Michael Jackson and Soul Train: The Untold Legacy Interview

Michael Jackson was shaped by his upbringing and that included Soul Train. He surrounded himself with great talent and admired the dancers on the show and later hired them to work on his most iconic dance pieces including Captain Eo, Smooth Criminal and Thriller. Legacy aside, there was controversy. In this episode I talk to Mother Diva, who is an advocate for justice for MJ. I put up a disclaimer for my video as I am a trained Advocate and assume responsibility for my content.

I danced on Soul Train in Chicago and in Los Angeles and met Don Cornelius, host and owner of the show, and there are very few of us who danced on both shows. I was very young but it happened and it was an enjoyable time. I wax lyrical about it before the episode, so I did post time stamps on the video to spare you :).

Michael Jackson and Soul Train: The Untold Legacy Interview

When people think of Michael Jackson’s rise to superstardom, the focus often turns to Motown, Thriller, or groundbreaking performances like Motown 25. But before the global spotlight, there was Soul Train, the iconic music and dance show created by Don Cornelius that reshaped American culture. There was a Soul Train and MJ strong connection, as the show has music culture history, 1970s Black music culture, and there is no doubt that Soul Train influenced pop music.

Some of Michael Jackson's dancing was influenced by the dancers on Soul Train. This is why he loved being a guest on the show. He even invited many of them to his home to hang out.

Soul Train: The Stage That Shaped Generations
Debuting in 1971, Soul Train became more than just a TV program, it was a cultural movement. It provided a platform for Black musicians and dancers at a time when representation was scarce. It set the stage for how dance, music, and fashion would shape global pop culture. But many don't know of its origins. It started in Chicago in a tiny studio on the 42nd floor of the Board of Trade building. As a young girl, my best friend and I used to go there after school to dance on the show. It wasn't taped, but the memories are etched in my mind. I remember they did show it now and then, they repeated the show and I got to see myself. So this begs to wander: Were the shows taped and the footage discarded?

Michael Jackson’s Soul Train Connection
Michael Jackson, already a household name with the Jackson 5, appeared on Soul Train and absorbed its rhythms, style, and culture. The dancers who were unpaid but overflowing with talent were trendsetters who influenced MJ’s evolving artistry. Many of his moves, stage energy, and dance style carried the unmistakable imprint of the Soul Train dance line.

The Legacy of the Dancers
One of the most overlooked aspects of Soul Train is the role of the dancers themselves. These young visionaries pioneered movements that would later fuel entire genres, from street dance to hip hop. Jackson’s reverence for their style speaks volumes about how grassroots creativity fuels global stardom.

Why This Legacy Still Matte
In our recent interview, we explored how Soul Train’s cultural footprint cannot be overstated. From breaking barriers in representation to directly influencing the King of Pop, the show remains a cornerstone of music history. Understanding this legacy means honouring both Michael Jackson’s genius and the community that shaped him.

The Soul Train story is not just about one artist, but about a movement of expression, resilience, and creativity that continues to inspire new generations.

Watch the episode on YouTube.