Love, Peace and Soul

December 1, 2013

Though there have been several recent books about the fabled TV show Soul Train (ST), in particular Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson's Soul Train: The Music, Dance, and Style of a Generation, Danois delves deeper by providing an in-depth biography of its creator, Don Cornelius (1936-2012). A multitude of former ST executives, crew, and dancers were interviewed, contributing their perspectives on both Cornelius and the show that had a profound influence not just on African Americans but on a nation of eager young music and dance fans. Cornelius's dream of bringing a hip, black version of American Bandstand to a national audience became a phenomenon that encouraged people of color to take pride in who they were. Because of him, radio stations began to play more black music and more black performers received national exposure. Danois explains how Cornelius had to keep reinventing the look of ST to keep up with changing music and dance tastes and to combat new competitive shows from cable stations such as MTV and BET. VERDICT A must-read for music, dance, and pop culture enthusiasts. This is a slice of American history that will delight former ST viewers and educate millennials about its groundbreaking significance.--Richard Dickey, Lib. of Congress, Washington, DC

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.