Where this was said
The Soul Train Experience: Format, Dancers, and the Line
At 34:07 · chapter starts 30:00
Before anything else came that iconic animated freight train intro, then Don Cornelius — always impeccably dressed, always projecting unhurried cool, delivering his signature patter ('It's gonna be a stone gas, honey'). Josh attempts the phrase and admits it came out like a CB trucker. Musical guests ranged from Patti LaBelle to James Brown to Stevie Wonder, and early on they all lip-synced; later performers often sang live. But the dancing is what defined the show. Cornelius and his team scouted dancers from Chicago clubs — flying first-class club kids who became TV stars — while thousands of others auditioned. Dancers were unpaid for most segments, fed over the two-day shoots, and expected to be on time, tactful, creative, funky, and themselves. The Soul Train line — everyone clapping on the sides while a couple came through the center with their showpiece moves — became one of the most iconic recurring TV segments ever made. Chuck and Josh agree: go on YouTube, find the Soul Train line videos, and prepare to lose two hours. [1] — Chuck Bryant "The Soul Train line — two rows of dancers, a couple coming through with show-stopping moves — became one of the most iconic TV segments eve…" 32:00
The Soul Train line — two rows of dancers, a couple coming through with show-stopping moves — became one of the most iconic TV segments ever made. Chuck and Josh both agree: go on YouTube and look up Soul Train line videos. You will look up at the clock two hours later.
Clinton Ghent, Don Cornelius's co-creator and right-hand man, had a unique talent: scouting the best dancers from Chicago clubs, then assembling groups that would gel like a family rather than claw each other for camera time. That family vibe wasn't an accident — it was Ghent's work.
