NPR celebrates its 50th anniversary by looking back on moments of 1971. When Don Cornelius created Soul Train 50 years ago, it soon became a cultural institution — showcasing Black music and culture.

The Apollo has long been the ultimate destination for black artists. Early on, the iconic Harlem theater launched the careers of Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald on its famous Amateur Night, while ...

Soul Train is an American musical variety show that aired in syndication from 1971 to 2006. In its 35-year history, the show primarily featured performances by R&B, soul, and hip hop artists, although ...

In October, 1971, something new hit the television screens of America. Chicago host Don Cornelius stepped in front of live cameras and introduced “Soul Train”. If it looked like “American Bandstand,” ...

Damita Jo Freeman left an indelible mark on the dance and entertainment industry when she soared to fame on the iconic Soul Train. Known for her flexibility, creative dance moves and infectious ...

In celebration of the television show's 50th anniversary, 'Soul Train' is heading to Broadway for a 2021 premiere. By Tara Bitran All aboard the Soul Train to Broadway. Tony-nominated producer Matthew ...

The first syndicated episode of “Soul Train” aired October 2, 1971, and featured a performance by Gladys Knight and The Pips singing “The Friendship Train.” Other performers on that memorable episode ...

When Soul Train was first nationally syndicated in October 1971, there was nothing else like it on TV. It was the iconic Black music and dance show, a party every weekend that anyone could join from ...

Legendary “Soul Train” dancer Damita Jo Freeman knew that she had some superbad skills when the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, picked her to boogie with him onstage. “He grabbed me real quick and ...

"Back in the kitchen of my family's Brooklyn housing project, I'd sit alongside my little sister, eat a bowl of Cap'n Crunch cereal, and watch 'Soul Train'." So writes Nelson George early on in The ...

The collection consists of printed materials, including programs, press kits, prints, slides and posters from various award presentations given by the syndicated television program Soul Train from ...

Since 1971, "Soul Train" has been the "American Bandstand" of the African-American community. Even today, "Soul Train" continues to be the showcase of urban artists and their chart-topping singles.