Soul Train was best from 71-76. I was too young to view these episodes first-run (born 1972). However, after watching the reruns on Centric and purchasing the Time Life dvd's, it's not even close. The kids from 71-76 (Damito Jo, James Phillips, Tyrone, Lil Joe, etc.) were real kids from the hood. They brought real energy and fashion. Around 76, it looks like they got rid of all those kids and brought in professional, disco/Broadway type dancers. This decision was clearly a mistake.
@buddymatic: THere was this light skinned possibly Hispanic dude(with shades) who used to dance on the show. He would stand and point at folks. He was also on the "Bust A Move" video. That dude used to crack me and my friends up. Do you know what his name is?
70's was the best year for soul train!!!! . In the 80's it kinda lost it's essence, even Don Cornelius thought so, the music was kinda going in the wrong direction also.
Hey, buddy. I've been watching Soul Train ever since I was 8 yrs. old. You say u danced on the show from the mid-late 80s. There was this guy on the show during that same era that used to trip me out they way he danced. He had a jerry curl, I think. And he wore dark shades and a suit and would swing his arms and kick up his legs like a ballerina sort of. Do u know who I'm speaking of?? If so, where is he now??
Hey Buddy, I had no Idea you were a Member of The Soul Train Family. I enjoyed the Reunion Party Photos. The music had my Head a Boping. Who is the Artist? What time frame were you on the show? Who were some of the performing Artist? Ya highlighted in any youtube clips? Might help me find the episode quicker in My Video's.( Mike with all His Questions again cl8o) "SeeYa onfb"
are you talking about the neon cityscapes set? i thought it was the best set ever especially when it had the dark colors but when they first started it in the 1984-1985
season, i thought it was ugly because of the lights that was surrounding the soul train sign and when they took it off, it sure as heck looked a lot better. honestley i thought they should have set up the neon cityscapes in the 1983-1984 season. just my opinion.
I loved that time too, from 88-93 was golden for me. I've been hurting trying to find those old episodes on dvd somewhere. I had them all recorded on vhs which are gone now :(
@buddymatic Did the dancers Denay and Vaughn who were from Chicago attend the reunion? They performed the featured dancers to the song breakdown chillin by rufus thomas
there was a white dude on the show who dressed and danced like big lou and from time to time they have a routine on the soul train line whats his name. they were carbon copies of each other?
i like to watch the 70's soul train episodes, the 80's were too much about how the dancers looked instead of their dancing abilities. Too many non-black non-dancing people infiltrated the show which was a shame, they had NO RHYTHM and were only there because they were non-black perhaps in an effort to "attempt" to show that soul is universal . . .
You said it. I stopped looking at it when it got in the late 80's. It wasn't "Soul" Train anymore. When it first came on when I was 12, we looked at the show for the dancers to see what they would do. We got to know their names (Damita Jo, Jody Whatley), even the fine ones (Tyrone Proctor where are you now?). But then in the 80's, they started letting all colors in. The women couldn't all of sudden could do nothing but shake their booty, then I just waited for the Soul Train award.
@jmusic45 i hear you, it def. lost it's "Soul" sometime during the 80's with lackluster dancers, i don't know what they were trying to accomplish, perhaps a more diverse viewing audience, but dayum learn how to dance instead of just flaunting your appeal to the opposite sex!!
Who was the tall, light-skinned guy who used to prance around the upper stage in the 1980s? If you know, where is he today? I think I heard that he got shot and was wheel-chair bound as a result? As I type this, I'm watching reruns on BET from back in the early 80s and he's on the show.
I'm so glad I can see Soul Train on Centric channel; this makes up for when I couldn't watch it on Saturdays because us Adventists were in church that day. From what I see, these dancers were at the top of their game, and they did it without being half-naked either! Two thumbs up and God bless!
This is absolutely fabulous! I loved Soul Train as a child. It was a MUST see on Saturdays. Is Reggie Thornton still dancing? Pat Davis was a favorite of mine. I see she is an evangelist now? Good to see you are all doing well.
You are exactly right. If they liked you at the front studio gates, you got in. There was no audition process. That's ridiculous. You just showed up and if you looked the part, you got it.... Nuff said...
@judd1157 In the early 70's the dancers were auditioned. My sister was auditioned at Denker Park in '71 and got on. Others got on via nepotism. LATER there was the line, and they picked from there. Some of the younger dancers didn't know the history of the show :-)
God, I really loved this. I danced on the show for a couple of years. I was so young, and from Oklahoma. It was sort of a baptism by fire. I reconnected with Louie Carr, I did some artwork for him then. I remember you! :-) This is really a great video!
Oh my GOODNESS. I'm from the east coast and grew up watching Soul Train every Saturday afternoon. It's so nice to see that you guys kept in touch after all those years. That's really sweet.
Whatever happened to Randy Thomas? Randy and I danced all over LA during his time on Soul Train when he danced with Cheryl Song. I have browsed everywhere. We fell out of touch when he joined the Alvin tour. He is the original CWESTUFF....if anyone knows how to reach him, I'd love to say "hi"... thanks
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but I had heard years ago that James Phillips was dead. You need to check with your relatives to find out if this is true or not. Thanks, buddymatic
thats what we keep hearing but being that he was always on the go we dnt know i asked family and even they dnt know...this is all because we rarely kept in touch with that side and he would come around every now and again
The best soul train dancers Forever and u all look great to dance on the floor the same way agin .Viva all Soul Train Dancers Forever!!! i love u all...
I had hair as long as Cheryl's when I was a little girl, she was like a real-live Barbie doll, and I watched for her every Saturday before Kung Fu Theater. I wanted to be just like Cheryl and Donna Summer when I grew up. LOL. These pics are awesome!
Does anyone have any information about Tom Evans? I would like to know more about him such as exactly what years he danced on the show, where is he now, ect. He and Lou Ski always caught my eye, but there seems to be no info on Tom. We all know where Lou is.
In 41 seconds of this video is my boy, Charles Washington a.k.a. Captain Crunch & The Funky Bunch. Where can he be. He was my favorite dancer on Soul Train. I would sure love 2 get him.
Hope yoy can help. There was a song performed on SOULTRAIN back in the early
70's. The lyrics went something like: "I'm shipping out to nowhere. I'm shipping out to sea. The reason is whatever, I'd like for it to be. And so I'm shipping out. Off to satisfaction. I'm shipping out. Lights Camera and action". If you can post this SOULTRAIN performance, I'd greatly appreciate it. THANKS
Sorry Coming4U but I don't know that song or Soul Train performance. Keep searching the You Tube Soul Train videos. I'm sure someone out there has posted it. Take care, buddymatic
Heck NO! All the dancers got was a soda pop and a box of chicken for dancing on their feet for 9 straight hours per day, one weekend per month. That's it!
They shot (2) full shows on Saturday and (2) fulls shows on Sunday. That was enough shows in the can to cover a month. After the 4 shows air we would all come back again to the studio to tape another 4 shows to air the following month. The show would go into re-runs during the Summer season which gave us a break until the taping season started back again in the fall.
I figured they all had day time jobs. Which years were you on the show? Don was cheap just a box of chicken...lol. I guess growing up and watching as kid the dancers were like stars in their own right.
Yeah he was cheap alright but it was the dancers intention to get some tv exposure and that's what Don gave us. I danced on the show somewhere between '84 to '87. Overall, the experience was amazing and fun. I looked forward each month to the tapings. I liked creating new and trendy outfits to where on the show and seeing all of my friends at the studio.
Buddy, Where is the dancer named Elaine? She use to appear with the dancer named Crystal McCrary? I know Crystal McCrary has a website selling crystals and jewelry. Thank you very much for this post.
Hey Buddy... can you get clips of Prince's "when dove's cry" episode? I led off the Soul Train line and it's my 15 min of fame I want my kids to see it!!!
Anyone know where Chocolate Legs is? Her name was Sharon. I see her on left @ 1:29,30, 31. I miss her~~~ I was Vanilla Legs we came down the line together and partied @ "The Catch" Who's got old clips...late 79,80,81, 82 knows where Darryl/Eric are? Michael Hart?... thanks...
Who was the tall lightskin dude that was always grandstanding in the middle of the stage all the time. Toward the 90's he was always wearing a green military army suit. Who was that brother? He was even in the Same Gang video. If anyone knows, please post it.
I don't know his name, but he was New Editions good friend and choreographer. I simply knew him as "The Coolest Brother Alive" Although he just stood around or walked around, that dude could outdance anyone!
Soul Train was big the world over back in the day. In Nigeria, my friends and I will get together on Saturday mornings around noon, having a sort of mini parties to watch Soul Train and sometimes learn some of the dance moves to show off at disco clubs.LOL....Those were the good old days. Thanks to Don Cornelius and the Soul Train Dancers for the unforgettable and memorable great times.
I agree that there should be a movie about the Soul Train.
I really enjoyed your video. Thanks for posting it. ST is my favorite show ever. It's good to see my fave dancers as they appear now. Can you please tell me the name and any info of the other light skinned male dancer, the one who is not Louie? He is often seen dancing in group formation with Louie and some others. This has bugged me for years. Thanks.
Bubblinbrownsuga66- I believe you are referring to TomTom. He was always with Louski back in the day, on the show and off. Real stylish cats, both of them.
Buddy- You brought back many many memories of standing outside KTLA waiting for Eric to wave folks through. Thanks for posting the picture of Sheila, especially from that angle. Ha!
Hey Surfboy, I went on Soul Train when it originated here in Chicago. I think maybe it was 1971 or 1972. It was at the Board of Trade Bldg in Downtown Chicago. I remember that Don Cornelius was super tall and super mean, ugly ass. He shortly took the show to California after that. I wonder what ever happened to his Chicago co-host, Clinton Ghent. Now he was coll
I didn't Soul Train started in Chicago...American Bandstand started in philly then went to cali also......I long for a good dance show.....but why do they have to move to cali.......our cities are the real deal
If the men appeared to be gay to you, it's probably because men didn't wear clothes 6 sizes to big for them and weren't afraid to move. It's just like the hypermuscled rappers of today look like male hustlers, but I'm sure 90 % are straight. No offense intended.
I recall seeing Viveca Fox, Rosie Perez, Jody Watley, Jeffrey Daniel, Walter Payton (deceased), Jermaine Stewart(deceased) back in the day. Where were these people at? I sometimes watch Best of Soul Train on Saturday. Most of the men look gay to me. It's funny that I never noticed it back in the day. Nothing against gay people, It's just weird that I never noticed that before.
I use to sneak up on saturday night and watch Soul Train. It's where I learned to dance. Not bad for a white girl from Memphis. I won the Baby Got Back contest in college with what I learned from you guys. I love you and you bring back great memories. I am so happy that they are replaying all the old shows. Love, Peace and Soul....
Lord Have Mercy!!!! how we have all grown up, some of the foxes still looking foxayyyy, but I remember watching soul train on channel 11 wpix here in new york on saturday morning in the seventies, We all gathered around the tv small black & white and only 1 tv in the house, cause thats the way it was back then... but we all got in front of that tv and dance the dance. yes sweet memories, but I still listen to it today!!!
I grew up watching soul train, the first time I saw it, being from NYC, I remember being shocked that people outside of NYC could be cool... LOL, no kidding....
Thanks for posting these pics. I was actually searching Youtube trying to find old Soul Train clips featuring Tony Briggs and Fredrerick Eason. I did see a pic of Tony. Thanks for that. Look forward to more pics in the future.
Yes Tony Briggs attended the reunion parties and has a hot rapp record out called "POAK CHOPS." You can view his new song on YOU TUBE by typing in "POAK CHOPS." His new stage name is TAMECHI. Unfortunately, Fredrick Eason passed away several years ago. I hope this answers your question. buddymatic
Buddy Hopkins!! whats good brother? Its Stan Jones here, just reflecting on the pass and ran across this post...I'm still in La working, still see ralph Hawkins alot. r u still here? Im in Landover right now on vacation till oct 30th, hit me back!!
thanks for posting this video. i enjoyed watching soul train on saturday mornings. i wanted to have hair like cheryl(i think) the asian lady with the really long hair. it brings back lots of memories. i think it would be nice if someone did a movie about soul train.
So does anyone know where Tyrone Proctor is, I use to run into him here in NY in the city from time to time, strangely at A & S dept store a few times. These years were such an important time of my life. Thanks for the post!
i was so impressed by the style of the guys that came before that, like jeffrey daniel (of course), and leonard jones (who i wanted to be). i used to see miss thelma occasionally she told me lil' joe passed. but the other guys,
gary keyes, carl, tyrone (proctor and swan), anybody know where they are. i'm sorry, i could go on forever...
are you the same kipper jones who sang "the greatest love of all" w joi @ homecoming (p25) & the disco dance contest winner (p35) & was aka "tiger" in the the 3rd or 4th grade? fyi, the 30th is 08-22-09 @ the doubletree
hey buddy, i personally want to thank you for posting your pictures. i doubt if you remember me, but i danced on the show in 80/81. and now that they're showing 'the best of soul train', i often wonder where everyone is and what they're doing.
Kipper, I definitely remember you. You were in a recording band as the lead singer right? If that's you, of course I remember you. Thanks for checking out my Soul Train montage. Yes it does bring back a ton of memories from the 80s. Holla back soon! buddy hopkins
Kipper, I've got a photo of you and I that was taken way back in the mid 80s. We were partying at the Palace club in Hollywood when the photo was taken. Bernadette from Klymaxx was at that party too. If I can dig it out, I will share it with you o.k. Take care, Buddy Hopkins
Just wanted to post an apology if I offened any of you. I made a comment asking about Cheyrl Song. I describe her in a way that may have offended some of you. Wasn't thinking clearly on how else to describe her.
I'm just saying that Cheyrl is one of my favorite dancers. Now I like the other ST female dancers too. But once agin, I'm sorry and I mean no offence.
You're welcome blackenuf4ya. Going back down memory lane can be somewhat melancholy at times but it's good to remember the good times of the past. buddymatic
Does anyone now the guy that used to prance around the main stage with a cane and usually wore a suit. He was a tall thin guy and wore sunglasses often.
Yeah, he's the cat with the black suit with white pinstrips on and hat to match, with shades on of course. Big Louie was funny as hell goin' all over the stage jumpin'and skippin' around with that cane of his, funny and cool at the same time, and every week you couldn't wait to see what he was gonna' do in the Soul Train dance line, hilarious!!!
Who would have thought (besides us watching the show from its inception) that these fabulous, fierce dancers would have their dance routines and steps copied twenty odd years later! Many Japanese revere(?) and study the steps religiously. I watched Soul Train until 1987-88 and I have fond memories...it was my shyt!
The name of the theme song is called "I GOTTA SURVIVE" and it's by artist KOJO LINDER. The funky song is about BOXING. I hope this answers your question horusbey.
Did anyone here see CJ's interview for Diddy's new competition? CJ (1NewVision) is one of many candidates vying for the position of Diddy's new assistant. Just type "1NewVision" in the search engine above to check her out.
I love watching Classic Soul Train. I am glad it comes on again, but who was that lady that always wore black and white in the late 80's early 90's??!!
WOW! Brought back some memories. I have to admit, Damita Jo Freeman was/is my all time favorite dancer from the show. I used to dream of being on the show, I settled for a local dance show in Philly instead.
DAMN They look good!! Are these the SOul Train Dancers from the 70's & 80's? If so, some of them dont look like theyve aged much at all. In some cases they look better now than they did then. wow!
I need to knoow who sings this bad ass song !
twomucht 2 months ago
Hi Buddy, who is this tune from, because I can't get out of my head.
twomucht 2 months ago
I can tell all these legendary Soul Train ladies still dance. They are in shape and look wonderful some 40 years later!!
Nanadsyl 3 months ago
It would have been great to see Connie Blackino, Eddie Cole and Wanda Fuller in the Soul Train Reunions.
jaime5429 7 months ago
Soul Train was best from 71-76. I was too young to view these episodes first-run (born 1972). However, after watching the reruns on Centric and purchasing the Time Life dvd's, it's not even close. The kids from 71-76 (Damito Jo, James Phillips, Tyrone, Lil Joe, etc.) were real kids from the hood. They brought real energy and fashion. Around 76, it looks like they got rid of all those kids and brought in professional, disco/Broadway type dancers. This decision was clearly a mistake.
NthDegreeEnt 8 months ago
@ dlace thats cutty mack aka lou ski aka louie ski aka ski cutty carr aka cutty love, he was at 0.22, hes black and mexican
sinanbrannon 11 months ago
@buddymatic: THere was this light skinned possibly Hispanic dude(with shades) who used to dance on the show. He would stand and point at folks. He was also on the "Bust A Move" video. That dude used to crack me and my friends up. Do you know what his name is?
DLace91 1 year ago
70's was the best year for soul train!!!! . In the 80's it kinda lost it's essence, even Don Cornelius thought so, the music was kinda going in the wrong direction also.
RealismOfLife 1 year ago
@RealismOfLife I agree anyone know where Damita Jo is? she set the bar know one has ever rose to that ever....
rhfactorseven 1 year ago
@rhfactorseven I remeber when Damita Jo went on American Bandstands dance contest and WON and took her trophy and prizes back to Soul Train lol
Nanadsyl 4 months ago
Hey, buddy. I've been watching Soul Train ever since I was 8 yrs. old. You say u danced on the show from the mid-late 80s. There was this guy on the show during that same era that used to trip me out they way he danced. He had a jerry curl, I think. And he wore dark shades and a suit and would swing his arms and kick up his legs like a ballerina sort of. Do u know who I'm speaking of?? If so, where is he now??
manlover32 1 year ago
at 0:50 is that the same james that use to be pat davis dance partner on the show in the early 70s?
reallygoodatmusic 1 year ago
He's on my Facebook & Myspace pages.
drummerboyray 1 year ago
Hey Buddy, I had no Idea you were a Member of The Soul Train Family. I enjoyed the Reunion Party Photos. The music had my Head a Boping. Who is the Artist? What time frame were you on the show? Who were some of the performing Artist? Ya highlighted in any youtube clips? Might help me find the episode quicker in My Video's.( Mike with all His Questions again cl8o) "SeeYa onfb"
DOWOPER333 1 year ago
hey buddy its Lorenzo(LO)! hows it going soul train family. Keep the tapes rollin.
lorenzocolston1 1 year ago
nice...was that the filipino chick....
Machelle3200 1 year ago
Lou Ski...he does a lil acting but he looks damn good..he was on the Soul Train special...
kajunmiss15 1 year ago
are you talking about the neon cityscapes set? i thought it was the best set ever especially when it had the dark colors but when they first started it in the 1984-1985
season, i thought it was ugly because of the lights that was surrounding the soul train sign and when they took it off, it sure as heck looked a lot better. honestley i thought they should have set up the neon cityscapes in the 1983-1984 season. just my opinion.
simplydeep504 1 year ago
simplydeep, my favorite Soul Train set was the late 80s when I was a regular dancer on the show. i had a ball!!
buddymatic 1 year ago
@buddymatic
I loved that time too, from 88-93 was golden for me. I've been hurting trying to find those old episodes on dvd somewhere. I had them all recorded on vhs which are gone now :(
mikaris01 1 year ago
@buddymatic Did the dancers Denay and Vaughn who were from Chicago attend the reunion? They performed the featured dancers to the song breakdown chillin by rufus thomas
Damdudso 1 year ago
hey buddymatic! which soul train set was your personal favorite?
simplydeep504 1 year ago
there was a white dude on the show who dressed and danced like big lou and from time to time they have a routine on the soul train line whats his name. they were carbon copies of each other?
funkzilla1001 1 year ago
@funkzilla1001 I'm sure you are referring to Tom Evans. If you have not seen it yet, there is a tribute to him here on you Tube.
bubblinbrownsuga66 1 year ago
i like to watch the 70's soul train episodes, the 80's were too much about how the dancers looked instead of their dancing abilities. Too many non-black non-dancing people infiltrated the show which was a shame, they had NO RHYTHM and were only there because they were non-black perhaps in an effort to "attempt" to show that soul is universal . . .
AzzedineAliaFan 1 year ago 2
You said it. I stopped looking at it when it got in the late 80's. It wasn't "Soul" Train anymore. When it first came on when I was 12, we looked at the show for the dancers to see what they would do. We got to know their names (Damita Jo, Jody Whatley), even the fine ones (Tyrone Proctor where are you now?). But then in the 80's, they started letting all colors in. The women couldn't all of sudden could do nothing but shake their booty, then I just waited for the Soul Train award.
jmusic45 1 year ago
@jmusic45 i hear you, it def. lost it's "Soul" sometime during the 80's with lackluster dancers, i don't know what they were trying to accomplish, perhaps a more diverse viewing audience, but dayum learn how to dance instead of just flaunting your appeal to the opposite sex!!
AzzedineAliaFan 1 year ago
Cheryl Song is still hot as balls
diamondmoney007 1 year ago
Does anyone know the girl name Que? What her real name is? She's in a few of his pics.
jd7779311 1 year ago
Who was the tall, light-skinned guy who used to prance around the upper stage in the 1980s? If you know, where is he today? I think I heard that he got shot and was wheel-chair bound as a result? As I type this, I'm watching reruns on BET from back in the early 80s and he's on the show.
JCGrantatAC 1 year ago
@JCGrantatAC I found out it was Lou Ski. The guy was a trip. I enjoyed watching his antics.
JCGrantatAC 1 year ago
@JCGrantatAC Louie is alive and well I talk to him on Facebook often. He made the show.
rockjohnson80 1 year ago
Great seeing everyone many still look as good as they did forward
hidoll22 1 year ago
I'm so glad I can see Soul Train on Centric channel; this makes up for when I couldn't watch it on Saturdays because us Adventists were in church that day. From what I see, these dancers were at the top of their game, and they did it without being half-naked either! Two thumbs up and God bless!
Marsena 1 year ago
This is absolutely fabulous! I loved Soul Train as a child. It was a MUST see on Saturdays. Is Reggie Thornton still dancing? Pat Davis was a favorite of mine. I see she is an evangelist now? Good to see you are all doing well.
Makaiisa 1 year ago
I want to know what happened to a dancer by the name of carl grigsley? I believe he did a stand up comedy routine on there once. Just curious.
devo1067 2 years ago
Damn you went waaaay back, Carl use to date my cousin and the last time I saw that cat was in 1978 I was about 7 years old
soulbrotherlegendary 1 year ago
So the dancers were auditioned? I always thought they just got in line,got tickets and showed up to dance!!
judd1157 2 years ago
You are exactly right. If they liked you at the front studio gates, you got in. There was no audition process. That's ridiculous. You just showed up and if you looked the part, you got it.... Nuff said...
buddymatic 2 years ago
@buddymatic where is Damita Jo she , oh what can I say there will never be one greater tham this girl. I mean rythm!
rhfactorseven 1 year ago
@judd1157 In the early 70's the dancers were auditioned. My sister was auditioned at Denker Park in '71 and got on. Others got on via nepotism. LATER there was the line, and they picked from there. Some of the younger dancers didn't know the history of the show :-)
ogkeedah 1 year ago
DAMITA JO WUZ MY FAVORITE
sda1225 2 years ago
@sda1225 Mine too!
ogkeedah 1 year ago
These were my idols back in the day.
Kell1295 2 years ago
God, I really loved this. I danced on the show for a couple of years. I was so young, and from Oklahoma. It was sort of a baptism by fire. I reconnected with Louie Carr, I did some artwork for him then. I remember you! :-) This is really a great video!
sexartiste 2 years ago
Oh my GOODNESS. I'm from the east coast and grew up watching Soul Train every Saturday afternoon. It's so nice to see that you guys kept in touch after all those years. That's really sweet.
grannie530 2 years ago
Whatever happened to Randy Thomas? Randy and I danced all over LA during his time on Soul Train when he danced with Cheryl Song. I have browsed everywhere. We fell out of touch when he joined the Alvin tour. He is the original CWESTUFF....if anyone knows how to reach him, I'd love to say "hi"... thanks
rockmein08 2 years ago
although James Phillip is my cousin i too wonder where he at these days if any of you Soul Train people know let me know
soulsistagirl69 2 years ago
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but I had heard years ago that James Phillips was dead. You need to check with your relatives to find out if this is true or not. Thanks, buddymatic
buddymatic 2 years ago
thats what we keep hearing but being that he was always on the go we dnt know i asked family and even they dnt know...this is all because we rarely kept in touch with that side and he would come around every now and again
soulsistagirl69 2 years ago
Where is Lou Ski?????
pauldeo 2 years ago
what happened to James Phillip?
bandstand54 2 years ago
james phillip is my cousin ...we havent heard from him but iam sure he good
soulsistagirl69 2 years ago
The best soul train dancers Forever and u all look great to dance on the floor the same way agin .Viva all Soul Train Dancers Forever!!! i love u all...
goawaynow2008 2 years ago
I had hair as long as Cheryl's when I was a little girl, she was like a real-live Barbie doll, and I watched for her every Saturday before Kung Fu Theater. I wanted to be just like Cheryl and Donna Summer when I grew up. LOL. These pics are awesome!
coffycup75 2 years ago 2
Where's Rosie Perez and Heather Hunter?
kenytco68 3 years ago
I see Cheryl still has all her hair!
katrina0213 3 years ago
Does anyone have any information about Tom Evans? I would like to know more about him such as exactly what years he danced on the show, where is he now, ect. He and Lou Ski always caught my eye, but there seems to be no info on Tom. We all know where Lou is.
bubblinbrownsuga66 3 years ago
In 41 seconds of this video is my boy, Charles Washington a.k.a. Captain Crunch & The Funky Bunch. Where can he be. He was my favorite dancer on Soul Train. I would sure love 2 get him.
drummerboyray 3 years ago
@drummerboyray Charles is alive and well in California. Still dancing and happily married.
ogkeedah 1 year ago
good to see you keep us a live well on film, from Dexter mayfield 81-87
love5121 3 years ago
HI BUDDYMATIC:
Hope yoy can help. There was a song performed on SOULTRAIN back in the early
70's. The lyrics went something like: "I'm shipping out to nowhere. I'm shipping out to sea. The reason is whatever, I'd like for it to be. And so I'm shipping out. Off to satisfaction. I'm shipping out. Lights Camera and action". If you can post this SOULTRAIN performance, I'd greatly appreciate it. THANKS
COMING4U 3 years ago
Sorry Coming4U but I don't know that song or Soul Train performance. Keep searching the You Tube Soul Train videos. I'm sure someone out there has posted it. Take care, buddymatic
buddymatic 3 years ago
So did the Soul Train dancers get paid for appearing weekly?
rockjohnson80 3 years ago
Heck NO! All the dancers got was a soda pop and a box of chicken for dancing on their feet for 9 straight hours per day, one weekend per month. That's it!
buddymatic 3 years ago
So did they shoot 3 shows at a time?
rockjohnson80 3 years ago
They shot (2) full shows on Saturday and (2) fulls shows on Sunday. That was enough shows in the can to cover a month. After the 4 shows air we would all come back again to the studio to tape another 4 shows to air the following month. The show would go into re-runs during the Summer season which gave us a break until the taping season started back again in the fall.
buddymatic 3 years ago
I figured they all had day time jobs. Which years were you on the show? Don was cheap just a box of chicken...lol. I guess growing up and watching as kid the dancers were like stars in their own right.
rockjohnson80 3 years ago
Yeah he was cheap alright but it was the dancers intention to get some tv exposure and that's what Don gave us. I danced on the show somewhere between '84 to '87. Overall, the experience was amazing and fun. I looked forward each month to the tapings. I liked creating new and trendy outfits to where on the show and seeing all of my friends at the studio.
buddymatic 3 years ago
i am dying to now who the guy who always wore the crazy masks....i want to see him again with the E.T. mask on
bustakita 3 years ago
Buddy, Where is the dancer named Elaine? She use to appear with the dancer named Crystal McCrary? I know Crystal McCrary has a website selling crystals and jewelry. Thank you very much for this post.
cassandrawoods 3 years ago
Hey Buddy... can you get clips of Prince's "when dove's cry" episode? I led off the Soul Train line and it's my 15 min of fame I want my kids to see it!!!
Anyone know where Chocolate Legs is? Her name was Sharon. I see her on left @ 1:29,30, 31. I miss her~~~ I was Vanilla Legs we came down the line together and partied @ "The Catch" Who's got old clips...late 79,80,81, 82 knows where Darryl/Eric are? Michael Hart?... thanks...
dana8asb 3 years ago
Who was the tall lightskin dude that was always grandstanding in the middle of the stage all the time. Toward the 90's he was always wearing a green military army suit. Who was that brother? He was even in the Same Gang video. If anyone knows, please post it.
bornasiatic1 3 years ago
I don't know his name, but he was New Editions good friend and choreographer. I simply knew him as "The Coolest Brother Alive" Although he just stood around or walked around, that dude could outdance anyone!
30hourpunch 3 years ago
Soul Train was big the world over back in the day. In Nigeria, my friends and I will get together on Saturday mornings around noon, having a sort of mini parties to watch Soul Train and sometimes learn some of the dance moves to show off at disco clubs.LOL....Those were the good old days. Thanks to Don Cornelius and the Soul Train Dancers for the unforgettable and memorable great times.
I agree that there should be a movie about the Soul Train.
exceeduus77 3 years ago
I really enjoyed your video. Thanks for posting it. ST is my favorite show ever. It's good to see my fave dancers as they appear now. Can you please tell me the name and any info of the other light skinned male dancer, the one who is not Louie? He is often seen dancing in group formation with Louie and some others. This has bugged me for years. Thanks.
bubblinbrownsuga66 3 years ago
Bubblinbrownsuga66- I believe you are referring to TomTom. He was always with Louski back in the day, on the show and off. Real stylish cats, both of them.
Buddy- You brought back many many memories of standing outside KTLA waiting for Eric to wave folks through. Thanks for posting the picture of Sheila, especially from that angle. Ha!
GeorgeHolt3 3 years ago
Hey Surfboy, I went on Soul Train when it originated here in Chicago. I think maybe it was 1971 or 1972. It was at the Board of Trade Bldg in Downtown Chicago. I remember that Don Cornelius was super tall and super mean, ugly ass. He shortly took the show to California after that. I wonder what ever happened to his Chicago co-host, Clinton Ghent. Now he was coll
COP20VOW 3 years ago
I didn't Soul Train started in Chicago...American Bandstand started in philly then went to cali also......I long for a good dance show.....but why do they have to move to cali.......our cities are the real deal
donniehell 3 years ago
Damn, I feel old. "nuff said.
miamiborn 3 years ago
No disrespect to anyone. My comment was just that I noticed how well the men danced and that thet appeared to be gay.
COP20VOW 3 years ago
If the men appeared to be gay to you, it's probably because men didn't wear clothes 6 sizes to big for them and weren't afraid to move. It's just like the hypermuscled rappers of today look like male hustlers, but I'm sure 90 % are straight. No offense intended.
surfboy5 3 years ago
I recall seeing Viveca Fox, Rosie Perez, Jody Watley, Jeffrey Daniel, Walter Payton (deceased), Jermaine Stewart(deceased) back in the day. Where were these people at? I sometimes watch Best of Soul Train on Saturday. Most of the men look gay to me. It's funny that I never noticed it back in the day. Nothing against gay people, It's just weird that I never noticed that before.
COP20VOW 3 years ago
i'm actually watching it right now on tv, ray parker jr is performing!!
missJD08 3 years ago
russell hughes still has a crush on sexy soul train dancer ms.que.
BTMN39 3 years ago
I use to sneak up on saturday night and watch Soul Train. It's where I learned to dance. Not bad for a white girl from Memphis. I won the Baby Got Back contest in college with what I learned from you guys. I love you and you bring back great memories. I am so happy that they are replaying all the old shows. Love, Peace and Soul....
married2smoot 3 years ago
Lord Have Mercy!!!! how we have all grown up, some of the foxes still looking foxayyyy, but I remember watching soul train on channel 11 wpix here in new york on saturday morning in the seventies, We all gathered around the tv small black & white and only 1 tv in the house, cause thats the way it was back then... but we all got in front of that tv and dance the dance. yes sweet memories, but I still listen to it today!!!
DISCOLARRY125 3 years ago
I grew up watching soul train, the first time I saw it, being from NYC, I remember being shocked that people outside of NYC could be cool... LOL, no kidding....
lionmane22 3 years ago
do you ever see or hear from lorenzo?
mzmuzikluvr 3 years ago
No, I haven't seen or heard from Lorenzo since the late 80's. I would love to know where he is... buddymatic
buddymatic 3 years ago
Thanks for posting these pics. I was actually searching Youtube trying to find old Soul Train clips featuring Tony Briggs and Fredrerick Eason. I did see a pic of Tony. Thanks for that. Look forward to more pics in the future.
Take care,
Sharon
AnotherNCnative 3 years ago
Yes Tony Briggs attended the reunion parties and has a hot rapp record out called "POAK CHOPS." You can view his new song on YOU TUBE by typing in "POAK CHOPS." His new stage name is TAMECHI. Unfortunately, Fredrick Eason passed away several years ago. I hope this answers your question. buddymatic
buddymatic 3 years ago
Buddy Hopkins!! whats good brother? Its Stan Jones here, just reflecting on the pass and ran across this post...I'm still in La working, still see ralph Hawkins alot. r u still here? Im in Landover right now on vacation till oct 30th, hit me back!!
yelnats21 3 years ago
I woul love to have some black friends!There are no black people in my town.Anyone out there wanna be friends with an English guy?
BAYCITYROLLERBOY 3 years ago
sure, where do you live?
laron214 3 years ago
the best female dancer was Damita Joe Freeman the prettiest was Patricia Davis
Makiba08 3 years ago
What, no Jody Watley?
untitleme61 3 years ago
Jody didn't attend either party. buddy
buddymatic 3 years ago
you guys forgot tyrone proctor ya need to check that
pologroundsnyc 3 years ago
tony brigzz, sheila the diva. love it
beecansing 3 years ago
Thanks fineassb: I think the artist performing the song that's with my pictures is KOJO LINDER. Check him out on the web. buddymatic
buddymatic 3 years ago
who is singing this shit! it is jamming. great job on this. wish I could send you a note
fineassb 3 years ago
thanks for posting this video. i enjoyed watching soul train on saturday mornings. i wanted to have hair like cheryl(i think) the asian lady with the really long hair. it brings back lots of memories. i think it would be nice if someone did a movie about soul train.
missmaquisha 4 years ago
I love the video! I always tried copying those dances back in the days. I also love the song. What is the name and singer(s) of that song?
sana1369 4 years ago
ever since i was a child i watched it and i would say when i grow up i wanna go there. i never got the chance :( beautiful pics. thanks
cup05 4 years ago
cup05, that was my dream as a child too but I actually went to Soul Train. Thanks for enjoying the pics. buddy
buddymatic 4 years ago
Pretty cool...Great to see these pics. We had great fun watching Soul Train on Sat mornings. Love,Peace ...Soul !!
FairwayJack 4 years ago
Thanks so much for the pics!! I always wondered what happeded to some of the featured dancers!!! I still watch the Best of Soul Train every week!!
deeronz 4 years ago
You're welcome deeronz. I'm glad you enjoyed it! buddy hopkins
buddymatic 4 years ago
at one time russell liked soul trian dancer ms.que dose any one kown where soul dancer ms.que is now?
BTMN39 4 years ago
So does anyone know where Tyrone Proctor is, I use to run into him here in NY in the city from time to time, strangely at A & S dept store a few times. These years were such an important time of my life. Thanks for the post!
awm1006 4 years ago
Thank you so much for posting these photos -- I LOVED Soul train, wanted to be just like Cheryl when I grew up. Everybody looks awesome!
agnesmoorhead 4 years ago
hey buddymatic, back in the 1980's who was that lite skin dude who always where those flashy suits?
simplydeep504 4 years ago
i was so impressed by the style of the guys that came before that, like jeffrey daniel (of course), and leonard jones (who i wanted to be). i used to see miss thelma occasionally she told me lil' joe passed. but the other guys,
gary keyes, carl, tyrone (proctor and swan), anybody know where they are. i'm sorry, i could go on forever...
God bless,
kipper jones
unclekipper 4 years ago
are you the same kipper jones who sang "the greatest love of all" w joi @ homecoming (p25) & the disco dance contest winner (p35) & was aka "tiger" in the the 3rd or 4th grade? fyi, the 30th is 08-22-09 @ the doubletree
TheAlmightyNemesis 3 years ago
well, 'tiger' is my little brother. but you got all the other stuff right. WOW!
unclekipper 3 years ago
hey buddy, i personally want to thank you for posting your pictures. i doubt if you remember me, but i danced on the show in 80/81. and now that they're showing 'the best of soul train', i often wonder where everyone is and what they're doing.
kipper jones
unclekipper 4 years ago
Kipper, I definitely remember you. You were in a recording band as the lead singer right? If that's you, of course I remember you. Thanks for checking out my Soul Train montage. Yes it does bring back a ton of memories from the 80s. Holla back soon! buddy hopkins
buddymatic 4 years ago
yes, sir. that's me.
i'm glad you remembered.
thanks again and God bless...
kip
unclekipper 4 years ago
Kipper, I've got a photo of you and I that was taken way back in the mid 80s. We were partying at the Palace club in Hollywood when the photo was taken. Bernadette from Klymaxx was at that party too. If I can dig it out, I will share it with you o.k. Take care, Buddy Hopkins
buddymatic 4 years ago
wow, thanks, man!
unclekipper 4 years ago
Just wanted to post an apology if I offened any of you. I made a comment asking about Cheyrl Song. I describe her in a way that may have offended some of you. Wasn't thinking clearly on how else to describe her.
I'm just saying that Cheyrl is one of my favorite dancers. Now I like the other ST female dancers too. But once agin, I'm sorry and I mean no offence.
drobo74 4 years ago
Drobo74 that was beautifully written and very heartfelt. I'm sure everyone here knows that you meant no harm. Thanks for your apology.... buddymatic
buddymatic 4 years ago
Thanks for posting this. This kinda stuff makes me get all misty. ;)
blackenuf4ya 4 years ago
You're welcome blackenuf4ya. Going back down memory lane can be somewhat melancholy at times but it's good to remember the good times of the past. buddymatic
buddymatic 4 years ago
No doubt. :)
blackenuf4ya 4 years ago
it would be cool if you had before and after pics!
baby43 4 years ago
ANybody remember the chic who always wore the bikini top that was made with seashells? Damn she was fine!
67goldtop 4 years ago
I would like to know, Who is The Oriental Chic? I've seen alot dancing on Soul Train. Back in 1978-1982.
drobo74 4 years ago
Her name is Cheryl Song
ATLien174 4 years ago
Thanks!! She's one of the hottest dancers.
drobo74 4 years ago
she is not oriental, she is asian, damn lets be politically correct
tiana1017 4 years ago
Does anyone now the guy that used to prance around the main stage with a cane and usually wore a suit. He was a tall thin guy and wore sunglasses often.
Thanks for any help.
alderopop 4 years ago
I think the guy you are referring to is BIG LOUIE. He's seen in one of the photos in this You Tube presentation with Buddy.
buddymatic 4 years ago
Yeah, he's the cat with the black suit with white pinstrips on and hat to match, with shades on of course. Big Louie was funny as hell goin' all over the stage jumpin'and skippin' around with that cane of his, funny and cool at the same time, and every week you couldn't wait to see what he was gonna' do in the Soul Train dance line, hilarious!!!
3811iberis 4 years ago
Who would have thought (besides us watching the show from its inception) that these fabulous, fierce dancers would have their dance routines and steps copied twenty odd years later! Many Japanese revere(?) and study the steps religiously. I watched Soul Train until 1987-88 and I have fond memories...it was my shyt!
dawn220 4 years ago
what is the name of song and who does it?
horusbey 4 years ago
The name of the theme song is called "I GOTTA SURVIVE" and it's by artist KOJO LINDER. The funky song is about BOXING. I hope this answers your question horusbey.
buddymatic 4 years ago
thank you.
horusbey 4 years ago
You're welcome horusbey. Check him out on the web. He's got a lot of great music.
buddymatic 4 years ago
thank you, I will check the web for him.
horusbey 4 years ago
do ya' notice Buddy Hopkins smiles da same in every photo?
justicelyric 4 years ago
Did anyone here see CJ's interview for Diddy's new competition? CJ (1NewVision) is one of many candidates vying for the position of Diddy's new assistant. Just type "1NewVision" in the search engine above to check her out.
ScarySmart 4 years ago
I love watching Classic Soul Train. I am glad it comes on again, but who was that lady that always wore black and white in the late 80's early 90's??!!
2Tall2BAShorty 4 years ago
Thank you for posting that! I've wondered what those dancers were up to these days!
TinkerMazell 4 years ago
You're welcome TinkerMazell. Glad you enjoyed it. It was a fun, fun party. Can't wait until the next one. buddymatic
buddymatic 4 years ago
...and you can bet your last money it's all gonna be a stone gas honey
4gnrations07 4 years ago
I know Lil Joe personaly
SPOILSPORT55 4 years ago
HELL YES ITS A STONE GAS HONEY
pekoe 4 years ago
I remeber all this, and More "Right ON" mag used to feature this bad cats in the mag all the time "
OH THE GOOD OL DAYS..
SPOILSPORT55 4 years ago
WOW! Brought back some memories. I have to admit, Damita Jo Freeman was/is my all time favorite dancer from the show. I used to dream of being on the show, I settled for a local dance show in Philly instead.
kpitt1204 4 years ago
DAMN They look good!! Are these the SOul Train Dancers from the 70's & 80's? If so, some of them dont look like theyve aged much at all. In some cases they look better now than they did then. wow!
ciccocenta 4 years ago
Very koo.
MsTexas73 4 years ago
Nice!
SMOOTHBRIDGE 4 years ago
must have been a fun get together... thanks for posting this.
efunkadelic 4 years ago