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*

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

SOURCE VH1