The creator of Soul Train, Don Cornelius, was found dead this morning at his home in Sherman Oaks, California.

According to law enforcement sources the cause of death appears to be suicide.

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Officers responding to a report of a shooting found Cornelius at his Mulholland Drive home at around 4 a.m., police said. He was pronounced dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at 4:56 a.m. at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, said Los Angeles County Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter.

The cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head and officials believe it to be self-inflicted. A complete investigation is underway.

Cornelius created Soul Train in 1971 and was the shows host until 1993. He was instrumental with introducing black musicians, like James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and Michael Jackson, to a larger audience and familiarizing the country with R&B, soul, hip hop, funk, jazz, disco, and even gospel music.

Cornelius was also known for his smooth, deep voice and catchphrase which ended every episode of Soul Train, “… and you can bet your last money, it’s all gonna be a stone gas, honey! I’m Don Cornelius, and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul!”

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