Don Cornelius who was the creator of the TV hit “Soul Train” passed away early Wednesday morning. Reportedly, he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was 75 years old. Officers responded to a call and arrived at Cornelius’ home around 4am early Wednesday morning. He was pronounced dead at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA.

Cornelius introduced “Soul Train” in the 70s and it aired nationally until 2006. The show featured so many great artists in history such as the Jackson 5, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and many more. Cornelius was the show’s executive producer and its host from 1971-1993. In addition to the dance program, the franchise included the Soul Train Music Awards.

I know I remember watching Soul Train on Saturdays when I was younger and the Soul Train line is a favorite at various parties, events etc. May he rest in peace. Check out a video of the Soul Train Line after the break!

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We can’t say we didn’t see this one coming! Reportedly, judges Nicole Scherzinger, Paula Abdul and host Steve Jones have been fired from X-Factor USA and will not be returning for season 2. A Fox spokesperson confirmed on Monday that Steve Jones and Nicole Scherzinger will not be back. So it looks like Simon Cowell and LA Reid are the last ones standing. I’m sure they’re already working on replacements. We’ll keep you posted as this story develops.

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Singer Etta James who was known for her powerhouse voice, as well as her hit song “At Last” passed away earlier today at Riverside Community Hospital (Riverside, CA) due to complications with Leukemia. Her husband and two sons were by her side when she passed. She was 73 years old. Her longtime manager Lupe De Leon announced the sad news and reportedly she also suffered from dementia and hepatitis C. He stated the following about her passing:

“This is a tremendous loss for the family, her friends and fans around the world,” De Leon said. “She was a true original who could sing it all — her music defied category.”

“I worked with Etta for over 30 years. She was my friend and I will miss her always.”

Beyoncé who played Etta James in the 2008 film “Cadillac Records” posted the following about James’ death on her website:

“This is a huge loss. Etta James was one of the greatest vocalists of our time. I am so fortunate to have met such a queen. Her musical contributions will last a lifetime,” Beyonce wrote. “Playing Etta James taught me so much about myself, and singing her music inspired me to be a stronger artist. When she effortlessly opened her mouth, you could hear her pain and triumph. Her deeply emotional way of delivering a song told her story with no filter. She was fearless, and had guts. She will be missed.”

May she rest in peace.

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Today, January 16, 2012 we remember the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Today is not just a “day off” but an opportunity to serve the community. For more information on how you can serve others please log onto MLK Day of Service’s website.

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.” -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Please take time out to watch Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream Speech” which was delivered from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC on August 28, 1963.

Earlier today, Mariah Carey posted on her twitter page that Nick Cannon is in the hospital due to mild kidney failure. They were spending the holidays in Aspen, CO when his kidney failure occurred. She posted the following statement on her website:

This is us in the hospital – role reversal; Last year it was me attached to the machines (after having dembabies) and Nick was there with me through it, and now here we are.

We’re trying to be as festive as possible under the circumstances but please keep Nick in your thoughts because this is very painful. They tried to kick me out of the hospital but here I am pon de bed with Mr. C.

We’re doing OK but we’re “straaaaaanded in Aspen”. #DramaticDivaPlace (I know, we could be in a lot worse places) but the truth is as long as we’re together, we’re OK. I’m not trying to make light out of the situation because it’s a serious moment that’s very tough on all of us so please keep us and our family in your prayers. LYM.

We wish Nick a speedy recovery and will keep him in our prayers.

Almost two months after Dwight “Heavy D” Arrington Myers’ death, the results from his autopsy have been revealed. Reportedly, Heavy D died from a pulmonary embolism, (a blood clot) in his lung caused by deep leg vein thrombosis. The blood clot may have formed as result of him traveling on a long flight from Britain to the United States. Heavy D also had heart disease which may have been another contributing factor in his death. On November 8, 2011 Heavy D collapsed in his walkway outside of his Beverly Hills home and later died at Cedars-Sinai Hospital. He was 44 years old.

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Mariah Carey posted the above photo earlier via her twitter page stating, “Back in the studio for a minute… like breathing.” She looks AMAZING after reportedly dropping 70 lbs after giving birth to her twin babies. Looking good Mariah! Check out stories from our friends below.

Heavy D Funeral Remembered at Funeral — Diva Artist

First Lady Michelle Booed at NASCAR race — Cotten Kandi

Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher to divorce — People

Tyler Perry defends decision to cast Kim Kardashian in movie — Juicy Carter

The verdict is in! Dr. Conrad Murray was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson. As you may recall, on June 25, 2009 Michael Jackson died from a lethal injection of Propofol that was administered by Dr. Conrad Murray. The 12 jurors unanimously agreed (after 9 hours of deliberation) that Dr. Conrad Murray was responsible for Michael Jackson’s death. He was denied bail and remanded into custody until his sentencing on November 29, 2011. He faces a sentence of probation, 4 years in jail and a revoked medical license.

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