Soul Train was an American music and dance television program created by Don Cornelius. It began locally in Chicago in 1970 and reached national syndication in 1971, giving Black artists and dancers a regular place on national television.[1]
Format
The series brought together live studio dancers and performances by soul, funk, R&B, and later hip-hop acts. Cornelius hosted the syndicated show for more than two decades.
The Soul Train line
Dancers formed two facing rows, leaving a lane down the middle for soloists and pairs. You could tell who had practiced by how many people suddenly needed to tie their shoes when it was their turn.
Preservation
The Smithsonian acquired set props and other material from the show, including elements from the Soul Train Scramble Board. It took an institution of that size to officially establish that the dancers had been part of the main event.