Shark Bytes

To Preston: You don't have to be afraid to call blacks 'black.' Who cares about so-called 'political correctnes?' Peace.

I think that Soul Train had a good run for its 35 years. I watched it for 28 years during its run, from 1978 to 2006. I enjoyed seeing the reruns from 2006 to 2008. It got many R&B, soul, rap, jazz, blues and other artists of African American music. It exposed me to countless artists, even led me to buying their albums. Don Cornelius got artists that nobody else would get to perform on his show. I commend him for respecting the underrated R&B singers. There are more outlets for black artists to perform their music, thanks to the Internet. It's because of Don Cornelius' influence that more artists have avenues in music for them. He was a true visionary as a host, executive producer and a strong knowledge of African American music.
He msde an effort to keep his show original and not to be compared to other dance shows. Kudos to the other hosts that hosted after him, including Shemar Moore and Dorian Gregory. There will never be a show like Soul Train, the hippest trip in America!!!!

Damn WGN! I loved watching those 1970's and 1980's reruns every weekend too, why does everything have to come to an end?!

'Best of Soul Train' hasn't jumped, but its longtime home in Chicago has. To my disappointment, I found out that WGN-TV has stopped runnin' ST, best of ,or otherwise. Maybe WCIU, where it originated from, will decide to pick it up again. Love, peace, and SOUL!

is there anywhere you can see pictures of the old dancers then and now

Good observations, Umar!!! I suspect that you, like me, have sentimental memories of the 80s. There was a website out there (not sure if it still exists) that listed every episode of the train including who was on, etc. Look for it.

To all the people saying that Soul Train jumpd the shark when D.C,s afow had turned into a geri curl.Imagine wearing a great big ol afro during the 80,s where evryone was rocking geri,s,crew cuts,ceasers,cameos,etc.He was just changing along with the times.As you see the old episodes of Soul Train from 1978-1985 you can definitely see and notice the transition and style of the way the people dress,dance and wear their hair from very conservative and 70,s looking to all the colors,big hair,leather and head bands that reflect the style of the 80,s.

In response of hearing the fact that soul train is going to be showing new episodes with Damon Wayans hosting(who is one of my favorite comedians)but the theme song done by the Black Eye Peas,HELL TO THE NO.This will definitely ruin the legacy of the show by having some pop bubblegum artist do the theme song.I say just leave the show alone and continuing showing the reapeats.Everytime I see the old episodes it brings me back at the time where people were more concerned of partying,having a great time and music was definitely music.

Is this still on? It should never go away. Soul will always be soul so we always need a train!!!!! I just hate to think that Teena Marie was up there lipping her songs....Someone that can sing like her needs the mic!!! Save the lipping for these nobodys who are producer driven and couldn't sing the national anthem to save their life

To John,

TMI, but to answer your question about the dancer with the long hair, that was Cheryl Song, and she is Asian. I remember in the beginning, the scramble board did not appear fixed. I can remember the clock running out of time and the contestants did not finish. Any, I love the old segments, especially the ones in the early 70s with Pat Davis, Damita Jo, Little Joe Chism, Sharon Hill, Tyrone Proctor etc. That's when people really knew how to dance and thoroughly enjoyed it.

I haven't watched ST since the 90s and when Don Cornelious stopped hosting. I'm glad that they show the 'best' of Soul Train, but they need to show more and stop repeating the same ones. There really should be a documentary/anniversary type airing on national televison about the history, the performances and the dancers of Soul Train.

There's no way to justify keeping the show on the air after Don Cornelius stepped down as the host. The show was great during his years, but his end should have meant the shows end.

Ok. Lets get one thing straight - the Soul Train Scramble Board was fixed.
This show was soo awesome, esp before rap when there was a lot of funk etc. I also loved the way they used to show the ST dancers. Does anyone remmeber the Asian/Hispanic (crap she was so hot but I can'e figure out her nationality) woman with the super long hair - I used to tape this show just to watch it in slow motion - there were so many upskirt shots of her and other women. Oh, and this was yet another show I used to watch ALONE, if you know what I mean.
Finally, I live in New York City and sometimes find myself whistling the old Sould Train tune on the subway.
Damn, now I'm horney...

For me, 'Best of Soul Train' JTSed because they won't show any episodes featurin' the Gap Band, THE singularly funkiest band of the late '70s & '80s. Peace.

To Tracey: No blacks I know come from Africa. They're all from the US. If you really are black, say 'black,' In the words of the late James Brown, 'You're black, and you're proud.' Peace.

Hey gang:

You know I think "soul train" was the all time show back in the day. My sisters and I lived for it to come on Saturdays just so we could dance. Our parents were kind of strick on us so the only entertainment we had was "soul train". The show started to come on at 10:30 on Saturday nights and we would literally dress up as if we were on the show and dance better the dancer on TV.

I think they should get in touch with everyone in this forum and invite them to the making of "Soul Train the Movie".