VOA标准英语2012--African American TV Pioneer Exposed Audiences to Black Culture

African American TV Pioneer Exposed Audiences to Black Culture

"I had a burning desire to see black people presented on television in a positive light," said Cornelius.
Cornelius created Soul Train in 1970, with just $400. He hosted the hugely popular music and dance show for more than two decades. It was must-see TV for the latest fashion trends, innovative¹ dance moves and black music hits.
Ralph Herndon is a pianist with the Choral Arts Society of Washington. He has fond memories of the show.
"Soul Train was like having a party at your house every Saturday. Something that our black youth had to look forward to, something they could identify with," said Herndon.
Soul Train helped to propel² the musical careers of giants such as Michael Jackson, James Brown, Aretha Franklin and Marvin Gaye. The weekly show was the first TV program specifically³ geared⁴ towards African Americans.
By the time it went off the air in 2003 Soul Train had become one of the longest-running syndicated shows in U.S. television history. Cornelius hosted the show until 1993. Herndon said the TV icon⁵ helped so many recording⁶ artists.
"We probably would not have come this far had it not been for Don Cornelius and Soul Train being a catapult for a lot of black artists," said Herndon.
Other Soul Train fans agree and say Cornelius introduced the music of black Americans to the world, and to their fellow Americans.
"I'm Don Cornelius and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul."

1 innovative   

adj.革新的，新颖的，富有革新精神的

参考例句：

• Discover an innovative way of marketing.发现一个创新的营销方式。
• He was one of the most creative and innovative engineers of his generation.他是他那代人当中最富创造性与革新精神的工程师之一。

2 propel   

vt.推进，推动，激励，驱策

参考例句：

• They use oars to propel boats.他们用浆推进船只。
• Paddles are used especially to propel canoes and kayaks.短桨特别用于划独木舟和小艇。

3 specifically   

adv.明确地，具体地；特别地，特意

参考例句：

• The book was written specifically for children.这本书是特地为儿童编写的。
• I told you specifically not to do that.我明确地告诉你不要那样做。

4 geared   

adj.连接的

参考例句：

• The programme is geared to preparing students for the world of work. 本计划旨在为学生开始就业作准备。
• The party is all geared up for the forthcoming election campaign. 该党为即将来临的竞选活动做好了准备。 来自《简明英汉词典》

5 icon   

n.偶像，崇拜的对象，画像

参考例句：

• They found an icon in the monastery.他们在修道院中发现了一个圣像。
• Click on this icon to align or justify text.点击这个图标使文本排齐。

6 recording   

n.录音，记录

参考例句：

• How long will the recording of the song take?录下这首歌得花多少时间？
• I want to play you a recording of the rehearsal.我想给你放一下彩排的录像。