The story of entrepreneur Don Cornelius, who developed the Soul Train show, which rose to prominence in the 1970s.
Don risks everything to land an A-List performer in order to take Soul Train nationwide. While Tessa struggles to live up to Don's expectations, she discovers a new act that could be the next big thing.
Don works with an unlikely partner, Tessa has second thoughts, JT's old friend leads him down the wrong path, and the Clarke family awaits Joseph's return from Vietnam.
An unexpected visitor forces Don to reevaluate his new life. The Clarke family tries to pick up the pieces after their devastating loss. Patrick's loyalties are tested as the cop killer investigation heats up.
Don figures out a new creative way to score top talent for the show. Tessa goes to the extreme to get the dancers into shape only to end up hurting the show. JT's family is hanging by a thread.
Don has to save the show after a powerful earthquake almost brings the whole thing crashing down; Tessa has to make a choice between her career and the striking "Soul Train" dancers.
Don is forced into a complicated situation when Little Richard threatens to not perform on the show; the Clarke family clashes over their new houseguest; Gerald fights for his life against his business rival gangster.
Don celebrates the success of the "Soul Train" in Chicago but discovers it may cost him more than he bargained for; the dancers have a run-in with racists.
When Dick Clark debuts a rival show, Don enlists the help of a renowned activist to take him down; JT makes a deal with the Crips in order to protect his family; Tessa auditions for a dance troupe and has a run-in with her past.
In 1968 Don takes one step towards his dreams while dealing with his father's failing health; an estranged uncle with a dark agenda threatens the Clarke security; the Tuckers put the move to Oklahoma on hold so JT can pursue music.
Simone, Kendall, and JT must reconcile their own lives before committing to the group.
