Editor's note: This post is part of the Overheard on CNN.com series, a regular feature that examines interesting comments and thought-provoking conversations posted by the community.

"It's better to celebrate the life of someone rather than mourn their loss in death. Therefore, I say thank you, Don Cornelius. You were a credit to the human race. You helped facilitate the spread of Soul as the conductor of the train, giving artists an outlet beyond the confines of the industry machine so we all could be inspired. Let the Soul Train Scramble Board read: 'Rest in Power Don Cornelius.' "
–Manny UNO Cortez

Our readers are remembering "Soul Train" founder Don Cornelius today after he was found dead of a gunshot wound. He was 75. Authorities are investigating the incident. We're seeing lots of tributes from our readers who said Cornelius inspired them in so many ways.

Authorities: 'Soul Train' founder dead of gunshot wound

This comment echoed the thoughts of many who said Cornelius' appeal transcended race and culture:

cherriterri: "I grew up in inner-city Chicago and didn't know there were any other radio stations other than WVON. I loved the Ohio Players and once called to request a song when Don was still doing his show on air. LOL. I asked him if it were okay if I were white. He chuckled and said if it was what I wanted to hear, then it was okay. (I think I was about 11 at the time.) He said it didn't matter what color I was (in that awesome deep voice of his) and that music had the power to make everyone the same color. In that short conversation, he confirmed what I believed even then, color just didn't matter. 🙂 I watch 'Soul Train' religiously every Saturday. The man was pure class. He inspired me. Rest in Peace, Don."

The most-liked comment came from a reader who also said they watched "Soul Train" regularly.

rda118: "I am a white male who grew up in Detroit. I listen to all kinds of music. I watched Soul Train every Saturday morning. It was great to hear all the wonderful sounds and watch all the cool dancing. I was shocked to hear the passing of Don, a true pioneer. He not only brought soul to the TV, but became an icon in American culture. My condolences and prayers to his family and friends."

A few readers admitted getting some of their dance moves from Cornelius.

tompst: "Very sad, and the circumstances makes it even more tragic for a man who influenced so many people and gave young artists a chance to be seen on TV. I am a 60-year-old white man, but watched that show for years as a young guy and picked up all the latest dance moves to take to the weekly dances back then ... some of which I still use at the infrequent opportunities to dance these days. Christmas parties ... weddings. RIP, and thanks Don."

Omekongo Dibinga of Washington submitted a video tribute to CNN iReport in which he called Cornelius a "class act with a lot of soul." Overall, people heaped on the praise.

W8a2nd: "For boomers and x-gens, whether you know it or not, your love of music was greatly influenced by this man. He brought the 'Greats' into your living room and into the "American" culture. RIP Mr Cornelius. And thank you for your contributions toward breaking the generational chain of racism throughout these United States."

DLT: "And as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul, Don Cornelius. You made my life infinitely better and played the music I loved. The dance moves and confidence I learned from Soul Train has sustained me since I started watching at 10. Your mantra was not only cooler than cool, it offers peace and calm. It was a stone gas, man. Thank you so much. The world was a better place because you were here."

SCY385: "I spent many a Saturday afternoon watching Mr Cornelius and many talented people on Soul Train. A performer was not legit until they appeared on that show. He was a very cool host. My heart goes out to his family."

One reader related a story of meeting the man.

markmmmmmmmm: "About 15 years ago I was lucky enough to meet him during a trip to LA, he was such a nice man and very approachable. I told him that I was just a white boy from the sticks of Ohio and he was the man that turned me on to the great inner city voices of my generation. Its sad to know that he is gone now, he did so much for what we see and hear in music. Before MTV, there was Don Cornelius."

Did you ever meet Cornelius? Let us know below.

Rule3: "So sad. I would drive by his house often and wave to him. He seemed like a nice man. May he rest he rest in peace or 'Peace, love and Soul.'

Sweet 'n' Tender: "I know. I met him in the late '80s, very down to earth."

A lot of people were talking about the Rev. Al Sharpton's remarks as well.

secretagent: " 'Had it not been for Don Cornelius we would not have ever transcended from the chitlin circuit to become mainstream cultural trendsetters.' Now it's that sort of comment, made by the infamous Rev. Al Sharpton, that instills and maintains racism in people. Sharpton has always been an enabler and regardless of the circumstances, he will steer the course into a racist arena every time. I grew up in the same era as Sharpton and Jackson and I for one, will be glad when they go as well. I happen to be African-American and the tactics of these two gentlemen only served to make our journey up the hill a whole lot steeper. They're passionate, but they never understood what people like brother Cornelius were trying to achieve. It had nothing to do with any comparisons or making it from one place to another. It was merely the expose of what we have had all along and simply wanted to share it. It wasn't a struggle to escape the pains of slavery, nor was it ever in need of an emotionally-charged sermon by Sharpton or Jackson. It was about a man, Don Cornelius, who created a source to highlight and celebrate the Motown era among African Americans and anyone else who enjoyed this genre of music. The good Rev. Sharpton still considers himself a black man in the throws of a racial battle, while African-Americans continue to move forward and transcend to places where brother Martin Luther King had always envisioned, leaving the past behind us. Rest in Peace, Mr. Cornelius."

BlackBeautyO:"Racism is maintain by racist people, Al Sharpton just pointed it out. The tea party said recently that schools should not talk about slavery, it is because of that type of thinking that Al is needed. I know people like you don't want to hear about it, but we don't care."

But mostly, readers said they learned so much from Cornelius.

AlFranken: "As a white boy in the sixties and seventies growing up in the suburbs of L.A., (Thousand Oaks) it was my only connection to the culture. ... He has brought so much to me as music is food for the soul and soul he gave me. ... God bless Don Cornelius."

What do you think? How did Cornelius impact you? We want to hear from you. Share your opinion in the comments area below and in the latest stories on CNN.com. Or sound off on video via CNN iReport.

Compiled by the CNN.com moderation staff. Some comments edited for length or clarity.