- published: 02 Dec 2015
- views: 114258
Soul Train is an American musical variety show that aired in syndication from October 1971 to March 2006. In its 35-year history, the show primarily featured performances by R&B, soul, and hip hop artists, although funk, jazz, disco, and gospel artists have also appeared.
As a nod to Soul Train's longevity, the show's opening sequence (during later seasons) contained a claim that it was the "longest-running, first-run, nationally syndicated program in television history," with over 1,100 episodes produced from the show's debut through the 2005-06 season.
The series was created by Don Cornelius, who also served as its first host and executive producer, and aired first-run episodes from 1971 to 2006. Production was suspended following the 2005-2006 season, with a rerun package (known as The Best of Soul Train) airing for two years after that.
Despite this, in years on air, Soul Train will continue to hold the honor of the longest, continuously running first-run syndicated program in television history until at least 2016, if and when its nearest competitor, Entertainment Tonight, completes its 35th season. (If ET does not complete a 35th season, Wheel of Fortune would pass in 2018 if it continues to air.)
Listen to me, baby; the lights are way down low
There's a stack of records on the stereo
Let yourself unwind, girl; we're gonna take a journey
down to rhythm & blues
Ridin' on a soul train, yeah baby just-a me & you
You don't have to hurry on a soul train ride
You don't have to worry; let your troubles slide
Dancin' to the music, maybe we can travel till we're out
of sight
Yeah, & everything'll be all right
(instrumental, with ad-lib "All aboard!")
Groovin' slow & easy, just takin' our time
We ain't goin' nowhere, for baby I don't mind
So put your arms around me; we're gonna take a journey
down to rhythm & blues
Ridin' on a soul train, yeah baby just-a me & you
Ridin' on a soul train, baby
Oh ridin' on a soul train, yeah