Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

July 20, 1964 in Seattle, WA

Death

:

May 18, 2017 in Detroit, MI

 

He was a rock musician and singer-songwriter who was best known as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the bands Soundgarden and Audioslave. He was born on July 20, 1964, in Seattle, Washington, and grew up in a musical family. Cornell's parents were both amateur musicians, and he was exposed to music from an early age. He started playing the piano at the age of six and later learned to play the guitar. As a teenager, he was influenced by punk rock and heavy metal music and started playing in local bands. In 1984, Cornell formed the band Soundgarden with guitarist Kim Thayil and bassist Hiro Yamamoto. The band's early music was heavily influenced by the Seattle punk scene, but they later developed a unique sound that blended heavy metal, grunge, and psychedelic rock. Soundgarden released their debut album, "Ultramega OK," in 1988, which received critical acclaim and helped establish the band as one of the pioneers of the grunge movement. Over the next decade, Soundgarden released several successful albums, including "Badmotorfinger" (1991) and "Superunknown" (1994), which featured hit singles such as "Black Hole Sun" and "Spoonman." Cornell's powerful vocals and introspective lyrics were a defining feature of the band's sound, and he became known for his dynamic stage presence and distinctive hairstyle. In 1997, Cornell formed the supergroup Audioslave with former members of the band Rage Against the Machine. The band's self-titled debut album was released in 2002 and featured hit singles such as "Cochise" and "Like a Stone." Audioslave's music was more straightforward and hard-hitting than Soundgarden's, but Cornell's vocals remained a standout feature. Cornell also pursued a successful solo career, releasing several albums that showcased his versatility as a songwriter and musician. His debut solo album, "Euphoria Morning," was released in 1999 and featured a more acoustic and introspective sound than his work with Soundgarden. He also contributed to several film soundtracks, including "The Avengers" and "Casino Royale." In addition to his music career, Cornell was also an advocate for various social and political causes. He was a supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and worked with organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign and the Trevor Project. He also founded the Chris and Vicky Cornell Foundation, which supports children facing homelessness, poverty, and abuse. Tragically, Cornell died on May 18, 2017, at the age of 52. His death was ruled a suicide by hanging, and it shocked the music world and his fans. Cornell's legacy as a talented and influential musician continues to live on, and his music remains a beloved part of the rock canon.

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