The career of Chris Cornell spanned over three decades, beginning in the Seattle music scene and culminating in international commercial success with more than 30 million records sold worldwide. As a composer, guitarist, and vocalist, he became a defining figure of the 1990s grunge movement, characterized by a nearly four-octave vocal range and a distinct belting technique.
Formative Years in Seattle
Born Christopher John Boyle in 1964 in Seattle, he later adopted his mother's maiden name following his parents' divorce. During his youth, he attended Shorewood High School before eventually leaving. His introduction to music began with piano and guitar lessons, though he initially gravitated toward the drums. Before finding success as a musician, he worked various jobs, including dishwasher, busboy, fish monger, and sous-chef at Ray's Boathouse.
Development of Soundgarden
In 1984, Cornell formed Soundgarden alongside Kim Thayil and Hiro Yamamoto. Initially serving as both drummer and vocalist, he later focused solely on singing after recruiting Matt Cameron. The band gained momentum by signing with Sub Pop and later became the first grunge group to sign with a major label, A&M Records. They achieved critical recognition with the 1991 release of Badmotorfinger, contributing to the broader success of the Seattle grunge scene alongside bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam.
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Beyond Soundgarden, Cornell founded Temple of the Dog as a tribute to Andrew Wood. He was also a member of Audioslave, Center for Disease Control Boys, Alice Mudgarden, and M.A.C.C. His solo career included four studio albums: Euphoria Morning, Carry On, Scream, and Higher Truth. He contributed to film soundtracks, co-writing the theme for the 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale and receiving a Golden Globe nomination for his work on the 2011 film Machine Gun Preacher.
Final Years
Cornell struggled with depression throughout his life. On May 18, 2017, he was found dead in his hotel room in Detroit following a Soundgarden performance at the Fox Theatre earlier that evening. His death was ruled a suicide. He is buried at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. In 2025, he was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Soundgarden.
Fast facts
- Born: 1964, Seattle
- Died: 2017, Detroit
- Occupations: Singer, songwriter, guitarist, composer
- Primary Bands: Soundgarden, Audioslave, Temple of the Dog
- Religion: Greek Orthodoxy
- Education: Shorewood High School
- Burial Site: Hollywood Forever Cemetery
- Hall of Fame Induction: 2025
Questions readers ask
Which bands was Chris Cornell a member of?
He was a member of Soundgarden, Audioslave, Temple of the Dog, Alice Mudgarden, Center for Disease Control Boys, and M.A.C.C.
What was Chris Cornell's vocal range?
He was noted for a nearly four-octave vocal range and a powerful belting technique.
How many Grammy Awards did he win?
He was nominated for 18 Grammy Awards and won three.
Achievements
- Instruments: voice and guitar
- Genres: rock music, alternative rock and hard rock
