A talent this rare is found a handful of times in entire generations. What Chris Cornell (1964-2017) had was a unique gift, a gift that became one of the leading voices for an entire generation. His music, his songwriting, and his passion will always be what we’ll remember him by.
Chris Cornell started his musical career more than 30 years ago, in 1984, when a group of 20 year olds gathered and started a little band in Seattle, Washington. They named it Soundgarden. They went on to spearhead an entire musical movement, along with other local bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains, inspiring an entire generation through their art in the process.
After Soundgarden split in 1997, Chris Cornell released the first of his five solo albums in 1999, Euphoria Morning. He then became the lead vocalist of supergroup Audioslave, with whom he enjoyed success along with former members of 90’s iconic band Rage Against the Machine. Audioslave was not the only supergroup he was involved in, as he was a central part in Temple of the Dog, a cult supergroup formed along most members of Pearl Jam. Although the band was active for only 2 years (1990-1992), they played a stint of shows in a reunion tour in 2016, commemorating 25 years of their only album, Temple of the Dog (1991). He was also known to collaborate in numerous musical projects and soundtracks.
Cornell, along with his wife, created the Chris and Vicky Cornell Foundation, devoted to developing projects and programs to raise awareness towards children facing homelessness, poverty, abuse, and other challenges.
We will remember him the most for his unique vocal style, a voice that resonated throughout an entire generation, filled with angst and soul. His unique vocal range made him one of the most versatile and memorable voices in music throughout the past thirty years.
It is difficult to find the right words when a life-long icon passes away, especially at such a young age and under such harsh circumstances. We only wish that he may rest in peace and that his family and friends find swift resignation. We thank you for the music.
