Question
Cleveland, OH USA June 23 2024: sign for Soul Train a film inside the Cleveland Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Ohio that you can see

What city was the first to air "Soul Train"?

Last updated: August 18, 2025

Don Cornelius had a vision back in 1970 that would eventually turn into the nationally syndicated, record-breaking show "Soul Train." It started with Cornelius' dream to create a version of "American Bandstand" where Black youth could see their favorite bands represented on TV. Armed with just $400, what city was the first to see Cornelius bring "Soul Train" to life?

Correct Answer: Chicago

(Source)

Chicago was the lucky city that got to see "Soul Train" before anyone else when it premiered on WCIU-TV in August 1970. Cornelius scraped together his own cash to fund the pilot, but managed to book some big Chicago talent like Jerry Butler and The Emotions. The show ran five days a week and was so successful that Johnson Products stepped in to help bankroll its move beyond the Windy City. By the end of 1971, "Soul Train" had packed up and moved to Los Angeles while being broadcast in over 25 cities. A local version of "Soul Train" stayed behind, and ran until 1979, while the main show lasted until 2006.

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