Post by Emerald City on Mar 15, 2005 16:09:38 GMT -5
Don Cornelius figured there would be no surprises in store for him at TV Land's awards show, since he knew his landmark "Soul Train" series would be getting an honor.
But Cornelius walked away touched and awed after a dazzling tribute featuring performances from Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Little Richard, Mya and Ashanti, which will be broadcast on TV Land and Nick at Nite at 9-11 p.m. EST on Wednesday.
"I thought I had kind of seen it all in these three decades, but it was a little more than I ever expected as a tribute," Cornelius told The Associated Press on Monday, a day after the show was taped.
"I'm almost used to seeing flashbacks of some of the more memorable things that we've presented on 'Soul Train.' ... I was prepared for that emotionally, I was not prepared for seeing live flashbacks of people that I love."
The third annual "TV Land Awards: A Celebration of Classic TV," honored "Soul Train" with its pop culture award. Among other shows honored included "The Bob Newhart Show" and "The Carol Burnett Show."
The trendsetting "Soul Train" is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. It's the longest-running syndicated show on television, over the years featuring performances from legends ranging from The Jackson Five to Marvin Gaye. It still draws top new acts.
The show has spawned two awards shows as well, including "The Soul Train Awards," and "The Lady of Soul Awards."
And there is more to come. Cornelius told The Associated Press that he's trying to create a "Soul Train" cable channel: "Every day we get closer and closer to see that become a reality."
