Legendary television host and creator of the revolutionary show “Soul Train” Don Cornelius died last week at 75, but his legacy lives on through the hearts of many.

Cornelius was found in his home with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.

“He was black success and power,” said inspired fan Karen Permillion, 46. “He was the epitome of what determination can do for our people. He was a catalyst for many rising artists. He was inspiration and style.”

He was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1936. Before he became the sharply dressed and super cool host that we all know him as, he started off in the insurance business in the 1950s.

In hopes of making his way into the field, Cornelius attended a broadcasting school in Chicago in 1966.

He got his first start as a substitute radio DJ for WVON radio in Chicago. Two years later he made his way into the television industry, working as sports anchor and host of “A Blacks View of the News” on WCIU.

According to biography.com, Cornelius put together $400 of his own money to develop a pilot for his vision of the music program, “Soul Train.”

Inspired by Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand,” “Soul Train” gave young African-Americans the opportunity to showcase their talents dancing to the hit R&B songs of the time, while providing inspiration and free dance lessons to its viewing audience.

The first show premiered in 1970 and immediately attracted a diverse group of youth nationwide. With the show airing Saturday mornings, it gave young people the freedom to enjoy the show on their day off from school.

“The first time I saw ‘Soul Train’ I was about eight or nine,” said fan Russell Boyden, 40. “I was amazed because I was finally able to put a face to what I had heard on the radio. Every Saturday morning, I couldn’t wait to see what new performances Don Cornelius was going to have on the show and to see what new dance moves were out.”

Boyden also recalls him and his friends having their own “Soul Train” in their neighborhood. He would play Don Cornelius, while the other children danced down the Soul Train line, lip syncing the words to the songs.

The show was syndicated a year later. Some of the first cities to air the show included, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia and San Francisco.

“Soul Train” was the first national television program that allowed emerging African-American artists to perform live and showcase their music.

Rarely were these artists given opportunities to appear on similar, competing shows of that time, such as, “American Bandstand,” “Hullabaloo” and “The Real Don Steele Show.”

Cornelius introduced the world to many R&B legends including Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson.

“Soul Train” was significant to the African-American community because it gave us pride,” said Permillion. “It was a show by black people and started off for black people, but like ‘American Bandstand,’ it soon crossed color barriers and became a show enjoyed by many races because of the love of R&B, Pop, and Soul music. ‘Soul Train’ is a classic and there hasn’t been a show like it since.”

According to the “Soul Train” website, the show was the “longest running TV program of any genre in the history of first-run, nationally syndicated TV programming in America.”

In addition to being the sole creator, host and producer of “Soul Train,” Cornelius created the Soul Train Awards in 1987.

“Soul Train” survived its competitor “American Bandstand,” which ended in 1989.

In 1993, Cornelius started a guest host segment, passing on his 30-year position as host as a way of giving “fresh” faces a chance to host. According to biography.com, he wanted the hosts to reflect the youthfulness of its viewers.

Not missing a beat, Cornelius developed the Lady of Soul Awards in 1995. The show recognized women for their outstanding achievements in the entertainment industry.

“Soul Train” continued to run through 2005, in which re-runs were shown for the last seasons in what was titled as “The Best of Soul Train.”

According to the shows website, “Soul Train” was being aired in 105 cities in 2005 and reaching 85 percent of African-American households.

Cornelius opened the door for African-American performers and he gave hope to the African-American community as well. He gave them an opportunity to see themselves in a positive light and as a people with talents and abilities worth showcasing.

He is survived by his two sons, Anthony and Raymond.