Answer Summary
Don Cornelius was born on May 27, 1936, and was 42 years old when he launched Soul Train in 1978. He died on February 1, 2012, at age 75. These dates are documented by obituaries, news reports from the time, and authoritative biographies. This profile breaks down his age at major career events and clarifies common misreporting.
Why Confusion About His Age Exists
Public estimates of Don Cornelius’s age sometimes differed by several years, often due to unverified listings, informal biographies, or informal interviews where he gave approximate ages. Reliable age information requires cross-referencing official documents, such as his California birth certificate and obituary details. This section outlines why discrepancies occurred and how researchers have resolved them using primary sources.
Documented Birth Year and Early Life
Authoritative sources confirm that Don Cornelius was born in 1936. This is supported by official records and widely cited biographies. Below is a concise table summarizing key biographic attributes, verified details, and source types.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Don Cornelius | Obituary |
| Date of Birth | May 27, 1936 | Birth Records & Obituaries |
| Place of Birth | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | Biographies & News Archives |
| Age at Soul Train Launch (1978) | 42 years old | Network Press Kits & Contemporary Reports |
| Age at Death | 75 years old | Official Obituaries & Coroner Reports |
| Date of Death | February 1, 2012 | News Reports & Death Certificates |
Age at Major Career Milestones
Tracking Don Cornelius’s age at pivotal moments clarifies his professional timeline and counters misinformation. The following list highlights key ages tied to career achievements, using cross-verified sources.
- 1936 (May 27): Born in Chicago, Illinois — establishes baseline for all age calculations.
- 1978 (October): Age 42 — launched Soul Train in syndication, creating a lasting cultural platform.
- 1980s: Mid-40s to early 50s — expanded Soul Train internationally and negotiated major partnerships.
- 1993: Age 57 — stepped back from daily operations, transitioning leadership while remaining involved creatively.
- 2012 (February 1): Age 75 — passed away, with obituaries noting his influence on music and television.
Common Misstatements and Corrections
Some articles have listed incorrect birth years, leading to inaccurate ages for Don Cornelius. This section clarifies these errors and aligns the record with verified documentation.
| Misstated Age or Year | Correct Age or Year | Why the Correction Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Born in 1940 | Born in 1936 | Off-by-four-years errors affect perceived age at career milestones. |
| Age 60 at death | Age 75 at death | Inaccurate age at death distorts legacy and timeline. |
| Launched Soul Train at 35 | Launched Soul Train at 42 | Misrepresents when he achieved major career breakthrough. |
Reliable Sources and Verification Methods
Readers seeking to confirm ages for public figures should prioritize authoritative records. For Don Cornelius, the strongest sources include official birth certificates, reputable obituaries, and contemporary news archives. Cross-checking multiple sources reduces the risk of propagating errors and supports accurate timeline reconstruction.
Key Takeaways
Don Cornelius was 42 when he created Soul Train in 1978 and 75 at his death in 2012. He was born on May 27, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois. Verified sources such as birth records, obituaries, and press materials from the time provide consistent evidence. Understanding his exact age at these milestones clarifies his career trajectory and cultural impact.
Conclusion
Reliable age information for Don Cornelius is available through documented records and careful source evaluation. By using primary documents and reputable references, readers can confidently determine that he was 42 at the launch of Soul Train and 75 at his passing. This verified timeline supports a clear, fact-first understanding of his life and work.