Civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson says Don Cornelius showed an unparalleled strength that broke down musical, cultural and racial barriers through his creation of ‘Soul Train’.

Jackson eulogized Cornelius Thursday at a memorial service attended by hundreds of friends, family and even some former Soul Train dancers.

Jackson says Cornelius' creation provided a platform for talented dancers and musicians and in the process changed the nation.

Speakers included Smokey Robinson and former Lakers basketball star Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson and others who vowed to carry on Cornelius' legacy.

Cornelius' signature sign-off, ‘Love, Peace and Soul!’ was repeated throughout the service, which ended with clips of Cornelius and others appearing on Soul Train being projected on a giant screen.

The 75-year-old died February 1 in Los Angeles from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.