TMZ reports 75-year-old Chicago native Don Cornelius was found dead in his home in Sherman Oaks, CA.  He has 2 sons.  According to the report:

…Law enforcement sources tell us it appears he committed suicide.

We’re told cops discovered the body at around 4 AM PT. Law enforcement sources tell us … Cornelius died from a gunshot wound to the head and officials believe the wound was self-inflicted.

We’re told Cornelius was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

During Don’s bitter divorce proceedings in 2009, he told an L.A. judge he was suffering from “significant health issues” and wanted to “finalize this divorce before I die.”

Mr. Cornelius kicked off “Soul Train” in 1971 in response to African American singers/artists not being featured in the popular musical show “American Bandstand.”  Once he incorporated dancers into his weekly music show, “Soul Train” became one of the most successful shows on air to date.

CNN has confirmed the story as well.

News of his death is absolutely disturbing and shocking.