Music legends are singing the praises of Soul Train creator and host Don Cornelius, who died this morning in an apparent suicide.

Patti LaBelle called Cornelius "simply a genius," saying, " the contributions he made to music and our culture are second to none."

"I will always treasure the fond memories I have of working with Don over the years and being part of the history that he created through Soul Train," LaBelle said. "He will truly be missed and my heart and prayers go out to his family."

Jackie, Tito and Marlon Jackson paid tribute to Cornelius, saying in a statement that "behind his baritone and graciousness lurked a revolutionary who completely changed the way black performers were included on broadcast TV."

Stevie Wonder described the death of Cornelius as a great personal loss "and a heartbreak to the music world."

And in a statement, Aretha Franklin said: "It's just so sad, stunning and downright shocking ... a huge and momentous loss to the African-American community and the world at large. Don Cornelius singlehandedly brought about a melding and unity of brother and sisterhood among young adults worldwide and globally with the unforgettable creation of Soul Train."

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