Corey Taylor

Corey Todd Taylor, born on December 8, 1973, in Des Moines, Iowa, emerged as a prominent figure in American rock and metal. Recognized by the moniker Number Eight, he established his professional reputation primarily through his multifaceted roles as a vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist across several major musical projects.

Early Development and Influences

Raised largely by his mother, Taylor moved frequently during his childhood across the United States. His formative artistic interests were sparked by viewing the 1978 horror film Halloween and listening to his grandmother's collection of Elvis Presley records. He later attended Waterloo East High School and Lincoln High School, eventually obtaining his GED. During his youth, Taylor encountered significant personal hardships, including struggles with substance abuse, before finding stability with his grandmother, whom he credited as a primary influence.

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Founding Stone Sour

In 1992, Taylor co-founded the rock band Stone Sour alongside drummer Joel Ekman in the Des Moines area. After recording initial demos, the group's trajectory shifted in 1997 when Taylor departed to join Slipknot. He returned to Stone Sour in 2002 to record their self-titled debut album, which reached number 46 on the Billboard 200. The band continued to release works such as Come What(ever) May in 2006 and the concept double album House of Gold & Bones, for which Taylor also authored a four-part comic book series published by Dark Horse Comics.

Ascension with Slipknot

Taylor joined the metal ensemble Slipknot in late 1997, replacing the group's original lead singer, Anders Colsefni. Within the band's numerical identification system, he assumed the title Number Eight. His tenure with the group has resulted in the release of seven studio albums. Throughout his career, Taylor has also engaged in extensive collaborations with various artists, including Korn, Disturbed, Anthrax, and Avenged Sevenfold.

Solo Projects and Later Work

Beyond his collaborative efforts, Taylor has pursued a solo recording career. He released his debut solo studio album, CMFT, in 2020, followed by his second solo effort, CMF2, in 2023. His ongoing work continues to span diverse roles including producer, composer, and actor.