VH1 Rock Docs Commemorates the 40th Anniversary of the Longest
Running First-Run Syndicated Television Show in History With ‘Soul
Train: The Hippest Trip In America’ Premiering on Friday, February 5 at
9pm*

90
Minute Documentary Narrated by Academy Award Nominee Terrence Howard
With Original Score by Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson of The Roots

NEW
YORK, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ — Few television series were as innovative
and influential to pop culture as “Soul Train.” Set first in Chicago,
“Soul Train” launched on WCIU-TV with local radio and television
personality, Don Cornelius on August 17, 1970. After moving the dance
show to Los Angeles, “Soul Train” skyrocketed nationally and firmly
secured its place in television by becoming the longest running,
first-run syndicated series in history. To commemorate the show’s 40th
anniversary, VH1 Rock Docs and Soul Train present “Soul Train: The Hippest Trip In America,” a
monumental 90-minute documentary celebrating the show’s impact on pop
culture, music, dance and fashion. The film will also feature a rare
interview with Don Cornelius in which he reveals exclusive details
regarding the launch and early days of the legendary series.

From
1970-2006, “Soul Train” offered a window into African American music
and culture, and its charismatic host, Don Cornelius, was the man
responsible for a new era in African American expression. A trained
journalist, Don created a media empire that provided an outlet for
record labels and advertisers to reach a new generation of music fans.
He was and still is one of the first African Americans to own his own
show. As the epitome of cool, many of his expressions entered the
popular American lexicon: “A groove that will make you move real smooth,” and “Wishing you Love, Peace, and Soul!”

“Soul Train: The Hippest Trip In America”
is narrated by Academy Award nominee Terrence Howard and features an
original score by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson of The Roots. The
documentary includes memorable performances and moments from the show,
as well as behind-the-scene stories from the people who lived the “Soul
Train” movement, including the cast, crew, and dancers. In addition,
popular musicians (Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Smokey Robinson, Snoop
Dogg, Aretha Franklin), Sly Stone’s first exclusive documentary
interview in years, comics (Cedric “The Entertainer,” Nick Cannon),
music industry executives (L.A. Reid, Clive Davis, Kenny Gamble and
Leon Huff) and actors of yesterday and today will comment on growing up
with the show and will share their stories of how “Soul Train” affected
their own lives.

“Soul Train: The Hippest Trip In America”
is the newest documentary in the Emmy Award-winning VH1 Rock Doc
franchise. VH1 Rock Docs are feature-length documentaries that tell
unique stories of artists and music from a wide range of genres,
styles, and musical perspectives. For more information on VH1 Rock
Docs, visit RockDocs.VH1.com.

“Soul Train: The Hippest Trip In America”
is a co-production of VH1 and Soul Train. J. Kevin Swain is the
director/producer and Amy Goldberg is producer/co-director. Anthony
Maddox, Peter Griffith and Kenard Gibbs are Executive Producers for
Soul Train. Brad Abramson, Lauren Lazin, Shelly Tatro and Jeff Olde are
executive producers for VH1.

VH1
connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to
them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online
content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 95 million
households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and
services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, VH1Games and
extensive broadband video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.

About Soul Train Holdings

Soul
Train Holdings was formed in May 2008 by MadVision Entertainment and
Intermedia Partners. MadVision was created by media and entertainment
veterans, Kenard Gibbs, Peter Griffith, and Anthony Maddox. The group
was created following the acquisition of the iconic franchise and
catalog of more than 1,100 hours of archival footage from Don Cornelius
Productions. Soul Train is a registered trademark of Soul Train
Holdings, LLC, a limited liability company headquartered in Los
Angeles, CA. Soul Train is the longest running, first-run, nationally
syndicated program in television history. During its 37 year run, the
show featured such staples as the Soul Train line and performers as
important and diverse as: Al Green, Ike & Tina Turner, Marvin Gaye,
Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Whitney Houston, David
Bowie, Janet Jackson and Beyonce, to name a few.

*All times ET/PT

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