Aretha Franklin and other music superstars are remembering the late Don Cornelius, creator of “Soul Train,” who was found dead at this home in Sherman Oaks, Calif., on Wednesday morning at the age of 75.

Here’s what they had to say regarding the tragic loss:

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Legendary Queen Of Soul Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin:
“It’s just so sad, stunning and downright shocking and a huge and momentous loss to the African-American community and the world at large. Don Cornelius single handedly brought about a melding and unity of brother and sisterhood among young adults worldwide and globally with the unforgettable creation of ‘Soul Train.’”

Whitney Houston:
“I grew up watching ‘Soul Train’ and I was privileged to perform on the show at the beginning of my career and on several more occasions. Don opened the door for many artists. He was a great pioneer.”

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Whitney Houston

Stevie Wonder:
“It’s a heartbreak to the music world, to the television world and it is a heartbreak to me personally. That’s why we have to always reach out to friends and put our best love forward. God bless his family and God bless his soul.”

Arsenio Hall:
“Since the year I landed in this town … He has been one of my ‘Hollywood mentors’ … and a loyal FRIEND! There is NO soul in my bowl this morning!”

Gladys Knight:
Don Corneilus was a pioneer in the field of musical television for African American artists, incorporating dance along with song. He believed wholeheartedly in his dream of giving people of Color a face on this powerful thing called T.V. A dream such as his was almost unthinkable for Black people with the social climate of prejudice being what it was. But he persevered, he worked, and succeeded. His persona was cool and laid back, but underneath he had a drive to get things done. He was a great friend and counselor. He opened many, many doors and hearts teaching all who came in contact with his soul train about peace, love, and SOUL!!! I pray for him and his family for he truly lifted us up as artists and as people to a higher place. Job well done Don! We love you!

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Sudden Endings: Stars Who Died Too Soon

Quincy Jones:
“I am shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden passing of my friend, colleague, and business partner Don Cornelius. Don was a visionary pioneer and a giant in our business. Before MTV there was ‘Soul Train,’ that will be the great legacy of Don Cornelius. His contributions to television, music and our culture as a whole will never be matched. My heart goes out to Don’s family and loved ones.”

Earvin “Magic” Johnson, “Soul Train” Holdings Chairman:
“Don Cornelius was a pioneer, an innovator, and a trailblazer. He was the first African-American to create, produce, host and more importantly OWN his own television show. ‘Soul Train’ was a nationally syndicated show that paved the way for singers, musicians and dancers, giving them the ultimate platform to showcase their talents when no one else would. Every Saturday morning I looked forward to watching ‘Soul Train,’ as did millions of other people. ‘Soul Train’ taught the world how to dance! Don’s contribution to us all is immeasurable. He will truly be missed. I thank him for trusting me with his ‘Soul Train brand’ and I will carry on his legacy through it. My condolences to his son and my good friend Tony Cornelius and the entire Cornelius family.”

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Engaged! Stars Who Are Getting Ready To Tie The Knot

Shemar Moore:
“My heart is heavy after hearing the news of Don’s passing. I can’t imagine what His Son Tony and extended family must be feeling. I am truly sorry that such an iconic man has left us too soon. Don Cornelius was responsible for a show that revolutionized the Music industry, introduced the world to many of the Biggest Superstars of music, showed generation after generation over 40 years how to keep it funky and get your groove on every Saturday morning on ‘The Hippest Trip In America’… ‘Soul Train.’ It was truly my Honor to continue the tradition and be a part of History by being given the opportunity by Don to Host Soul Train for 5 years. I didn’t dare try to fill his shoes because it just couldn’t be done! Don was one of a kind! Don was The Man!! “And as always in parting, Me and Your ‘Soul Train’ Family wish you, Don, Love, Peace, and Soul!!!! Rest in Peace My Friend.”

Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy:
“Recording Academy Trustees Award recipient Don Cornelius created a cultural phenomenon with “Soul Train,” providing a platform for recording artists to showcase their talents to a wider, more diverse audience. He made an indelible impact on American television, one that will continue to be appreciated for generations to come. His beautiful, deep voice and measured pace always sounded warm and familiar to the millions who admired and followed his broadcasts. The music industry has lost a true visionary and trailblazer, and our deepest sympathies extend to his family, friends, and all who welcomed him in their homes for so many years.”

Debra L. Lee, Chairman & CEO of BET Networks:
“We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Don Cornelius. He was a pioneer in the television and music industries and his legacy and influence on American culture will continue to live on for many generations to come. He made ‘Soul Train’ a destination for lovers of Black culture and music and connected the world to our culture and we are forever grateful. We owe so much of our success to him, he built the space for the creation of a BET, built a platform for the music that our audience loves and gave a voice to countless artists that shaped black culture and beyond—his impact can’t be measured. He will be missed, but remembered at every wedding, party and family reunion forever with the enduring ‘Soul Train’ line.”

Share your memories of Don Cornelius on Facebook.

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Come on, Hollywood. Honda gives us two and a half minutes of "Ferris Bueller," but you release just seconds of your Super Bowl ads for major upcoming 2012 releases "The Avengers" and "John Carter"?

Teaser spots have been released for longer movie previews of both films that will air on NBC during the big game.

"The Avengers" teaser is painfully short. Don't blink or you'll miss quick hits of Iron Man, Thor, Black Widow and a great roar from The Hulk. Seventeen seconds, really?

The "John Carter" teaser is five seconds longer than "Avengers," but somehow manages to show even less. Those tall, weird Martians show up. And star Taylor Kitsch confirms that yup, he is John Carter of Earth. It's like on "The Simpsons" when Billy Corgan introduced himself as "Billy Corgan, Smashing Pumpkins," and Homer comes back with, "Homer Simpson, smiling politely."

Watch for the full trailers during the Super Bowl Feb. 5. "The Avengers" comes out May 4, "John Carter" two months earlier, on March 9.

Will you see either movie? Tell us on Facebook.

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Ed Harris plays John McCain and Julianne Moore is Sarah Palin in HBO's upcoming movie, "Game Change."

The full trailer for the upcoming HBO movie "Game Change" has been released, and Julianne Moore's portrayal of former Alaska governor Sarah Palin is the focus. Palin fans are unlikely to approve.

In the trailer, John McCain (an amazingly good lookalike Ed Harris) is seen debating over his vice-presidential choice. Woody Harrelson, who plays McCain advisor Steve Schmidt, tells McCain the Republican campaign needs to "create a dynamic moment."

Then the campaign is seen calling Palin (Julianne Moore), who answers the call while clad in an Alaska sweatshirt in front of a kettle corn booth at the Alaska State Fair.

Palin's famed delivery of her hockey mom-pit bull joke is shown, as is her 2008 ABC interview with Charles Gibson where she announces that Russia can be seen from land in Alaska. The line was later infamously mocked by Tina Fey on "Saturday Night Live" as "I can see Russia from my house."

A disgusted Schmidt says, "Oh my God, what have we done?"

McCain's staffers are then seen scrambling to both keep Palin in line and prevent her from public gaffes, while she is seen defending herself and declaring she's not their puppet. Schmidt, meanwhile, declares that Palin is "on the verge of a complete nervous breakdown."

Palin is later seen smiling and whispering to Schmidt, "We have to win this thing. I so don't want to go back to Alaska."

The movie is based on the 2011 book, "Game Change: Obama and the Clintons, McCain and Palin, and the Race of a Lifetime" by political journalists John Heilemann and Mark Halperin. While the book is not purely focused on the Palin campaign, the trailer never leaves it.

Co-author Heileman, who makes a cameo in the film, appeared on msnbc's "Morning Joe" Wednesday and called the movie "an incredibly balanced portrait (of Palin) ... you see the dark side, you see the light side." He also said "Julianne Moore is just going to blow everyone's mind as Sarah Palin."

"Game Change" premieres March 10 on HBO. Tom Hanks is an executive producer.

Will you watch "Game Change"? Tell us on Facebook.

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In an interview with Harper's Bazaar, actress Gwyneth Paltrow reveals that one former boyfriend did her wrong -- repeatedly.

Who did Gwyneth wrong?

In the March issue of Harper's Bazaar, cover star Gwyneth Paltrow looks back on her love life before she married Coldplay's Chris Martin and had kids Apple, 7, and Moses, 5.

PHOTOS: Gwyneth's most obnoxious quotes

"I had a boyfriend who used to cheat on me all the time," says the Oscar winner, 39, who dated Brad Pitt from 1994 to 1997, and Ben Affleck from 1997 to 2000. (She tells the mag she was "not happy" in her 20s, when she first became a star and dated Pitt, 48, and Affleck, 39.)

"I was quite naive," she says of being cheated on by her unnamed guy. "I knew on a cellular level, but I bought his story."

PHOTOS: Gwyneth through the years

Although she points out that she and Martin, 34, have been faithful, she says (as she has in the past), "I have friends who I love and admire who have had an affair. When I was younger, I would have said he's a terrible person or she's a terrible person. But who made these laws?"

Paltrow is also famous for her huge roster of A-list pals -- Beyonce, Madonna, Cameron Diaz -- and makes an unnamed reference to one of her mega-famous gal pals.

PHOTOS: Gwyneth's surprise BFFs

"She is an actress and in a new relationship with someone else with a big career," Paltrow teases "And I said 'This may not be feminist, but you have to compromise. It's been all about you and you're a big deal. And if you want what you're saying you want—a family—you have to be a wife, and that is part of the equation. Gloria Steinem may string me up by my toes, but all I can do is my best, and I can do only what works for me and my family."

Related content:

• Gwyneth Paltrow says marriage not 'all rosy'

More celebrity news:

• 'Soul Train' creator Don Cornelius commits suicide
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• Sofia Vergara tops list of Most Desirable Women

Since Stephen Colbert's "Report" taped before the polls closed in Florida last night, he couldn't comment on who was going to win the state's primary. So he began the show with something he could foresee -- regardless of who wins, he said, both Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich will be going back to ignoring Latinos.

Last night's primary topic of discussion -- the supporters of Newt Gingrich. First there's "shucky ducky" Herman Cain, who announced he'd be supporting Gingrich on Monday. But wait -- on TODAY Cain confessed he would be comfortable with a Romney win. And If you remember, Cain endorsed "The People" earlier this month. It's OK, Gingrich can be included in "the people."

Another key Gingrich supporter is Randy "Duke" Cunningham. You know, the U.S. Navy veteran, former House representative and current convicted felon responsible for one of the largest bribery scams in Congressional history. Yeah, him. Cunningham assures that 80% of his prison inmate peers would vote for Newt. There's also former Alaska governor Sarah Palin, who's simply endorsing Gingrich out of spite. If anything, she said, "annoy a liberal" -- vote for Gingrich.

Three solid endorsements for Gingrich.

Jon Stewart spent a good chunk of "The Daily Show" interviewing Yale Law Professor Jonathan Macey (who taught both President Obama and Chief Justice John Roberts) last night, but before that he took a moment to explain the art of pandering. Specifically, Gingrich's politically incorrect approach to getting the Latino vote, and Mitt Romney's wooing of elderly Floridians with the power of song -- "America the Beautiful," to be exact.

But it was Jay Leno who won the late night toss up, by snagging an interview with Michelle Obama. Not only did the First Lady get Leno to eat something he hadn't eaten in nearly 30 years, but Leno even got Mrs. Obama to laugh at herself -- throwing a punch at Al Roker!

Related content:

• First Lady Michelle Obama pulls no punches with Jay Leno
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• Who knew President Obama could sing?

Daniel Craig in the upcoming James Bond film "Skyfall."

Foreboding gun wielding? Check. Slick black impeccably bespoke outfit? Check. Abundance of fancy spy technology? Check. Wizened, grizzled mug with de rigueur steely gaze? Double-oh check.

Yep, the pieces are all in place in this first look image of Daniel Craig reprising, for the third time, his role as superspy extraordinaire James Bond in the 23rd installment of the 007 franchise, Skyfall.

MORE: Five Things We Definitely Know About the New James Bond Flick

The still was released on the film's website earlier today, marking the first official image from the tightly-watched movie set. This particular shot was taken from a scene set in Shanghai, though that's about the only detail producers are parting with.

An official, albeit vague, synopsis of the film has already been released, declaring that this time around, the world's most famous secret agent man will be defending MI6 against attack while Bond's loyalty to M gets tested.

Photos: 16 movies to be excited about in 2012

Joining Craig this go round will be villain Javier Bardem and Ralph Fiennes, along with Albert Finney and Judi Dench. Sam Mendes directs the film, set for release in the U.S. on Nov. 9.

Are you excited for "Skyfall"? What's your favorite-ever Bond film? Tell us on Facebook.

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Mark Humphrey / AP

Tracy Morgan is in trouble with his mother, who herself is in trouble.

Updated at 7 p.m. PT: Tracy Morgan said in a statement to msnbc.com, "I am saddened that these untrue stories about me have people questioning my commitment to my family. For reasons that are between us, I have not seen my mother in 11 years and outside of a random call here and there have had little to no contact with my sister. We all have personal family issues that we have to deal with in life, but I choose to deal with mine in private and not through the media."

Original story: It's only February, and thus far 2012 is not looking like Tracy Morgan's year.

First, the comedian/actor was hospitalized at the Sundance Film Festival (he Tweeted later about the cause being the fest's high altitude). (He's since returned to work at "30 Rock.")

Today's issue? He's being dunned by his family for being unwilling to help his mother stave off foreclosure, according to the New York Daily News.

Morgan's mother Alicia Warden lives in Ohio, and she and Tracy are considered estranged -- the Daily News reported last week that she learned of her son's recent hospitalization from the Internet. Warden, 61, lost her job a year ago and according to her daughter Asia Morgan (Tracy's younger sister), "Her health is failing. She has diabetes, and her legs are giving out on her. This would be a drop in the bucket for Tracy. She has a son that can do, and she's done everything that she possibly could for her family."

After being laid off, Warden told the Daily News that she asked for help from her son; one of his employees called back, offering a "one-shot deal" of $2,000. Warden says she owes less than $25,000 on her home.

If Warden fails to make a minimum payment by Feb. 23, the bank has said it will begin foreclosure proceedings. She's already at risk of having her utilities turned off and her car taken away.

"He's never been a nice person," said Asia Morgan of her brother, who Forbes reports is worth $18 million. "And money's just made it worse."

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• 'Sh-t Liz Lemon says'? Now we're listening

Don Cornelius in 1973

Don Cornelius, creator of the long-running TV dance show "Soul Train," is dead at 75 of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police responding to a report of a shooting found Cornelius at his Sherman Oaks, Calif., home around 4 a.m. He was pronounced dead about an hour later at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, according to the coroner's office.

Authorities have not found a suicide note and are talking to relatives about his mental state.

Cornelius' world grew dark in recent years as he faced fallout from a divorce and other pressures. In 2009, he was sentenced to three years' probation after pleading no contest to misdemeanor spousal battery and, in his divorce case that year, he also mentioned having significant health problems.

He has two children, Anthony and Raymond, with his first wife, Delores Harrison.

TheGrio: Why 'Soul Train; will never leave America's station

"Soul Train" began in 1970 in Chicago and aired in syndication from 1971 to March 2006, featuring primarily African-American musicians. It brought the best R&B, soul and later hip-hop acts to TV and had teenagers dance to them. It was one of the first shows to showcase African-Americans prominently, although the dance group was racially mixed.

Cornelius was the first host and executive producer. As the smooth-talking host with a deep voice, Cornelius gave to hip young kids of the '70s what 'American Bandstand' creator Dick Clark offered to viewers in the early days of rock 'n' roll.

As the popularity of 'Soul Train' grew, the show began to cross over into mainstream America and R&B artists soon broadened their fan base. That cemented its status as not just a hit TV program but one that helped shape pop culture.

Stars such as Ike and Tina Turner, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, the Jackson 5, James Brown and Stevie Wonder appeared on the show.

Watching the show became a weekly ritual in many households, especially African-American homes. Author Earl Ofari Hutchinson wrote in theGrio that "It was virtually a black household ritual to do one of two things when Saturday rolled around and it was Soul Train time. One was to sway, swoon, and sing the lyrics belted out by the parade of R&B legends and top hit artists ... The other ritual was to dance, or more likely stumble around the living room, trying to do our best imitation of the latest dance steps displayed by the show's perpetual motion gyrating couples."

Popular features on the show included the "Soul Train Line," where individual dancers showed off their moves between two lines of people, and the "Soul Train Scramble Board," where dancers unscrambled letters that spelled the name of that night's performer or a prominent African-American.

The show began each episode by welcoming viewers to "the hippest trip in America" and closed by wishing them "love, peace and soul."

Quincy Jones said that he was "deeply saddened" at the sudden passing of his friend, colleague and business partner.

"Before MTV there was 'Soul Train,' that will be the great legacy of Don Cornelius," he said. "His contributions to television, music and our culture as a whole will never be matched."

Were you a "Soul Train" fan? Do you have a favorite memory of the show? Tell us on Facebook.

More from music:

• Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder pay tribute to Cornelius
• msnbc video: Don Cornelius remembered
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Johnny Depp in a scene from "Dark Shadows."

"Dark Shadows" fans, we still have reason for concern.

Back in September, when this photo of Johnny Depp was released, fans tried to make excuses for his creepy pale makeup. Handsome Barnabas Collins, the vampire star of the 1960s-1970 soap opera, couldn't possibly be starring in a big-screen movie slathered in clownface, could he?

My favorite theory at the time was that Barnabas perhaps needed some cover-up to go out in the bright sun (though he was never a sparkly "Twilight" vamp).

But this latest photos aren't encouraging. Not only is Depp clearly indoors and still in whiteface, but the pointy, creepy fingers are are unnerving. Jonathan Frid, who played Barnabas in the "Dark Shadows" TV show, blended in as an aristocratic scion, his supernatural self was never externalized like this. I'm a little creeped out by this Barnabas.

Warner Bros.

Depp as vampire Barnabas Collins and Michelle Pfeiffer as Elizabeth Collins Stoddard in "Dark Shadows."

But different strokes, apparently. The readers who left comments on the Dark Shadows News blog are very much fans of the new photos. "These look wonderful!" said one fan.

Wrote another: "The nails kind of threw me, but Johnny did say that he wanted this Barnabas to be a classic movie monster, and the 'claws' fit PERFECTLY with THAT!"

Johnny Depp's a smart guy, and of all the actors out there, is perhaps the one most willing to embrace the weird and the wonderful. For now, this fan of the old show is trusting that he knows what he's doing. The film's out May 11, but there's been no trailer released yet. Maybe that will tell.

What do you think of Johnny Depp's appearance as Barnabas Collins in the released photos from "Dark Shadows"? Take our poll, and tell us on Facebook.

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Hey, Steven, J.Lo and Randy: It's OK to be brutally honest with the contestants, OK?!

OPINION

When “American Idol” was young and feisty, it made its reputation by taking the dreams of unworthy hopefuls and ripping them to shreds. With Simon Cowell as the judges' ringleader, delusional applicants would have their voices trashed, their faces likened to those of wild animals, and sometimes even brought back for the finale for another round of mocking.

It was controversial and cruel ... and also must-see TV.

But if auditioning in those days brought the terror of having to wow the Mean Crowd in high school, now it’s like performing before friends and family. You might get some strange facial expressions and people might talk about you behind your back, but nobody is actually going to be mean to your face. If this is like last season, record exec Jimmy Iovine and his crew are going to be a lot harsher to the singers good enough to make it to Hollywood than the judges have been to those who are wasting everybody’s time when they try out.

The old style with Simon may have been unduly harsh, but it definitely broke up the tedium. The auditions are otherwise just hours upon hours of performers who blend together, with many getting airtime now only to later exit the show anonymously in Hollywood. There’s no incentive to fall in love with anyone this early, and there’s no need to write down what nastiness the judges said to discuss at work the next day since those comments are a thing of the past, so there’s no real reason to watch.

Take Phong Vu's performance on last Thursday’s Texas auditions, for example. He had no chance of advancing to the next round. The only reason he was put forward was for comic relief. But rather than the brutal truth, the judges responded with kindness.

“You know, you’ve got the passion ... but your voice is not interpreting what she sang. There wasn’t enough you in it,” Steven Tyler said. I’m no Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Famer, but even I understood that the problem was there was too much Phong Vu in those vocals, not too little.

“Thank you, Phong Vu. It’s not going to work this time,” Jennifer Lopez added. "This time"? When’s it going to work, 2095?

Tealana Hedgespeth got her turn the previous episode in Aspen, Colo. She was bad enough that J.Lo turned to Tyler and whispered, “If you ask her for another song, I’m gonna kill you.” And to the judges' credit, if you’re looking for whispered criticisms or funny faces, these three are perfect.

But when the music stopped ...

“Have you ever recorded your voice and listened back? You gotta do that ‘cause then you’ll hear what we’re hearing,” Tyler said. Left unsaid was “... because what we’re hearing is making our eardrums bleed.”

“I think you’re adorable, but it’s a no,” J.Lo said.

“Love you, you’re so cute, but the singing’s not there yet,” Randy Jackson said. And by “not there yet,” he meant “hasn’t even left the driveway.”

So we got an 0-3 vote that was clearly warranted ... but with nothing but kindness. Here’s your blue ribbon for participation. Come back and see us again next year!

Those who complained about the nastiness of the old regime have gotten their wish -- these judges are unwilling to be dream-crushers. And while Rosie O’Donnell may be pleased with the results, it makes the auditions rather dull for the rest of us.

“Idol” can’t just show the good singers, or it’ll seem like everyone who walks in off the street is awesome. But without the negative commentary, bad singers are just that ... bad singers. When you hear one on the radio, you change the station. “Idol” had best hope that TV viewers don’t do the same.

How would you like to see the judges improve this season? Tell us on our Facebook page!

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