The creator of the  long-running US TV show, Soul Train has shot himself at his Los Angeles home, police said.

Don Cornelius, 75, was pronounced dead on Wednesday morning after police answered reports of gunshots at his home around 04:00 (12:00 GMT).

Soul Train began in Chicago in 1970 but aired nationally from 1971 to 2006, showcasing artistes such as Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and Barry White.

Cornelius stepped down as host of the hit show in 1993.

Soul Train came to prominence in the years after the cultural and political upheaval of the civil rights movement.

It was credited with helping to tear down racial barriers, bringing black music into the cultural mainstream and showcasing soul and funk to a national audience.

The show brought new dance moves, fashion and hair styles to their audiences and created the iconic dance line, where dancers could show off their moves.

"I'm... trying to avoid saying there was no television for black folks, which they knew was for them," Cornelius said of the show in 2006.

Initially, the show was seen by some as a black answer to American Bandstand, a music show presented by Dick Clark.

American Bandstand sometimes featured very mainstream African-American artistes, but Soul Train created a platform for black artistes who might not have had the opportunity to appear on American Bandstand.

But Soul Train remained popular long after black musicians became part of mainstream music and culture in the US.

"I figured as long as the music stayed hot and important and good, that there would always be a reason for Soul Train," Cornelius added.