Classic Television - Saturday Mornings

Soul Train

Original channel

Syndication

Original run

October 2, 1971 – March 25, 2006

Presented by

Don Cornelius

(1971–1993)

various guest hosts

(1993–1997)

Mystro Clark

(1997–1999)

Shemar Moore

(1999–2003)

Dorian Gregory

(2003–2006)

Soul Train is an American musical variety television program, which aired in syndication from 1971 until 2006. In its 35-year history, the show primarily featured performances by R&B, soul, and hip hop artists, although funk, jazz, disco, and gospel artists have also appeared. The series was created by Don Cornelius, who also served as its first host and executive producer.

Production was suspended following the 2005–06 season, with a rerun package (known as The Best of Soul Train) airing for two years subsequently. As a nod to Soul Train's longevity, the show's opening sequence (during later seasons) contained a claim that it was the "longest-running first-run, nationally syndicated program in American television history," with over 1,100 episodes produced from the show's debut through the 2005-06 season. Despite the production hiatus, Soul Train will continue to hold this honor until at least 2016, if and when its nearest competitor, Entertainment Tonight, completes its 35th season. (If ET does not complete a 35th season, Wheel of Fortune would surpass it in 2018 if it continues to air.)