When I was young, oh about 9 or 10, my grandma Bought me Queen’s Classic Hits. I rocked out to “Under Pressure”, “Stone Cold Crazy” and “Tie Your Mother Down” just to name a few. Aside from New Kids on the Block, it was my first real taste of music. I popped that cassette into my Walkman and away I went.

Fast forward to 1994. I was 12 when I went to visit my Dad in Florida. He took us shopping one evening and while we were out, he bought me Soundgarden’s Superunknown. I fell in love. I listened to that cd through and through feeling each note in my heart. I collected Temple of the Dog and Badmotorfinger on cassette. These selections opened the door for Nevermind, Jar of Flies, Core and Ten. I knew Grunge is where I belonged.

I lost part of myself last Thursday. Chris Cornell and his powerful vocals played a huge role in my youth. I cried. Not a crazy kind of fan cry but a smear your mascara kind of cry. I didn’t know it affected me so deeply.

May you rest in peace.