*All across our country each year, during the summer, folks excitedly gather for reunions of all types, especially family reunions and high school reunions. They want to have a good time and be sure to share their affection for each other—while they’re still able to do so. The talented dancers of the legendary “Soul Train“ television show from decades ago are certainly no different.
As though there was something “in the air” urgently prompting them, this year seemed especially important for this energetic group to come together for their 13th ANNUAL SOUL TRAIN DANCERS REUNION PICNIC!
This year’s Soul Train Dancers Reunion Picnic, which took place in the Culver City area of L.A. County, joined forces for the first time with Solar Records. Several of the popular record label’s hitmaking executive team were on hand, including the label’s longtime producer/songwriter Leon Sylvers (of The Sylvers family fame) and talented songwriter Dana Meyers.
A genuine aura of unity and love was quite evident amongst all in attendance. These were no longer just teens and 20ish-aged people, but grown-ups with various life experiences who seemed to know the value of coming together beyond just the “fun.” Perhaps the condition of our world in general had something to do with the preciousness everyone seemed to notice about this year’s picnic.
In light of all the recent tragedies and sudden deaths of many well-known, beloved people, not just in the entertainment arena, but perhaps also in acknowledgment of the horrible turmoil festering in this country—and the world—a special lovelight was ignited amongst all the dancers and others who were present. And this united, loving energy was beautiful to watch and experience. A maturity level was evident, not just from my perspective as a journalist having been around this popular crowd for years, but in chatting with others, they agreed, acknowledging a higher level of togetherness, appreciation, and love.
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Sharon Hill, a long-time Soul Train favorite, acknowledged what a blessing it is each year to see friends who once stirred up TV viewers with their creative dance moves. But she believes that each year, they grow and see things from a more mature, appreciative vantage point: “Every year it’s a blessing to just see everyone, hug each other, and talk about our lives now. It’s truly a good time for us all,” she said. “With so much going on in our world, we never know what a day will bring. We’ve lost a number of close buddies from the show, including my beloved dance partner, Tyrone Proctor. So, when a day brings us this kind of blessing to be together, I’m very thankful. It’s just good to be alive!”
The tall, slim, handsome Soul Trainer from the 70s—Michael Henderson—agreed it was a special day. “I was excited to reconnect with many of the dancers I admired and learned from during my time on the show—from 1974-1976. I wasn’t disappointed at all.
It was so fun—and a joy to see legends and friends like Damita Jo Freeman, Sharon Hill, Leonard Jones, and all the others. This picnic was certainly a hit! And so was the food—especially the fried chicken. The weather was perfect and I’m looking forward to doing it again next year if possible. Best of all…my son came and was rewarded in ways he’ll always remember…”
Many of the dancers brought their spouses—and children—who were finally able to witness up close why these soulful dancers from the past were a phenomenon beyond the dance floor—but as “pretty cool people.” Michael’s youngest son, 21-year-old Drew, was able to witness the “magic” for himself of all he’d heard over the years. Yet, there was a spark of something deeper within this group of people at this reunion time, and what he learned just listening to their conversations will likely be life-lasting.
Smiling, Michael added: “Best of all, I got to bring my youngest son. Usually, he’s too busy or not too interested in hanging with his old man—but this time he came…” Drew learned a lot not just about his father’s popularity, but about camaraderie, longtime friendships, and what folks thought of his dad. “This gave me a tiny feather in his cap, outside of just being Dad to him.” Later Drew would certainly retain something more: Spending time with those you love is never time wasted.
Fan-favorite, Damita Jo Freeman, had a blast! She laughed a lot, talked a lot, and gave thanks for another chance to not only dance down that Soul Train line, but to give old buddies a big hug.
“It was just a beautiful time together! Going down the Soul Train line here in the park brought back so many memories for us all. We might not be able to kick as high as we used to—although some of us certainly did (Derek!), it was so much fun. Whenever we get together at these picnics, I think it helps us all to realize the value of life—period! Because no one is promised we’re gonna wake up the next day. So, it was, and always is, a special and loving occasion to just be together—greet one another with a hug—and just be thankful that we can say, ‘I love you’, while we’re all still above ground!”
Former dancer, Leonard Jones, who took lots of photos, knew what a blessing it was to once again shake hands, hug, and chat with friends formerly from the Soul Train dance floor—the hottest dance floor worldwide.
“It was super cool seeing all these folks. Just cool reuniting,” Leonard remarked.
Thelma Davis, one of the longest-tenured and favorite Original ‘70s Soul Train Dancers summed up the vibe of the picnic quite well, saying: “The ambiance and swag was off the hook! The feeling of family and togetherness of Soul Train (and Solar Records as “cousins” of the show) was so prevalent and real.”
This inside look at a simple, yet valuable Soul Train Dancers 13th Annual Reunion Picnic hopefully sheds a bright light on the value of long-time friendships, but also hopefully brings to the forefront the value of our lives.
For there is often such irony in what is considered the “simple things.”
And simple comments. The picnic was such a simple yet huge blessing and lesson for those who attended—and the dancers would learn this in a deeper and unexpected way—a way in which they hope others will also learn something important and life-changing.
As they discussed the joy of seeing each other—not knowing what a day would bring, none of these dancers would actually know the personal reality and truth of that until a few days later.
You see, Solar Records’ hit-making songwriter/musician Dana Meyers had a great time chatting, hugging, smiling, and taking happy-looking photos with those at the picnic. Yet, a week later, this tall, lanky, kind, and talented musician, who had been dealing with an illness, was found dead.
As sad and stark a revelation about life as this was to the dancers—it was a truth they spoke likely not knowing the deeper reality and importance of their comments. Upon learning the heartbreaking news of Dana’s death, there was certainly lots of shock, sadness—and tears. Thelma Davis captured the essence of it all: “It was so bittersweet that Dana Meyers spoke about ‘Tomorrow not being promised.’ And how profound that statement turned out to be.”
With this 13th ANNUAL SOUL TRAIN DANCERS REUNION PICNIC, the dancers now know the profound reality of their comments, and they hope everyone of their fans and those who read this, will honor their own friendships and honor with gratitude each day of their lives.
P.S. The 88th Annual Jenkins Family Reunion—my family—certainly celebrated our reunion with joy, honor, and gratitude! And we take no family members & no days for granted. We hope you, dear reader, does likewise.
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