Thankfully there are more people over the age of 30 than under the age of 30 that will appreciate the historical significance of what music promoter Don Cornelius (Sinqua Walls) was able to accomplish and share with the entire world beyond the phrase "Black Is Beautiful", he created a music niche that not only catered to African Americans, but to many other ethnic origins, including whites, hispanics, chinese, greeks, christians, muslims and the jewish faith(s).
Kelly Rowland was perfectly cast as Soul Train's music guest performer, Gladys Knight who at first was reluctant to even speak to Don Cornelius was then convinced by Don that if Gladys Knight and the Pips were to appear on his music/dance shows very first episode it would set the precedent that African Americans could write, produce, direct, perform but most importantly own their own rights to the first all African American music and dance talent show, and guess what? His vision worked on mainstream television audiences for 35 years. This was an amazing feat.
There are many people's interesting stories being told and although some of the scenes may be more fiction than fact , American Soul leaves you wanting more of the same. I look forward to watching the individual casts stories evolve in upcoming episodes and hey, the soul music brings us all together.
