Soul Train

Clark argues Cornelius, despite his achievements, was a complex person with faults, citing his domestic violence charge.

“He was a complex human being who had faults as well, too”

Stuff You Should Know: Selects: The Soul Train Episode (Jul 18, 2026) · Listen from 41:40

Clark says that, per Rosie Perez's account, Cornelius grabbed her after she wanted a lawyer to review a contract, and she threw fried chicken at him.

“she threw a piece of the fried chicken she was eating at the time right at his head and hit him in the face”

Stuff You Should Know: Selects: The Soul Train Episode (Jul 18, 2026) · Listen from 40:24

Clark credits Clinton Ghent with assembling dancers who gelled like a family rather than competing.

“It did kind of have this really family vibe every episode. And apparently that was the work of the Clinton-Gent guy who just really knew how to put people together”

Stuff You Should Know: Selects: The Soul Train Episode (Jul 18, 2026) · Listen from 37:40

Clark stresses that Don Cornelius owned 100% of Soul Train, placing him with Desi Arnaz and Mike Douglas.

“This was 100% Don Cornelius' jam”

Stuff You Should Know: Selects: The Soul Train Episode (Jul 18, 2026) · Listen from 10:57

Bryant notes Cornelius's final episode was May 10, 1993, and the show ran until 2006 as the longest-running syndicated show.

“It went all the way to 2006 and became the longest running syndicated show in TV history”

Stuff You Should Know: Selects: The Soul Train Episode (Jul 18, 2026) · Listen from 51:32