remember the little computerized-woman that played videos? What was her name? LOL

Cita's World? LOL

I used to say that was the beginning of BET's downfall.

YEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

LOLLLLLLLL

Timmy84 said:

musicjunky318 said:

I don't even know about Teen Summit. Does anyone remember the little computerized-woman that played videos? What was her name? LOL

Cita's World? LOL

I used to say that was the beginning of BET's downfall.

I hated that shit so much.

Timmy84 said:

musicjunky318 said:

I don't even know about Teen Summit. Does anyone remember the little computerized-woman that played videos? What was her name? LOL

Cita's World? LOL

I used to say that was the beginning of BET's downfall.

LMAOOOOOO!!! Cita's World?? Damn that takes me BACK!

She was so hood. I think they based her on Free.

Vendetta1 said:

Timmy84 said:

Cita's World? LOL

I used to say that was the beginning of BET's downfall.

I hated that shit so much.

I forgot who they say voiced her, some actress lol

Terrib3Towel said:

I actually liked 106 & Park when it was AJ and Free. Was it ever cleared up why they left? It's like they never give a straight answer.

OT: I'm watching Ice Cube's behind the music on VH1.

BET needs to get it together. I haven't wached in years. Nothing on it. They took AJ & Free off. AJ cut his braids off, shaved his beard...I think he's on Access Hollywood or one of them entertainment shows now. The Basement is gone. Remember that? Access Granted? Testimony? Where is all this stuff now? And why do they have to show Baby Boy every single night.

LittleBLUECorvette said:

Terrib3Towel said:

LMAOOOOOO!!! Cita's World?? Damn that takes me BACK!

I likes Hits but back to Don, is there any footage from when the series first ran in just Chicago from 69 to 71?

I don't know. There's pictures though. Don wasn't yet sporting the Afro he would be come to be known with when ST went into national syndication in October 1971.

musicjunky318 said:

BET needs to get it together. I haven't wached in years. Nothing on it. They took AJ & Free off. AJ cut his braids off, shaved his beard...I think he's on Access Hollywood or one of them entertainment shows now. The Basement is gone. Remember that? Access Granted? Testimony? Where is all this stuff now? And why do they have to show Baby Boy every single night.

What happened with BET is what happened with Soul Train, once you get rid of the main players or the main players sell it to companies that don't know what to do with something that are institutions (make no mistake BET was definitely an institution the first 10 years of it), they overuse it and then run it into the ground. Unlike Soul Train, however, BET is a network and has to find ways to get the crowd into it even if it means taking away all the elements that made it so special in the first place.

musicjunky318 said:

BET needs to get it together. I haven't wached in years. Nothing on it. They took AJ & Free off. AJ cut his braids off, shaved his beard...I think he's on Access Hollywood or one of them entertainment shows now. The Basement is gone. Remember that? Access Granted? Testimony? Where is all this stuff now? And why do they have to show Baby Boy every single night.

YES!! But you know what? I don't even mind because of sexy ass Tyrese. But they should play other black movies like Juice, Boyz In The Hood, South Central, etc. Why they are stuck on Baby Boy I have no idea.

Timmy84 said:

musicjunky318 said:

BET needs to get it together. I haven't wached in years. Nothing on it. They took AJ & Free off. AJ cut his braids off, shaved his beard...I think he's on Access Hollywood or one of them entertainment shows now. The Basement is gone. Remember that? Access Granted? Testimony? Where is all this stuff now? And why do they have to show Baby Boy every single night.

What happened with BET is what happened with Soul Train, once you get rid of the main players or the main players sell it to companies that don't know what to do with something that are institutions (make no mistake BET was definitely an institution the first 10 years of it), they overuse it and then run it into the ground. Unlike Soul Train, however, BET is a network and has to find ways to get the crowd into it even if it means taking away all the elements that made it so special in the first place.

It's a shame.

musicjunky318 said:

BET needs to get it together. I haven't wached in years. Nothing on it. They took AJ & Free off. AJ cut his braids off, shaved his beard...I think he's on Access Hollywood or one of them entertainment shows now. The Basement is gone. Remember that? Access Granted? Testimony? Where is all this stuff now? And why do they have to show Baby Boy every single night.

YES!! But you know what? I don't even mind because of sexy ass Tyrese. But they should play other black movies like Juice, Boyz In The Hood, South Central, etc. Why they are stuck on Baby Boy I have no idea.

^ BET thought they was doing us a favor with "Soul Plane" knowing I hated it lol "Baby Boy" is one of the most overplayed films of all time now lol

They actually have some interesting stuff coming up for this month. I'll give them their credit when the credit is due. I'll be watching most if not all of this....

This Black History Month, BET and CENTRIC will offer programming highlighting the cultural contributions of black America.

BET’s Black History Month lineup will encompass an array of films, original series and specials, including: the fifth annual BET Honors; the network movie premiere of “The Express” (Rob Brown, Charles Dutton), “Dreamgirls” (Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson), “Ali” (Will Smith), “John Q” (Denzel Washington, Kimberly Elise), “35 & Ticking” (Nicole Ari Parker, Kevin Hart) and the BET News special “Soul Mates: Dr. Maya Angelou and Common.”

Additionally, BET will premiere new episodes of hit series “The Game” and “Let’s Stay Together” as well as its first Oscar special, “BET Takes Hollywood.”

On CENTRIC—BET’s adult-focused channel—programming will include: “Be Inspired: The Life Of Heavy D,” a documentary chronicling the life of Dwight “Heavy D” Myers; “Hip Hop: A Culture Odyssey,” a documentary tracing the origins, evolution and spirit of hip hop; the network premiere of “Soul Power” (James Brown) and “Having Our Say: The Delaney Sisters” (Diahann Carroll, Ruby Dee); and, concert specials from award-winning musicians R. Kelly and Mary J. Blige.

SOUL MATES: DR. MAYA ANGELOU AND COMMON – Premieres Sunday, February 12 at 11:00 a.m.* on BET. BET News brings together the iconic master of literature Dr. Maya Angelou, who received the country’s highest civilian honor from President Obama, with celebrated hip hop artist Common. The result is exclusive access to one of the most accomplished African-American figures of our time relayed by one of today’s most popular artists—an unforgettable TV moment.

BET HONORS – Premieres Monday, February 13 at 9:00 p.m.* on BET. Hosted by actress Gabrielle Union, this year’s show recognizes the accomplishments of outstanding African-Americans by honoring renowned author/poet Maya Angelou (Literary Arts), internationally acclaimed musician Stevie Wonder (Musical Arts), Grammy Award-winning songstress Mariah Carey (Entertainer), influential filmmaker Spike Lee (Media), the heroic Tuskegee Airmen (Service) and inspirational coach/mentor Beverly Kearney (Education). The show’s star-studded lineup includes performances by Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Rowland, Queen Latifah, Willow Smith, Jill Scott, Ledisi, Cicely Tyson, Raekwon, Common, and BET Music Matters artist Luke James with appearances and participation by First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama, Cuba Gooding Jr., Terrence Howard, Willow Smith, Jill Scott, India.Arie and John Singleton.

BET TAKES HOLLYWOOD – Premieres Friday, February 17 at 10:00 p.m.* on BET. BET’s first Oscar special will take a look at this year’s nominees Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer (The Help). Veteran celebrity journalist Shaun Robinson of “Access Hollywood” sits down with each of the major African-American nominees of 2012 to discuss their amazing race to the Academy Awards.

Movies:

THE EXPRESS – Premieres Saturday, February 4 at 7:30 p.m.* on BET. Rob Brown stars in the true story of Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win football’s Heisman Trophy. Dubbed the “Elmira Express” for his relentless drive, Davis also lived up to the nickname off the field as he battled for racial equality. Dennis Quaid co-stars as Syracuse coach Ben Schwartzwalder, who teaches Davis the game and in return learns much from his running back’s bold civil rights achievements.

HAVING OUR SAY: THE DELANEY SISTERS – Premieres Sunday, February 5 at 9:00 p.m.* on CENTRIC. Based on the New York Times’ bestseller of the same name, Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years is a celebratory look at the lives of two African-American sisters, Sadie (Diahann Carroll) and Bessie Delany (Ruby Dee), from North Carolina, who each lived over a century. Having encountered firsthand discrimination based on their race and sex, the two sisters recall their support for each other and the various societal changes during their lifetimes.

35 & TICKING – Premieres Saturday, February 11 at 8:00 p.m.* on BET. The film centers around the lives of Victoria (Tamala Jones), Zenobia (Nicole Ari Parker), Clevon (Kevin Hart), and Phil (Keith Robinson)—all friends approaching the age of 35 and struggling to build the families they’ve always dreamed of. All four of them try to rectify their romantic lives and futures while their biological clocks tick away. Also starring Darius McCrary, Meagan Good, Dondre Whitfield, Jill Marie Jones, Clifton Powell, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Luenell, Mike Epps and Kym Whitley.

LAVELL CRAWFORD: CAN A BROTHER GET SOME LOVE – Premieres Saturday, February 11 at 1:00 a.m.* on BET. “Last Comic Standing” runner-up Lavell Crawford lords over a hometown crowd at St. Louis’s Orpheum Theatre, raking in the love—and the laughs. Jokes cover the hilarity of presidential politics and the social scene in heaven.

DREAMGIRLS – Premieres Monday, February 13 at 6:00 p.m.* on BET. Broadway’s definitive girl-group musical about three women who have high hopes for fame but end up paying a price for it makes its way to the big screen with Bill Condon at the helm and a dream cast that includes Jamie Foxx and Beyoncé Knowles. Eddie Murphy co-stars in an Oscar-nominated role, but Jennifer Hudson took home the golden statuette for playing the strong but slighted Effie. The film was nominated for eight Oscars overall in 2007.

James Brown in the documentary Soul Power

SOUL POWER – Premieres Sunday, February 19 at 9:00 p.m.* on CENTRIC. This legendary music festival (dubbed Zaire ‘74) depicts the experiences and performances of such musical luminaries as James Brown, BB King, Bill Withers, Celia Cruz, among a host of others. At the peak of their talents and the height of their careers, these artists were inspired by this return to their African roots, as well as the enthusiasm of the Zairian audience, to give the performances of their lives. The concert has achieved mythological significance as the definitive Africa(n)-American musical event of the 20th century.

ALI – Premieres Friday, February 24 at 8:00 p.m.* on BET. Michael Mann’s Oscar-nominated drama centers on the personal and professional life of boxing legend Muhammad Ali (Will Smith), but brings with it an examination of the social and political issues of the decades in which Ali—amid great controversy—ruled the ring. From the early 1960s, through his anti-Vietnam War stance, to his epic title bouts with Liston, Frazier and Foreman, Ali proved that he is, indeed, The Greatest. Also starring Jamie Foxx, Jon Voight, Jada Pinkett Smith and Mario Van Peebles.

JOHN Q – Premieres Saturday, February 25 at 8:00 p.m.* on BET. In director Nick Cassavetes’s gripping social drama, blue-collar worker John Q. (Denzel Washington) finds that his meager insurance won’t cover his son’s heart transplant, so he holds a hospital emergency room hostage until doctors agree to perform the surgery. Meanwhile, gung ho police chief Gus Monroe (Ray Liotta) and hostage negotiator Frank Grimes (Robert Duvall) try to diffuse the situation amid a media frenzy

R. KELLY’S LOVE LETTER CONCERT – Premieres Saturday, February 11 at 10:00 p.m.* on CENTRIC. The Love Letter Concert is your front row ticket to R. Kelly’s 2011 U.S. tour named for his Grammy-nominated album Love Letter. Filmed live in Raleigh, NC and Columbus, OH, R. Kelly never disappoints, delivering hit after hit, from a hopping rendition of “Ignition (Remix)” to his show-stopping performance of “When A Woman Loves.” The Love Letter Tour has something for everyone—longtime fans and casual listeners alike—and as R. Kelly moves effortlessly through his catalogue, he reminds us of his impact on music over the last two decades.

BEING: MARY J. BLIGE – Premieres Saturday, February 18 at 10:00 p.m.* on CENTRIC. An all-new interview with the “Queen of Hip Hop Soul,” Mary J. Blige, in the CENTRIC original music-bio series “Being” followed by the one-hour premiere of her sold-out concert in Atlanta.

BE INSPIRED: THE LIFE OF HEAVY D – Premieres Sunday, February 26 at 11:00 p.m.* on CENTRIC. This one‐hour documentary chronicles the prolific life and career of Dwight “Heavy D” Myers. Family members as well as artists such as Will Smith, Mary J. Blige, Eddie F., Queen Latifah and many others will reflect upon Heavy’s life through his most popular songs, music videos, and his television, stage and film performances. Heavy’s final tweet was “Be Inspired,” a poignant phrase for the man who lived his life inspiring so many people.

HIP HOP: A CULTURAL ODYESSY – Premieres Sunday, February 26 at 12:00 a.m.* on CENTRIC. This one-hour documentary, based on the recently released Hip Hop: A Cultural Odyssey book, traces the origins, evolution, and spirit of hip hop and the prolific artists that changed the music industry forever. In a round table discussion, hip hop aficionados will be given a chance to see industry pioneers such as Doug E. Fresh, DJ Hollywood and Big Daddy Kane reminisce and reflect about what hip-hop was back in the day, the road blocks they faced and how they feel about where hip hop is today—while Dr. Cornell West and Reverend Al Sharpton reflect on how hip hop served as a sounding board for activism and rhetoric on both political and historical benchmarks throughout time.

TAVIS SMILEY: Cornelius SAVED Black Culture

FROM FACEBOOK

I'm shocked and devastated to learn that Soul Train Founder and Creator Don Cornelius has died..I will have to gather my thoughts to say more than this - this is sad and my heart is broken at this horrible news. Rest in Peace to a great man who created a door and world of opportunity for many like myself to walk through. His legacy will live on. I wish him a peaceful journey. RIP Don Cornelius

[Edited 2/1/12 21:28pm]