Dorian Gregory Says He Got to See Major Stars for ‘Who They Are for Real’ Backstage on Soul Train (Exclusive)

Dorian Gregory saw a unique opportunity during his time on Soul Train.

Not only was it an honor for the actor to step into the hosting gig from 2003 until the show’s conclusion in 2006, but it was also a thrill for a musician who enjoyed connecting with and appreciating the talent of fellow creatives.

“For me, what I loved about Soul Train was that I got the chance to see all these really iconic figures of music… Leela James, Boyz II Men, Carl Thomas to Teena Marie, Ron Isley, The Isley Brothers, Chris Brown and even John Legend,” he tells PEOPLE. “They’re different generations as far as these artists are concerned, but you’re seeing these similarities as far as a common bond in what connects us and what impacts us with the music.”

“I think that what’s intriguing and so different about Soul Train is that you have these multi-generational artists on one stage at one time in one show,” he adds. “You get to see the difference, and you also get to see the through line and the connectedness.”

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Having grown up in a musical family, Gregory’s first love was always music. It made the time on Soul Train priceless to him.

“What I loved about my road was the artistry of it and then the mechanics behind how it was done, as far as the end result of what you saw,” he shares. “I love story and I love the process of music and I love how there’s something that’s indescribable as far as how it touches people and me being able to real-time see that and actually come in contact with these artists and see who they are aside from all that I would know by them was special.”

He continues, “I got to see people coming and seeing who they are for real and watching what they do, from not just when the tape is rolling, but watching who they are in between. That stuff intrigues me when it comes to a person behind the art. Soul Train gave me that insight on that, and the fact that I was blessed enough to get that opportunity is something I will treasure forever.”

The Charmed actor was surprised when he learned Soul Train would come to an end, and while he wasn’t privy to all the specifics, he’s grateful to have been part of something that “holds such a special space for me and I’m certain for all of us.”

“[Soul Train] was that comfort blanket, that connected bond, going back to when I was a kid to when I was in high school and college and even today, as my career progresses. To actually be a part of this iconic piece of history, American history, Black history, music history, worldwide history, it was just bananas,” he says of the time.

“I think Soul Train has a place today. I think Soul Train has a place eternally for what it was. It constantly grew. If you go back to its inception and its continual keeping up with what was happening as far as the industry is concerned, I think it’s a true need in the industry currently, in live performance,” he adds. “Soul Train allowed a place for new, up-and-coming artists, as well as well-established artists. You had them all on one stage, all on one show.”

Today, Gregory continues to explore artistry in all its forms. Not only is he involved in acting and voice acting, but he has a few more projects in the works.

“My music and poetry and traveling the world is something I’m focused on. But it’s just day by day,” he shares. “I’ve been writing a lot. These are my passions and these are the things that are currently going on. I’m just living and cherishing everybody around me.”