The music world mourned the loss this week of Don Cornelius. Cornelius was found dead by his son in his Sherman Oaks home, and authorities believe the legendary TV personality shot himself. The Chicago native is best known for creating the “Soul Train” as a showcase for black music, fashion and dance. In addition to “Soul Train,” which attracted stars such as Aretha Franklin and Janet Jackson over the show’s 35-year period, Cornelius also created the Soul Train Music Awards.
Tuesday marked a major milestone for David Letterman: 30 years of late-night broadcasts. So how did he celebrate? With a little help from some old friends. Long-time staffers delivered the night’s top 10 with quips like “My therapist says I have Stockholm Syndrome” and “You’re incompetent.” Bill Murray brightened Letterman’s night with a cupcake covered in 30 candles. The two Midwesterners even went outside to throw around the football for a little pre-Super Bowl fun. Regis Philbin joined in as referee.
The “House of Carters” lost one of their own this week when sister Leslie Carter was found unresponsive at her father’s house. She was declared dead at Westfield Memorial Hospital in New York. Although the official cause of death has not been determined, authorities reportedly found prescription drugs at the scene. The 25-year-old, whose married name was Leslie Ashton, appeared on the “House of Carters” reality show with her siblings, including Nick, of the Backstreet Boys, and Aaron, who is currently starring in the off-Broadway musical “The Fantasticks.” (Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)