Chris Cornell

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31 Jan 2024

Chris Cornell

Chris Cornell was a pivotal figure in the world of rock music, known primarily for his role as the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and primary lyricist for the bands Soundgarden and Audioslave. Born on July 20, 1964, Cornell's contributions to music spanned multiple genres and projects, including solo endeavors and collaborations.

As a founding member of Soundgarden, Cornell played a significant role in shaping the grunge movement of the 1990s. His distinct vocal style, characterized by a nearly four-octave range and powerful belting technique, set him apart as one of the greatest rock singers of all time.
Beyond his work with Soundgarden, Cornell's impact extended to projects like Audioslave, Temple of the Dog, and his solo career. He released several solo albums, including "Euphoria Morning," "Carry On," "Scream," and "Higher Truth," each showcasing his versatility as a songwriter and performer.

Cornell's talent also extended to the realm of cinema, where he contributed to movie soundtracks and received critical acclaim for songs like "You Know My Name," the theme song for the James Bond film "Casino Royale," and "The Keeper," nominated for a Golden Globe Award.

Despite his musical success, Cornell grappled with depression throughout his life, a struggle that ultimately culminated in his tragic death on May 18, 2017. His passing was deeply mourned by fans and fellow musicians worldwide, marking the end of an era in rock music.
Throughout his career, Chris Cornell's contributions to the music industry were profound and enduring, solidifying his legacy as one of the most influential voices in rock history.

Chris Cornell, originally named Christopher John Boyle, was born on July 20, 1964, in Seattle, Washington. Raised in Seattle, he was the son of Edward F. Boyle, an Irish Catholic pharmacist, and Karen Boyle (née Cornell), an accountant of Jewish background who also claimed to be psychic. Cornell grew up in a family of six children, with two older brothers and three younger sisters.

Following his parents' divorce during his teenage years, Cornell and his siblings adopted their mother's maiden name, Cornell. He attended Christ the King, a Catholic elementary school, where he first showcased his musical talents by performing the anti-war song "One Tin Soldier" in front of an audience.

However, Cornell's time in Catholic school was short-lived. His mother withdrew him and his sister from Christ the King due to concerns about their potential expulsion for being too inquisitive. Reflecting on his experience with organized religion, Cornell later expressed skepticism and a questioning nature, which clashed with the rigid structure of Catholic education.

After leaving Catholic school, Cornell enrolled at Shorewood High School but eventually dropped out. His departure from formal education marked the beginning of his journey into the world of music, where he would eventually become a legendary figure in the rock music scene.

Chris Cornell's musical journey began with his early exposure to artists like Little Richard and The Beatles. At the ages of nine to eleven, he immersed himself in The Beatles' music after discovering a treasure trove of their records in a neighbor's basement. This deep dive into music served as a coping mechanism for Cornell, who described himself as a loner dealing with anxiety.

However, Cornell's teenage years were marked by severe depression, leading to his withdrawal from school and struggles with substance abuse. By the age of 12, he had started using alcohol and marijuana, eventually facing a battle with panic disorder and agoraphobia after a bad experience with PCP at 14.

Despite his challenges, music provided solace for Cornell. His mother's decision to buy him a snare drum proved pivotal, igniting his passion for music and setting him on the path to becoming a rock musician. Before finding success in the music industry, Cornell held various jobs, including working as a busboy, dishwasher, fish monger, and sous-chef.

In the early 1980s, Cornell was part of a Seattle-based cover band called The Shemps, where he met bassist Hiro Yamamoto. After Yamamoto's departure, Cornell and Yamamoto continued to collaborate, eventually bringing guitarist Kim Thayil into the fold. This collaboration laid the groundwork for Cornell's future endeavors in the music industry.

Soundgarden, one of the pioneering bands of the Seattle grunge scene, was formed in 1984 by Chris Cornell, Kim Thayil, and Hiro Yamamoto. Cornell initially handled drums and vocals but later shifted solely to vocals, with Scott Sundquist taking over on drums. After Sundquist's departure, Matt Cameron, formerly of Skin Yard, became Soundgarden's permanent drummer.

The band's early recordings appeared on the Deep Six compilation for C/Z Records in 1986. Soundgarden's debut album, Ultramega OK, earned them a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance in 1990. Subsequently signing with A&M Records, they released Louder Than Love in 1989.

Yamamoto departed after Louder Than Love, and Ben Shepherd replaced him. Soundgarden's lineup solidified, and they released Badmotorfinger in 1991, gaining significant attention with singles like "Jesus Christ Pose", "Outshined", and "Rusty Cage". The controversial "Jesus Christ Pose" drew MTV's scrutiny but raised the band's profile.

The pinnacle of Soundgarden's success came with their fourth studio album, Superunknown, released in 1994. Superunknown debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and achieved platinum status multiple times worldwide. Singles like "Spoonman" and "Black Hole Sun" propelled the album to critical and commercial acclaim, earning Grammy Awards and MTV Video Music Awards.

Following Superunknown, Soundgarden released Down on the Upside in 1996, which showcased a departure from their heavier sound. Despite positive reviews, tensions among band members, particularly between Cornell and Thayil, strained the group's dynamic. Internal conflicts and creative differences led to Soundgarden's disbandment in 1997.

Soundgarden's influence on the grunge movement and rock music in general remains significant. Their albums, particularly Superunknown, are regarded as seminal works of the era, solidifying their place in rock history.

Chris Cornell's solo career began in earnest in 1998 when he started working on material for his debut solo album, "Euphoria Morning." Collaborating with Alain Johannes and Natasha Shneider of the band Eleven, Cornell released "Euphoria Morning" on September 21, 1999. The album, though not a commercial smash, garnered critical attention and included the Grammy-nominated track "Can't Change Me" for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.

To support "Euphoria Morning," Cornell embarked on his first solo tour, which lasted seven months from September 13, 1999, to March 7, 2000. The tour comprised 61 shows, with two initial performances coinciding with the album's debut at the Henry Fonda Theater in Hollywood, California. Despite the lack of familiarity with the music, attendance was high.

The touring band included notable musicians featured on the album such as Alain Johannes, Natasha Shneider, Rick Markmann, and Greg Upchurch. "Euphoria Morning" also featured "Wave Goodbye," a tribute to Cornell's late friend Jeff Buckley, showcasing Buckley's songwriting influence and distinctive vocal style.

In 2015, the album was re-released on CD and vinyl under the title "Euphoria Mourning," a change Cornell had originally intended but was persuaded otherwise by his manager at the time. Cornell explained that the title was meant to convey the concept of euphoria in mourning, reflecting a moment of inspiration for him. The decision to change the title for the vinyl release stemmed from his desire to reclaim the original poetic essence of the album's concept.