Don Cornelius Productions

Credits

Descriptions by
codyfinke and TrademarkMagic04

Captures by
Eric S. and Camenati

Editions by
V of Doom

Video captures courtesy of
Broken Saw

Background

This was Don Cornelius' vanity card.

1st Logo (October 2, 1971-June 14, 1980)

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Visuals: Superimposed into the credits, a white abstract combination of the letters "dcp" in a rounded font can be seen. The "d" and "p" are blocked off on one end and are lined up to create a thin path in-between them, which matches up to the "c"'s position in the upper left corner. Below it is the text "A DON CORNELIUS PRODUCTION" in a varying font that matches the credits.

Trivia: The print version of this logo can be seen in the Signature Gallery in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame above Don Cornelius's signature since his induction in 2023.

Technique: Chroma-keyed graphics.

Audio: The end theme of Soul Train, with the announcer (Sid McCoy), saying "This has been a Don Cornelius Production."

Availability: Can be seen on Season 1-9 episodes of Soul Train. Season 10-21 episodes would have the Soul Train Television Network logo instead.

2nd Logo (September 26, 1992-June 26, 1993)

Visuals: On a black background, a metallic silver version of the "dcp" logo from before can be seen on the left, while "DON CORNELIUS PRODUCTIONS" can be seen on the right of it stacked, in a font similar to the Soul Train logo. The entire thing zooms in as it fades from the ending shot of Soul Train, and a copyright date in white appears below at the bottom of the screen.

Technique: Computer animation.

Audio: The end theme of Soul Train.

Availability: Can only be seen on Season 22 episodes of Soul Train.

3rd Logo (October 23, 1993-September 20, 2008)

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Visuals: On a black background, a large outline of the "dcp" logo zooms out from the left side of the screen, while the stacked text "DON CORNELIUS PRODUCTIONS" flies in the upper left just over it, and both revolve around each other. Both have a shiny metal texture to them. "DON" is also somewhat misplaced at first, but moves into its proper position. A large light blue-tinted lens flare also appears and slowly moves towards the middle of the screen before fizzling out as well. The "dcp" settles on the left while rotated towards that direction, and "DON CORNELIUS PRODUCTIONS" settles on the right with a large black shine streak going through it, and then the text brightens up.

Technique: CGI.

Audio: A synth chord is held throughout, while rising synth tones can be heard when the light passes by.

Availability: Seen on season 23-35 episodes of Soul Train, as well as the 2 Best of Soul Train seasons.