Exclusive: We’ll be seeing a slew of music industry icons and visionaries portrayed in the upcoming second season of American Soul, the Don Cornelius-infused period drama, set for premiere on Bet in 2020.
American Soul takes an unflinching look at the entrepreneur, his Soul Train dancers, crew and musicians in an unforgiving Hollywood in the 1970’s – how they work, play, rise and fall against the backdrop of Soul Train — “the hippest trip in America” and one of the most predominant television shows for African American culture.
Inspired by the personal trials and professional successes of a young, ambitious and troubled impressario Cornelius, season two of the period drama picks up two years later in 1975. As Don, played by Sinqua Walls, becomes a rising star, he continues to manage an assortment of spectacular talent that comes to his show, a shaky family life, personal health and perhaps most importantly, his own ego.
American Soul takes an unflinching look at the entrepreneur, his Soul Train dancers, crew and musicians in an unforgiving Hollywood in the 1970’s – how they work, play, rise and fall against the backdrop of Soul Train — “the hippest trip in America” and one of the most predominant television shows for African American culture.
Inspired by the personal trials and professional successes of a young, ambitious and troubled impressario Cornelius, season two of the period drama picks up two years later in 1975. As Don, played by Sinqua Walls, becomes a rising star, he continues to manage an assortment of spectacular talent that comes to his show, a shaky family life, personal health and perhaps most importantly, his own ego.
- 11/25/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Questlove will co-executive produce an upcoming Broadway musical based on Soul Train, the iconic music variety program that aired from 1971 to 2006. The play, tentatively slated to arrive in 2021 to honor the TV series’ 50th anniversary, will trace the personal story of Soul Train host and creator Don Cornelius, Deadline reports.
Playwright Dominique Morisseau, director Kamilah Forbes and choreographer Camille A. Brown will all participate in the project. Questlove will executive produce alongside Cornelius’ son Tony, CSI creator Anthony E. Zuiker (in his Broadway debut) and Live Nation Urban president Shawn Gee.
Playwright Dominique Morisseau, director Kamilah Forbes and choreographer Camille A. Brown will all participate in the project. Questlove will executive produce alongside Cornelius’ son Tony, CSI creator Anthony E. Zuiker (in his Broadway debut) and Live Nation Urban president Shawn Gee.
- 8/20/2019
- by Ryan Reed
- Rollingstone.com
Soul Train, the iconic music variety series created and hosted by Don Cornelius beginning in 1971 that showcased black musicians both established and up-and-coming, could make Broadway a stop on its long-running journey. A musical based on the show, with a creative team that includes three of the leading black women working in theater today, could arrive on Broadway in 2021.
Playwright Dominique Morisseau (Ain’t Too Proud), director Kamilah Forbes (Meet Vera Stark) and choreographer Camille A. Brown will form the nucleus of the creative team, with The Roots’ Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson (The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon) as an executive producer. (See below for the complete production team.)
The musical will feature more than 20 hit songs from the era while telling the personal story of Cornelius as he creates the television series. The series became TV’s primary showcase for soul, rock, R&b and,...
Playwright Dominique Morisseau (Ain’t Too Proud), director Kamilah Forbes (Meet Vera Stark) and choreographer Camille A. Brown will form the nucleus of the creative team, with The Roots’ Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson (The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon) as an executive producer. (See below for the complete production team.)
The musical will feature more than 20 hit songs from the era while telling the personal story of Cornelius as he creates the television series. The series became TV’s primary showcase for soul, rock, R&b and,...
- 8/19/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Bet announced today that the subversive relationship comedy Boomerang is coming back around for a new season while the groovin’ Don Cornelius-infused period drama American Soul will also return to the network with some new dance moves.
The news comes ahead of the season finale of American Soul which will air at 9 pm Et/Pt and be followed by a special episode of Boomerang written by Jenny Lee and Emmy award winner Lena Waithe, who serves as executive producer of the series alongside Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry.
“Bet Networks is so proud to be the television home for the compelling scripted series, Boomerang and American Soul,” said Scott Mills, President, Bet Networks. “Our continued partnership demonstrates Bet’s commitment to the elevation of creative and authentic storytelling that viewers expect from the brand.”
Based on the iconic ’90s romantic comedy starring Eddie Murphy and Berry and produced by Paramount Television,...
The news comes ahead of the season finale of American Soul which will air at 9 pm Et/Pt and be followed by a special episode of Boomerang written by Jenny Lee and Emmy award winner Lena Waithe, who serves as executive producer of the series alongside Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry.
“Bet Networks is so proud to be the television home for the compelling scripted series, Boomerang and American Soul,” said Scott Mills, President, Bet Networks. “Our continued partnership demonstrates Bet’s commitment to the elevation of creative and authentic storytelling that viewers expect from the brand.”
Based on the iconic ’90s romantic comedy starring Eddie Murphy and Berry and produced by Paramount Television,...
- 4/2/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Lena Waithe and Halle Berry’s comedy series “Boomerang” is one of two shows that have been picked up for a second season at BET, Variety has learned.
Executive produced by Waithe and Berry, “Boomerang” is based on the 1992 American rom-com in which Berry starred alongside Robin Givens and Eddie Murphy.
“Making ‘Boomerang’ has been one of the highlights of my career and the positive feedback we’ve gotten from fans and critics has been so validating. I’m beyond excited to dive even deeper into these characters’ lives in season two,” said Waithe.
The 10-episode first season picks up roughly 25 years after the original film and centers on Simone Graham (daughter of Marcus Graham and Angela Lewis) and Bryson Broyer (son of Jaqueline Broyer), who are marketing professionals trying to step out of their parents’ shadows. The season one finale airs Tuesday, April 9.
“BET Networks is thrilled to partner...
Executive produced by Waithe and Berry, “Boomerang” is based on the 1992 American rom-com in which Berry starred alongside Robin Givens and Eddie Murphy.
“Making ‘Boomerang’ has been one of the highlights of my career and the positive feedback we’ve gotten from fans and critics has been so validating. I’m beyond excited to dive even deeper into these characters’ lives in season two,” said Waithe.
The 10-episode first season picks up roughly 25 years after the original film and centers on Simone Graham (daughter of Marcus Graham and Angela Lewis) and Bryson Broyer (son of Jaqueline Broyer), who are marketing professionals trying to step out of their parents’ shadows. The season one finale airs Tuesday, April 9.
“BET Networks is thrilled to partner...
- 4/2/2019
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Destiny’s Child’s Michelle Williams, Bobby Brown, Gabrielle Dennis, McKinley Freeman and K. Michelle are joining the guest star lineup in Bet’s American Soul, the series based on the life and career of Soul Train creator Don Cornelius, from Jesse Collins Entertainment. American Soul is set to premiere with back-to-back episodes on February 5 at 9 Pm Et/Pt on Bet in the U.S., before rolling out globally across Bet International’s linear channels in the UK, France, South Africa and South Korea, beginning February 7.
Grammy-winning singer and actress Williams will play the legendary Diana Ross. Ross is impressed by Don Cornelius, who is courting her to appear on his new show, but she hasn’t quite decided if she will accept his offer yet. Brown portrays soul singer Rufus Thomas, known for the classic soul song “Do the Funky Chicken.
Grammy-winning singer and actress Williams will play the legendary Diana Ross. Ross is impressed by Don Cornelius, who is courting her to appear on his new show, but she hasn’t quite decided if she will accept his offer yet. Brown portrays soul singer Rufus Thomas, known for the classic soul song “Do the Funky Chicken.
- 12/21/2018
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Bet’s upcoming drama series American Soul has rounded out its series regular cast ahead of its production start next Monday in Atlanta. Jason Dirden (Greenleaf), Iantha Richardson (This is Us), Christopher Jefferson (Fifth Ward), Katlyn Nichol and Jelani Winston have been cast opposite lead Sinqua Walls in the series based on the life and career of Soul Train creator Don Cornelius, from Jesse Collins Entertainment.
American Soul is described as an unflinching look at the entrepreneur, his Soul Train dancers, crew and musicians in an unforgiving Hollywood in the 1970’s – how they work, play, rise and fall against the backdrop of Soul Train — “the hippest trip in America” and one of the most predominant television shows for African American culture. The series was announced in April as part of Bet’s 2018-19 slate. A premiere date has not yet been set.
American Soul is described as an unflinching look at the entrepreneur, his Soul Train dancers, crew and musicians in an unforgiving Hollywood in the 1970’s – how they work, play, rise and fall against the backdrop of Soul Train — “the hippest trip in America” and one of the most predominant television shows for African American culture. The series was announced in April as part of Bet’s 2018-19 slate. A premiere date has not yet been set.
- 9/11/2018
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Former The Breaks star Sinqua Walls is set as the lead in American Soul, Bet’s upcoming drama series based on the life and career of Soul Train creator Don Cornelius, from Jesse Collins Entertainment.
Walls will play a young Cornelius in the 10-episode series that is inspired by the personal trials and professional successes of the young, ambitious and troubled impresario Cornelius. The drama series is described as an unflinching look at the entrepreneur, his Soul Train dancers, crew and musicians in an unforgiving Hollywood in the 1970’s – how they work, play, rise and fall against the backdrop of Soul Train — “the hippest trip in America” and one of the most predominant television shows for African American culture. The series was announced in April as part of Bet’s 2018-19 slate. A premiere date has not yet been set.
Produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment,...
Walls will play a young Cornelius in the 10-episode series that is inspired by the personal trials and professional successes of the young, ambitious and troubled impresario Cornelius. The drama series is described as an unflinching look at the entrepreneur, his Soul Train dancers, crew and musicians in an unforgiving Hollywood in the 1970’s – how they work, play, rise and fall against the backdrop of Soul Train — “the hippest trip in America” and one of the most predominant television shows for African American culture. The series was announced in April as part of Bet’s 2018-19 slate. A premiere date has not yet been set.
Produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment,...
- 9/4/2018
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Bet Networks is out with its slate for 2018-19, featuring a number of new scripted and reality series along with competitions, specials and awards shows. The cabler said the upcoming year will feature 21% more original programming than 2017-18.
Among the new scripted series is The Archer Connection (working title), a 10-episode half-hour dramedy from Chad Sanders about a young, black, iconoclastic mastermind who has developed an software that measures the sexual chemistry between its user and anyone in the room. It joins previously announced dramas American Soul and Games Divas Play and comedy Peachtree Place.
Among Bet’s newly announced docuseries are shows about the USA’s 1992 Olympic basketball Dream Team; Ladies Night, a series that follows the veteran girl groups En Vogue, Swv and Salt-n-Pepa as they embark on a national tour; and The Grand Hustle, a competition series from T.I.
Here is the full 2018-19 slate for Bet,...
Among the new scripted series is The Archer Connection (working title), a 10-episode half-hour dramedy from Chad Sanders about a young, black, iconoclastic mastermind who has developed an software that measures the sexual chemistry between its user and anyone in the room. It joins previously announced dramas American Soul and Games Divas Play and comedy Peachtree Place.
Among Bet’s newly announced docuseries are shows about the USA’s 1992 Olympic basketball Dream Team; Ladies Night, a series that follows the veteran girl groups En Vogue, Swv and Salt-n-Pepa as they embark on a national tour; and The Grand Hustle, a competition series from T.I.
Here is the full 2018-19 slate for Bet,...
- 4/17/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Bet has ordered five new scripted series and six unscripted projects for the upcoming season. The slate includes a comedy remake inspired by the 1992 pic “Boomerang” and a look at the life of “Soul Train” maestro Don Cornelius.
Bet unveiled its 2018-19 season programming slate on Tuesday amid the crush of cable upfront presentations this month. The Viacom cabler has vowed to boost the volume of original series by 21% over last year. Bet Networks president Scott Mills emphasized the cabler’s “special connection with the African-American audience.”
During the past few years Bet has faced increased competition for African-American audiences from Own, TV One as well as Viacom’s own VH1. The original programming push is in keeping with Viacom’s larger strategy of focusing its cable resources on six core channels, of which Bet is one.
“Creating powerful, engaging and provocative content has been Bet Networks’ legacy for decades,...
Bet unveiled its 2018-19 season programming slate on Tuesday amid the crush of cable upfront presentations this month. The Viacom cabler has vowed to boost the volume of original series by 21% over last year. Bet Networks president Scott Mills emphasized the cabler’s “special connection with the African-American audience.”
During the past few years Bet has faced increased competition for African-American audiences from Own, TV One as well as Viacom’s own VH1. The original programming push is in keeping with Viacom’s larger strategy of focusing its cable resources on six core channels, of which Bet is one.
“Creating powerful, engaging and provocative content has been Bet Networks’ legacy for decades,...
- 4/17/2018
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Wendy Williams will host the 2014 Soul Train Awards, the talk show host announced to her audience on Monday. Singer Dionne Warwick and Tony Cornelius, the son of “Soul Train” creator Don Cornelius, stopped by the “Wendy Williams Show” to help deliver the news. Also read: Don Cornelius, ‘Soul Train’ Host, Dead of Gunshot Wound “My father always thought highly of you. He always thought you were aggressive, and you could make it happen,” Cornelius said during the segment (above). “And now you've become this media personality.” The Soul Train Awards will be held at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Nov.
- 10/6/2014
- by Greg Gilman
- The Wrap
'Soul Train' creator, 75, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, L.A. coroner's office determines.
By Gil Kaufman
Don Cornelius
Photo: Diamond/ WireImage
The Los Angeles coroner's office ruled on Tuesday that former "Soul Train" host and creator Don Cornelius died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Cornelius, 75, was found shot at his Mulholland Drive home last Wednesday (February 1) morning by his son.
According to the Associated Press, the Los Angeles County Coroner's office made the suicide determination after conducting an autopsy on Cornelius' body on Friday. A final report will be issued pending the results of toxicology tests, which could take several weeks. After responding to a call from Cornelius' son, police were quickly able to rule out foul play in the host's death.
A former radio disc jockey, Cornelius created, wrote and produced "Soul Train," a popular dance/music show that spotlighted soul,...
By Gil Kaufman
Don Cornelius
Photo: Diamond/ WireImage
The Los Angeles coroner's office ruled on Tuesday that former "Soul Train" host and creator Don Cornelius died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Cornelius, 75, was found shot at his Mulholland Drive home last Wednesday (February 1) morning by his son.
According to the Associated Press, the Los Angeles County Coroner's office made the suicide determination after conducting an autopsy on Cornelius' body on Friday. A final report will be issued pending the results of toxicology tests, which could take several weeks. After responding to a call from Cornelius' son, police were quickly able to rule out foul play in the host's death.
A former radio disc jockey, Cornelius created, wrote and produced "Soul Train," a popular dance/music show that spotlighted soul,...
- 2/8/2012
- MTV Music News
As the music world mourns the death of Soul Train mastermind Don Cornelius, authorities are now confirming the circumstances surrounding it. L.A. County Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter confirms to E! News that the music impresario's death has officially been ruled a suicide. Cornelius was found dead at his Sherman Oaks home last week with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. His son Tony Cornelius told CBS This Morning that his father was "very unhappy about some things…and his health was failing." He also said he received a phone call from his father just hours before the elder Cornelius was believed to have shot himself in the head. Stars mourned Cornelius'...
- 2/7/2012
- E! Online
Los Angeles — Coroner's officials on Tuesday ruled Don Cornelius' death a suicide, nearly a week after the "Soul Train" creator and host killed himself with a gunshot to the head.
The agency made the determination after conducting an autopsy on Cornelius' body Friday. Investigators are still awaiting the results of toxicology tests before issuing a final report.
Police quickly ruled out foul play after responding to Cornelius' Mulholland Drive home early Wednesday morning. His son had alerted authorities after receiving a call from his father.
Cornelius, 75, started "Soul Train" in 1970 and it became one of the longest-running syndicated shows in history, introducing audiences to many top music acts and providing a never-before-seen TV platform for black culture.
The popular host was honored Saturday in Harlem with a lively celebration in tribute to Cornelius and the wide-ranging influence of his show.
His son, Tony Cornelius, released a statement last week...
The agency made the determination after conducting an autopsy on Cornelius' body Friday. Investigators are still awaiting the results of toxicology tests before issuing a final report.
Police quickly ruled out foul play after responding to Cornelius' Mulholland Drive home early Wednesday morning. His son had alerted authorities after receiving a call from his father.
Cornelius, 75, started "Soul Train" in 1970 and it became one of the longest-running syndicated shows in history, introducing audiences to many top music acts and providing a never-before-seen TV platform for black culture.
The popular host was honored Saturday in Harlem with a lively celebration in tribute to Cornelius and the wide-ranging influence of his show.
His son, Tony Cornelius, released a statement last week...
- 2/7/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Tony Cornelius, whose father Don launched the influential Soul Train franchise, says nothing had suggested to him or to friends that his father was suicidal. "He was not feeling well so it's really hard to say why my dad decided he had had enough," Cornelius's son told The Hollywood Reporter. "It's just one of those things. You just never know what someone is thinking. I can tell you due to health, things like divorce and relationships, there's all kinds of things that may trigger a reaction like that. But as his son, as one who was really close, I
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- 2/6/2012
- by Kim Masters
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
"It was a sense of urgency." Two days after Don Cornelius' shocking suicide at age 75, his son Tony Cornelius talks for the first time about receiving a distressing phone call from his father just four hours before the latter was believed to have shot himself in the head. Here's what he had to say. "It was a call of urgency and I came to his home immediately," the younger Cornelius told Gayle King on Thursday's edition of CBS This Morning. When asked if he'd been depressed about some things, Tony, who worked with his dad for more than 15 years on Soul Train, said Cornelius was "very unhappy about some things…and his health was...
- 2/3/2012
- E! Online
Soul Train creator Don Cornelius' son has broken his silence in the wake of his dad's apparent suicide to beg for privacy on behalf of his family.
Fans were stunned after the beloved U.S. TV personality was found dead in his Sherman Oaks, California home on Wednesday after reportedly shooting himself.
Now his son Tony Cornelius has issued a statement to U.S. news network CNN asking for time to grieve.
Tony says, "The family is saddened as we mourn the loss of Don Cornelius. At this time, we respectfully ask that you allow our family and friends the privacy necessary to get through this difficult time. We thank all the well-wishers and the fans who have supported the Soul Train legacy."
A host of stars including soul icon Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle, Rihanna and actress Taraji P. Henson have paid tribute to Cornelius, who is credited with introducing a host of black singers to mainstream audiences on Soul Train.
The series ran from 1971 to 2006 and featured performances from the likes of superstars including Michael Jackson and James Brown.
Fans were stunned after the beloved U.S. TV personality was found dead in his Sherman Oaks, California home on Wednesday after reportedly shooting himself.
Now his son Tony Cornelius has issued a statement to U.S. news network CNN asking for time to grieve.
Tony says, "The family is saddened as we mourn the loss of Don Cornelius. At this time, we respectfully ask that you allow our family and friends the privacy necessary to get through this difficult time. We thank all the well-wishers and the fans who have supported the Soul Train legacy."
A host of stars including soul icon Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle, Rihanna and actress Taraji P. Henson have paid tribute to Cornelius, who is credited with introducing a host of black singers to mainstream audiences on Soul Train.
The series ran from 1971 to 2006 and featured performances from the likes of superstars including Michael Jackson and James Brown.
- 2/3/2012
- WENN
Don Cornelius' son claims the late "Soul Train" creator phoned him just hours before he shot himself in the head -- describing the last-minute outreach as a "call of urgency."Don's son Tony Cornelius wouldn't specify what the call was about -- telling Gayle King on "CBS This Morning," his dad's health was failing and he was "unhappy about some things" in his life.Tony told Gayle, "You have to be in a person's shoes really to understand.
- 2/2/2012
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
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