I was thinking the other day about how we've lost a connection. Growing up there were certain television shows that connected us. One of those shows was Soul Train. I looked forward to the weekly Sunday night show. For many African Americans it was our version of American Bandstand. We could see ourselves reflected in the dancers, the clothing, and the best music. When the show started in October of 1971 host Don Cornelius proudly wore an afro and the latest in 70's fashions. Soul Train informed us of the latest fashions, the latest dances and we could see our favorite musical groups performing live.
Growing up we loved music and listened to the radio frequently and had a great collection of 45's and albums. Dancing and basement parties were popular forms of entertainment. Anyone with a finished or partially finished basement could throw a party. All you really needed was a stereo and a stack of popular 45's and maybe some light refreshments. Parents would sit upstairs in the kitchen or living room to monitor who was coming in and out of their house. In the basement teens would dance to their favorite soulful tunes and emerge at the end of the evening sweaty and exhausted from a fun evening. Dancing is social. For me, and I suspect many others, dancing offered a way to interact during awkward teen years. If you were a good dancer and had a sense of style (possibly inspired from Soul Train) life was good. Dancing during my college years was a little different. It was important to learn the latest dances, like in high school, only it required some practice. I remember on several occasions a dorm-mate blasting their stereo and girls lined up in the hallway all practicing the newest dances. College was a melting pot of dance as students from across the country added different dance influences from home. On our small college campus there were two weekly dances where we could show off our newly mastered dance skills. These weekly dances were popular throughout my college years. I have many fond memories of those days and the joy of music and dancing.
Multiple generations were united by Soul Train that remained on the air for 35 years. The weekly show influenced celebrations for years. Many people adopted the Soul Train line in their own parties and family and friend gatherings. My Daddy often loved creating or calling out "a strong line" at a party. (*a strong line was when dancers created two lines that faced one another, one or two dancers would dance between the formed line showing off their best moves.)
While I was a big fan during the 70's my viewership dropped off over the years. Soul Train continued to thrive and evolve. Musical guests included what was referred to as "blue-eyed soul brothers." In early 1975 Elton John appeared on Soul Train followed later in the year by David Bowie. Through its many transformations the show continued to influence popular culture showcasing popular musical guests and the latest in dance.
Soul Train connected viewers young and old from 1971 to 2006. It is a connection we are missing today. It was, in the words of Don Cornelius, "The hippest trip in America." I'll end this post the way Don Cornelius ended each show: "You can bet your last money, it's all gonna be a stone gas honey! This is Don Cornelius and as always in parting we wish you Love, Peace, and Soul!"
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