This is a list of episodes for the musical variety show Soul Train that aired originally from October 2, 1971, to March 25, 2006. The dates shown are original air dates, but some dates are approximate because in the 1970s, most syndication markets did not get the episodes at the same time, so the dates shown are the first airings of the episodes. This is also a list for the Best of Soul Train reruns that aired from 2006 until the show's cancellation in September 2008. The dates shown are the first airings of the episodes. Series overview Season 1 (1971–1972) Back to Series overview The first theme song was the 1962 recording of "Hot Potatoes", performed by King Curtis; the song used for the bumpers was "Familiar Footsteps" by Gene Chandler. Season 2 (1972–1973) Back to Series overview Season 3 (1973–1974) Back to Series overview Starting with episode 76, the show's theme was changed to "TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)", written by Gamble and Huff and performed by MFSB and the Three Degrees. Season 4 (1974–1975) Back to Series overview Season 5 (1975–1976) Back to Series overview With the start of this season, Soul Train instituted a new theme: "Soul Train '75" by The Soul Train Gang. Season 6 (1976–1977) Back to Series overview Starting with the ninth episode, Soul Train has a new theme song: "Soul Train '76" by The Soul Train Gang. Season 7 (1977–1978) Back to Series overview Season 8 (1978–1979) Back to Series overview Soul Train has a new theme this season, starting with episode 267: "Soul Train Theme '79" by The Hollywood Disco Jazz Band and The Waters. Season 9 (1979–1980) Back to Series overview Starting with episode 319, the theme changed to a prototype of "Up on Soul Train" by The Waters. Season 10 (1980–1981) Back to Series overview Soul Train institutes a new theme: "Up on Soul Train" by R&B group The Whispers. Season 11 (1981–1982) Back to Series overview Season 12 (1982–1983) Back to Series overview After Episode 410, production went on hiatus due to Don Cornelius having a major brain surgery, and the show was rerun for 16 weeks. Starting with episode 411, the new theme is "Soul Train's a Comin'" by O'Bryan, which began the new episodes that Don produced upon his return to the show. Season 13 (1983–1984) Back to Series overview At the start of this season,