See Photos of Soul Train Through the Years

By Madeline Boardman
Updated January 05, 2017 at 01:06 PM EST

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The Evolution of Soul Train

Tribune Entertainment/Getty Images

More than 45 years ago, Soul Train made its small-screen debut. Hosted by Don Cornelius, the musical variety show kicked off in the early 1970s and spent decades on air under subsequent hosts including Mystro Clark, Shemar Moore, and Dorian Gregory. Until its wrap in 2006, the beloved program saw appearances from The Jackson Five (pictured here), Diana Ross, Luther Vandross, Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder, Aaliyah, and Destiny's Child, among hundreds of others. See photos of Soul Train through the years, ahead.

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Don Cornelius in the 1970s

Courtesy Everett Collection

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James Brown in 1971

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The Whispers in 1974

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The Jackson Five in 1975

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The Gap Band in 1975

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The Jackson Five in August 1975

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The Emotions in August 1977

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Don Cornelius in the 1970s

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Donald Byrd and The Blackbyrds in 1977

ngeles, California. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
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Soul Train Dancers in the 1970s

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Don Cornelius in 1977

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Soul Train Dancers in the 1970s

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Aretha Franklin and Don Cornelius in the 1970s

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Soul Train Dancers in the 1970s

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Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes in the 1970s

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Soul Train Dancers in the 1970s

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Edwin Starr in the 1970s

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Don Cornelius in the 1980s

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Soul Train Dancers in the 1980s

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Full Force in the 1980s

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Soul Train Dancers in the 1980s

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Diana Ross and Don Cornelius in the 1980s

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Sting and Don Cornelius in 1987

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Soul Train Dancers in the 1980s

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Chuck Brown and the Soul Searchers in 1988

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Calloway and Don Cornelius in March 1990

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Soul Train Dancers in 1990

Tribune Entertainment/Courtesy Everett Collection.
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Soul Train Dancers in 1990

Tribune Entertainment/Courtesy Everett Collection.
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Soul Train Dancers in 1991

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Stevie Wonder in 1991

Courtesy Everett Collection
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Soul Train Dancers in 1992

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