Taking cues from American Bandstand, Soul Train became a black cultural phenomena. Created and hosted by Don Cornelius, a Chicago radio reporter and DJ, the show was launched in 1970, but only in Chicago. However, the program became an overnight success story as it quickly swept the nation.

From the musical guests to the popular songs playing, Soul Train brought black popular culture to the mainstream in a revolutionary way. But it wasn’t just the artists who were on display. The show’s dancers became cultural icons, too, as viewers attempted to emulate all of their flashy and artistic dance moves.

In this series of Black History in Two Minutes or So hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr., with additional commentary from Hasan Jeffries of Ohio State University and musician Questlove, we’ll take a look at one of the longest-running programs in the history of American television.

Black History in Two Minutes (or so) is a 4x Webby Award winning series.

If you haven’t already, please review us on Apple Podcasts! It’s a helpful way to for new listeners to discover what we are doing here: Podcast.Apple.com/Black-History-in-Two-Minutes/

Archival Materials Courtesy of:

• Alamy Images

• Everett Collection, Inc.

• Getty Images

• Shutterstock

Additional Footage Courtesy of:

• Inkwell Films

• Kunhardt

• WNET

Additional Archival by:

• The Atlanta Constitution

• Viacom

• Don Cornelius Productions

Executive Producers:

• Robert F. Smith

• Henry Louis Gates Jr.

• Dyllan McGee

• Deon Taylor

Produced by:

• William Ventura

• Romilla Karnick

Music By:

• Oovra Music

Additional Music:

• Up on Soul Train performed by The Whispers

Be Woke presents is brought to you by Robert F. Smith and Deon Taylor.

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