Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle & Other Artists Pay Tribute to the Late Don Cornelius

Don Cornelius, the man behind the long-running hit, Soul Train, sadly passed away on Wednesday. Soul Train helped jump start the careers of Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, and more recently, stars like Nick Cannon and Rosie Perez. And that’s just to name a few.

Now, some of Soul’s legends are paying tribute to the late Don Cornelius. The Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin, said in a statement:

"It's just so sad, stunning and downright shocking ... a huge and momentous loss to the African-American community and the world at large. Don Cornelius single handedly brought about a melding and unity of brother and sisterhood among young adults worldwide and globally with the unforgettable creation of Soul Train."

Another legend, Patti LaBelle, called Cornelius: “simply a genius, and the contributions he made to music and our culture are second to none. I will always treasure the fond memories I have of working with Don over the years and being part of the history that he created through Soul Train. He will truly be missed and my heart and prayers go out to his family."

LaBelle and Franklin weren’t the only ones remembering the icon.

Sean “Diddy” Combs Tweeted: “Love Peace and Soul—RIP Don Cornelius…”

Snoop Dogg said: “RIP Don Cornelius. LOVE PEACE AND SOOOOUULLLL 4eva.”

LA Reid Tweeted: “LOVE-PEACE and SOUL!!! Don Cornelius!!!!”

QuestLove of The Roots wrote: “140 characters can’t do justie 2 #DonCornlius.”

While he's not an R&B singer, Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumkins also expressed his appreciation for the genre and the man who helped to establish it:

“Sad to hear about the passing of Don Cornelius of Soul Train fame. Grateful to him that he turned me on to so much great music.”

May Don rest in peace, love and soul.