The creator of they syndicated music/dance show franchise, Don Cornelius has died after what is being reported as an apparent suicide.

According to TMZ: 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. He was taken to Cedar Sinai where he was pronounced dead at the age of 75. His family has been notified.

Including his ex wife as seen in the picture. 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.” Cornelius was arrested in 2008 for beating up his wife.  He pled no contest to misdemeanor domestic violence and was placed on 3 years probation.  His probation just terminated. The divorce was granted in 2010. Sources close to Don tell us … the TV icon was plagued with health issues for years … including a stroke and a condition that required brain surgery.

Don Cornelius was an American television show host and producer who is best known as the creator of the nationally syndicated dance/music franchise Soul Train, which he hosted from 1971-1993. Cornelius sold the show to MadVision Entertainment in 2008.

Below is a clip of the popular 70′s show featuring The Jackson 5 and Elton John performing.