‘Soul Train’ On Schedule for Arrival on Broadway

For lots of us of a certain generation, Saturday morning wouldn't have been Saturday morning without tuning in to "Soul Train".

Late word has it that the television program that aired from 1970 to 2006 may be re-born into a Broadway show.

Several sources say producer, Matthew Weaver has secured the rights for the show from Soul Train Holdings.  Just for the record, "Magic" Johnson is chairman of the company.

Have some patience. It may be awhile before we see "Soul Train" on the Great White Way.  Scripts have to be written.  A director, costume designers, and lighting people have to be hired.

Weaver says that with over a thousand episodes of the ground breaking R&B music show, someone has to write something about it.

Music from the 60's and 70's has translated well to Broadway.  The musicals, "Motown", "Jersey Boys", Carole King's "Beautiful", and "Rock of Ages" are all successful box office draws.

Way back in 1969 the late Don Cornelius produced "Soul Train's" pilot episode.  The following year Chicago's WCIU bought the rights to the program.  Within a couple of years the show aired in hundreds of markets coast to coast.

There were three ingredients that made "Soul Train" great.

The "Soul Train" dancers.  They were the best dancers on TV and they were innovators.

The guest performers.  During the 70's we could catch Motown acts on mainstream TV shows.  "Soul Train" blessed us with acts we couldn't catch anywhere else.  Over the years hundreds of wonderful performers were showcased including Ashford and Simpson, Vicki Sue Robinson, Rufus, and Patrice Rushen.

The third ingredient was the smoothest man on earth.  "Soul Train's" host from 1970 to 1993, Don Cornelius.

Let's not forget the words Mr. Cornelius used to close every "Soul Train" show.

"We wish you love, peace, and soul".