Original Soul Train Dancer Jeffrey McCrimon Recalls Being Named One Of The Best Dressed On The Show!

[@AfroDeesiac]

I met Jeffrey when he had left Soul Train to come to the Bay Area. I didn't recognize him from the show, I must admit. Jeffrey, in addition to the dance skillz you see in this video, is an amazing Software Engineer....super geek-level. What I will always be grateful to Jeffrey for is his willingness to help me learn all the new stuff back then, like Windows NT. He gave me software to set up a lab there at work, and I bought the training kits at Barnes & Noble for me and the members of our department to use. Any questions we had, Jeffrey was *ALWAYS* willing to help us. This was at the cusp of the Dot Com/Y2K explosion. After just a year of Jeffrey's help, I was able to go out and do contract work all over Silicon Valley for amazing contract rates. When one contract ended, there were 3-5 voicemails from agencies with new offers waiting. I was able to put my brother through college, thanks to Jeffrey. Go on nice vacations. And, have a really nice life, both for me and for the people I've been able to help in turn. Looking back, I wish maybe I woulda asked Jeffrey to teach me how to dance, too. But, what he did teach me, I am forever grateful. Real folks were on that show. I know that for a fact.

[@silverdreamzzz]

Thanks for sharing!

[@damienroberson8101]

Wow that's a nice story. I appreciate you sharing!

[@meewannabe2525]

Raised well!!! "Sleepy J" could easily be mistaken as a Cotton Club Dancer from the 30'!! Gifted Precision

[@pleasegetajob]

lit tale!!!

[@scoonerscoon9992]

Wow! That's really great

[@shawnt797]

It's a good thing and sad thing to watch these Soul Train dancers speak on their experiences being on the show. The good part is the memories that a lot of us share. The bad part is that there aren't shows like that anymore for today's youth to watch. I miss those days. I really do.

[@dfox704]

I was a soul train dancer in my living room I was better than all my siblings😁😁

[@christinenewhouse6920]

Me too!! Looked forward on Saturdays..miss those days..

[@Ms.FunkySoapBox]

Me too !!! lol

[@empresserica]

Me too!

[@wisdomseeker3362]

Meee too! I had a date with Soul Train every Saturday, without fail in the early 80's until '83 . I tried my new moves out at the school dances.

[@soulchampion3027]

Lol....Right On! Me, too!

[@susanhurst3292]

I remember this dude as well. He could dance and he was one of the dancers that wore what was trendy. Very stylish dancer at that time.

[@marlonharrison5511]

Jeffrey seem like a cool dude to hangout with in real life.

[@runwithkim1849]

YES he was back in our college days and very smart.❤️

[@dochvtech22]

Look up Gene Kim

[@itsjohn_]

He is my uncle btw

[@tuheshugordon6250]

Hes my real friend in real life for twenty years now and I can tell you first hand he is a total gem and great person to befriend :)

[@you2449]

Yeah, you can tell he was raised right !

[@DotCalmmm]

He’s got a great aura, attitude and smile...glad he has such a positive story to share.

[@dr.sandraowenslcsw2188]

I went to San Jose State University as an undergraduate student with Jeff and he always had and still has a great aura, attitude and smile!!

[@MightMouse2174]

One thing thats been consistent ( so far ) besides the chicken everyone had a good time dancing on the show

[@mreynol1]

Everybody talks about that chicken...lol. I think they could have switched it up. The dancers did a good job promoting the show.

[@marriejames01]

And they’ve all aged well!

[@KhylisTheory]

@@marriejames01 Right!

[@marquitashiver6141]

Good people, good place, good vibe. I love it!

[@charlita25]

Lol 😂 @ “the chicken 🍗 “ fo sho

[@flowersandoranges]

I watched this with the biggest smile. Im a millennial so I never watch soul train. But I love hearing their stories and memories. They always make me smile.

[@zayidm3218]

If you a millennial you should know about soul train

[@PINKDiva88]

How are you a millennial and never watched soul train? I'm a millennial and I watched soul train. Don Cornelius was still the host around the millennial era until he started having guest host to take his place. You're not a millennial, more like a lying Gen Z dope.

[@pleasegetajob]

@@PINKDiva88 thanks fam, cuz i didn't feel like typing all that. lmaooo 🐞

[@BeautyLoves88]

millennial goes back to being born in 1980-1995 lol. so a millennial DEFINITELY was around for soul train lol

[@joeswanson733]

@@BeautyLoves88 here's an example we'll use the oldest millennials born in 1980 lets base it off the testimonials from these soul train dancers they started watching soul train when they were kids say at around age 8 ok so the oldest millennial wouldn't start watching soul train or remember watching soul train maybe 1987 - 1988. the show aired at 11:00 am on saturdays. now by that point in time saturday morning cartoons was in full swing it would've been on their radar to wach a show about adults dancing. the youngest millennials born 1995 they wouldn't have started watching soul train until 2002-2003 by that point in time soul train was almost over. soul train didn't get cancelled until 2006 but let's be real here from what many others have said basically soul train was going down hill by the 1990s.

[@kells881]

Every time I watch one of these, I’m reminded of what a great time that period of life was. Also, if they were the “try” to recreate a show similar to Soul Train today, it wouldn’t have the same impact. Man, I love & miss those times. Just simplistic fun!

[@1990758]

Exactly it would not have the same impact

[@wisdomseeker3362]

You could not be more correct. A recreation could _never_ be the same. Don Cornelius truly made Soul Train an important mark in history in my opinion. rip Don Cornelius.

[@debbiewatts4128]

I remember Jeff before his Soul Train days when he was pledging at SJSU, while he was on Soul Train and when I danced with him at First Fridays in the Bay Area. He was so cool and genuine. Good to see him here.

[@tuheshugordon6250]

First Fridays :) Oh Yea!!!! I remember going to First Fridays in the Bay Area, CA...off the hook and Jeff sure did get down at those events :)

[@heathertea2704]

Jeffrey was AGILE.🤗 LOVED his Moves & Clothes.

[@cosmeticscameo8277]

i'm surprised people can dance that well wearing suits....

[@tuheshugordon6250]

Love it!!! Jeffrey is a real good friend of mine going on twenty years now. I cannot think of a more compassionate person who is grounded and gifted and has the blessing of dance in his whole being. What a GREAT AWESOME GUY!!! Don did well when he had you on the show because you are sooo genuine and equally talented :)

[@xDTHECHEMISTx]

damn i really enjoy seeing my people just DANCE and get it in and not just dudes throwing up gang signs with guns looking high and the sistas only go to move is twerking -_- smh.. Soul train is GOLD. nothing can ever duplicate it ever. Great interview as usual

[@dneenLovesMJ]

Exactly

[@mreynol1]

There was a soul train dancer from 1982 to 2002??? Yeah we definitely need an interview on him! He seen it all!

[@NNA1958]

Lol, I literally just wrote a comment about this 😂😂😂😂 I knew I wasn’t the only one who caught that 😳

[@mreynol1]

@@NNA1958 lol..like damn..after 35 I would have been like "thats enough". I would have felt so out of place.

[@oaktree1626]

That covers so many styles of music, dance, and hair. Wow.

[@scoonerscoon9992]

Okay!

[@wisdomseeker3362]

@@oaktree1626 It definitely did!

[@NNA1958]

Did Rick Carson have an episode yet? That’s the true MVP, dancing from 1982-2002 😳 I know I’m not the only one who caught those dates!

[@tdtellem]

DAMN!!!!!! 😮😮😮

[@sonitawong7993]

This was great interview, I really enjoyed listening to Jeffery reminisce about history time on Soul Train...What great fun he had...I am glad that Soul Train is recording and documenting their history for future generations...Thank You Soul Train...

[@EricOWilliam]

He seems super cool and genuine

[@TheRealSiahA]

I’m from gen z and love soul train i’m glad my family had tapes and made me watch reruns of the show .. i love being black ❤️

[@mfknrmxthebangmessiah6012]

That’s dope to hear!

[@60NXNP09]

Cool!!

[@TheHighlander2024]

Jeffrey, your dancing style, fashion sense, and looking like you were having the time of your life, were big reason a lot of us watched Soul Train loyally each week. Bruh, ya "Slayed em' with your unique dancing. This bruh was hurtin' just tryin' to copy your moves. 🤣😂Lol. Thank you for such great memories. I'd eat that chicken and drink the springfield soda too if I had the chance to be on Soul Train! Continued success to you! 🙋🏿‍♂️😎👏🏿👏🏿☺️Please stay safe out there! 🙄😷🙏🏿

[@nickfreshalive]

oh man, Jazzy Jeff! one of the coolest guys I've ever met from Soul Train.

[@mrmacfilms1]

So happy to see my fellow Soul Train brother profiled! Huge props!!

[@andreacampbell5464]

I love each dancer's story of how they found their way to Soul Train. Remember there's no Google back then. It took real ingenuity, ambition and luck!

[@v.a.993]

The New Jack Swing Era was good!

[@zabrinahorton3156]

So good!!!!

[@speechy_keen4878]

The best

[@Blktxdom2004]

Learning about the dancers and what they went through made me APPRECIATE watching ST... If they tried to recreate this, it would not have the same quality that was perfected by the Visionary...Don C! RIP DON!

[@immasoxfanbaby]

My brother shurby was a dancer on the very first soul train show pilot in Chicago. Facts. Big up to this bro. AYEEEEEEEE

[@YasminE-dk6nf]

Just the best show ever! Danced great, well dressed, and everyone interviewed would do it all again. I love this positivity!

[@amcgarvin4life30]

I’m loving seeing all of these dancers stories inter twine with each other! It really was a family at Soul Train!

[@CelestialGatez]

Crazy how Don didn't want to pay them. Even the dancers on "American Bandstand" got paid. SMH.

[@luvrumcake]

I agree. There should have been some type of labor law instituted for that. I believe Don Cornellius was wrong for that.

[@a.b.s_productions]

@BigFred 2294 He probably wasn’t the nicest person but I can see in the very early years of the dancers not getting paid because the show probably didn’t have a lot of backing such as sponsors but also if the dancers did get paid they probably wouldn’t have never left the show and would have stayed on. These dancers that are interviewed weren’t just the best dancers they had a fan base also and stood out. Kinda like today’s Instagram users.

[@jenniferfields7113]

Yeah he was wrong from that .

[@jackierobinson-hicks3879]

Love the show and dancers

[@INeedABlessingNow]

Jeffrey shows his appreciation for the opportunity to have been on Soul Train. He has really lived a charmed life. I wish him all the best.

[@bigsonny45]

THIS IS THE BEST KZbin SERIES EVER!!!

[@tami8458]

Please interview Rosie Perez, Jodie Watley, and Jeffrey Daniel.

[@runwithkim1849]

there story is out i am glad they are interviewing other dancers❤️

[@masterj5475]

RunwithKim Agreed! I hope they interview AJ from the 90’s as well. He was Soul Train Mr. Cool/ Hype man.

[@clarencesimmons8580]

I really want Rosie Perez fmr. ST Dancer Now!!!!!!!!!

[@arushilovesmusic]

Even Damita Jo Freeman!!!! I looooove her!!!!!!!

[@cyyrious]

@@arushilovesmusic they did her you may want to look back in the history

[@arushilovesmusic]

OMG!!! Look at the cartoon of Rosie Perez.... Hahahaha - 1:58

[@heathertea2704]

I FELL OUT.🤣😆🤣

[@zabrinahorton3156]

🤣🤣🤣

[@nickfreshalive]

that was hilarious! hahah

[@Tha90sKid]

How did I miss that?! Too funny! 😂🤣🤣

[@clarencesimmons8580]

I will to see fmr. Soul Train dancer Rosie Perez from 1986 to 1988.

[@masterj5475]

Damn, Dude got moves.

[@wil6518]

One of the best dancers. Still a fan.

[@EVATUBE1]

I really like jeffrey's personality! Seems like a sweet and fun guy 🙂

[@Sugastack]

I love hearing from the former dancers about their time as Soul Train Dancers!! I’m smiling from ear to ear! It’s good to hear that they enjoyed their time. I keep being pleasantly surprised! We were all fans of the show growing up. Thank you Soul Train!!❤️❤️

[@juliajohnson1557]

Jeffrey really did looked good on the show😊♥️

[@cosmeticscameo8277]

he's right the clothes he wore...did end up being in t.v. shows 6 months later lol

[@Kamala_b]

We need an episode for Pat Davis and Leonard Jones...

[@heathertea2704]

LOVED PAT'S STYLE.🔥

[@Rhythm973]

GOD yes

[@phinebrowngirl5467]

You were really jamming on there!!!

[@winnmiller6012]

Great video! Glad he got a good career AFTER Soul Train...🤩.

[@empresserica]

How cool !!! I LOVE these stories !!!! Please keep em coming ! 👏🏾💃🏽👏🏾

[@CoreyChambersLA]

Touching story about a young person with talent living the dream.

[@N2LADIES55]

Seeing the glee in him as he told his Soul Train story made me so happy and had me wishing I had danced on the show.

[@dtrn254]

😊😊😊....These are such feel good stories of people's lives and their youth. I've watched probably 8 different dancer's stories and I'm always moved by how much love they had for the time, their experience and each other. ❤️

[@kdh255]

He was definitely one of my favorite dancers. His moves were everything and fashion was dope👑👑👑👑👑

[@bjtight98]

"Hey, I'll be right back." 😂😂😂😂

[@sirpoppinchuck]

Jay king is an oldschool "Strutter" Boogalooer from the bay!!!!! I just heard about it they showed a pic of him with his Struttin group back in the day!!! I remember Jeffrey he used to do Tom n Jerry a lot !!! Yall got to see Vanity man i wish i could've been there for that a gorgeous sweety pie R.i.P Denise!!! Eric pulled me out the line i just thought i could go in it . i was wrong

[@rosalindhampton24]

He could dance🕺his azz off 💯okay

[@samlsd9711]

The almighty chicken's reputation is amazing.😂😆😂🤣🤣😆😂😆😂🤣🤣😆😂😆

[@maximillianafrancine1451]

A truly awesome and stylish dancer. Very fashion foward. Even his shirt at this interview. Kudos to you Sir. Looked clean polished n foine

[@seashellprism]

I like the animation created for the videos. It puts a smile on my face. How I miss that time in history. Sigh.... We cant go back but we can remember. Good times. Big hair and awesome clothes. LOLOLOL

[@lisagrace8725]

Great dancer❤️

[@ericbush6124]

Very humble person great dressing style

[@CTDisqoTeck78]

Awesome video, thanks for posting. I definitely remember Jeffery, great dresser and dancer.

[@gsmusic2009]

At first when I saw him he didn't look familiar! but I also kinda slowed my watching of Soul Train Late 80's too Nineties but I remember him he was definitely a excellent Dancer and he was always fitted 4 sure!!

[@ForeverFit72]

Keep these coming!! Love these memories

[@smurfrock]

Don kept that show in order but; everyone still had fun though.

[@mdeborah827]

Don was once a cop, so you, law & order.

[@bionicprince]

The dancers at 1:58 had so much attitude! Especially the one on the stage...

[@feliciajenkins5041]

Aww he's cute😄😍

[@s3hooligan]

Awesome interview frat. Gomab!

[@ravipeiris4388]

I truly enjoy this series ❤️

[@l.y.670]

Jeffrey you looked liked you really really enjoyed yourself. Great!

[@johnpetty9310]

LMAFO 🤣🤣🤣🤣!!I!! THEM CARTOON DANCERS WERE GETNIT IN !!!! THATS THE MOST SERIOUS CARTOON DANCING IVE EVER SEEN ! ! ! Matter of FACT .... that's ROSIE PEREZ ON THE STAGE 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@seanmcmillan2134]

Love the animation

[@vgskye14]

went to the same High School....Love me some Jeffrey!!

[@scentscheaper]

She is so gifted and one of my favorite people growing up and to this day. Would love to reconnect with Diana

[@sambabathily6438]

GREAT TIMES

[@laquetaworley4791]

Yeah I would love to see another dance tv show nowadays in the 2000s it really is a way of working out 💃🏾🕺🏾🙋🏾‍♀️ And we need this again….. Who’s here in the pandemic ?

[@derrickjones7074]

Love your work great talent keep giving us more

[@marlajackson1905]

He had one of the most interesting stories out of all about how he became a Soul Train dancer. Seems like a nice guy.

[@taelew]

Sacramento in the house! 👌🏾 He has a great presence and energy.

[@michaelgrant9556]

I grew up in the seventies - the originals soul train dancers were in the seventies .

[@ChuckSilva]

Wow!!!! ❤️❤️❤️🎶🎼🍻

[@town_biznessman380]

One of my favs, fa sho!💯

[@diannacotwright4892]

Jeffrey, you could really dance well, and you were very stylish. I always wanted to dance on Soul Train, but my dancing was not up to par with the other dancers. However, I would watch Soul Train to learn a new dance.

[@NaturalElicia]

He can dance, but he has such a beautiful spirit!!!

[@angelamobley5361]

Great interview!!!

[@PinkiFashionista]

Wow, this sure is a way to make us late 90’s early 00’s babies feel like we missed out. I really wish I was actually a teen or young adult during those times wow

[@itsjohn_]

That’s my uncle Jeff 🔥

[@stephaniemasi9625]

I don’t know if this possible but if you could do a video showing all the fashion trends ( hair, dress, dance) that came about because of Soul Train would be so awesome.

[@ceeceetracey9839]

Didnt really watch too much in the late 80s cuz I thought I was grown then and was dancing on my own Soul Train but I vaguely remember him. He was a good dancer.

[@tomcigarsmoker8958]

WOW he's from my home town !!!!

[@speechy_keen4878]

This guy can dance!

[@JohnSmith-qj6bj]

Please interview Pat Davis,Vicki Abercrombie and Fawn Quiones

[@davidedwards4088]

Shout out to Sacramento, hello from the south side since '74'

[@YACKYSNACKY]

Awesome!💦🌟💦🌟💦⭐💦🌟💦🌟

[@tiffmonique7154]

Yes! Sactown stand up!

[@davidedwards4088]

@@tiffmonique7154 That elementary picture background looked mighty familiar 🤣👏🏽👏🏽

[@marialoves2talk]

I love it! I kinda remember him. He looks good.

[@templefuel5408]

So good !!

[@user-gi6ee8vj1y]

Why would anyone downvote these videos? What is the problem?

[@stonedog23]

I never really paid attention to this guy. But now that I’m looking at the footage, I realized I really did pay attention to him.

[@whatever9875]

When. I was in Jr high, "mall rats" was being filmed at southdale mall in Minnesota, my teacher was an extra in that movie , and gave us info how we could be one too

[@meekspears923]

Yeeeah, yeeeah ha haaa I remember him!!

[@sannydee]

I Remember him

[@1Larraine]

That's crazy he said he's from Albany GA and moved to Sacramento. I left Sacramento to go to Albany for college and came back to California a couple years after graduating.

[@user-gj1ld4uw9v]

OMG, The Spaghetti Factory! 🍝 ❤️

[@christopherredding5851]

I think the I was a soul train dancer is the best thing that has happened to let us see what those dancers went through to be on the show hopefully a lot more dancers will be showing how they were part of the train coming through, hoping all the dancers can do a where are they now tribute or Unsung will do a documentary about Soul train dancers who actually made the show.

I love seeing MJ coming down the Soul Train line. Please show celebs going down the line with the dancers.

[@marionwalkerjr.7394]

Bless your heart.

[@liquidlightz]

@@marionwalkerjr.7394 🤣🤣🤣

[@damienroberson8101]

@@marionwalkerjr.7394 Lmao!😆

[@MainME380]

Plz interview Rosie Perez I love her she was my favorite soul train dancer 🤩

[@nhoomiteub]

im in Oakland i hope i meet you one day

[@Riana2134]

Jeffrey is definitely a trend setter!