Chris Cornell
Chris Cornell (1964–2017) was the singer and songwriter behind Soundgarden, Audioslave and Temple of the Dog, with a solo catalogue that stretches from acoustic songs to the Bond theme “You Know My Name.”
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Latest
Chris’s happenings, collected from public sources, plus his backstory and Starbook, where fans write.
Known for
Overview
- Born
- July 20, 1964 · Seattle, Washington
- Died
- May 18, 2017 · Detroit, Michigan
- Work
- Singer, songwriter and guitarist
- Bands
- Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog and Audioslave
- Breakout
- Badmotorfinger (1991), followed by Superunknown (1994)
- Recognition
- Three Grammy wins; inducted into the Rock Hall with Soundgarden in 2025
Mini bio
How it started.
Born in Seattle, Cornell co-founded Soundgarden in 1984 with Kim Thayil and Hiro Yamamoto. He began behind the drums before concentrating on singing and guitar. Early independent releases built a following, and Badmotorfinger brought a wider audience in 1991.
The breakthrough.
Superunknown entered the US album chart at No. 1 in 1994. “Black Hole Sun” carried Cornell’s songwriting to a mass television audience, while the album brought Soundgarden two Grammys. The band returned from its long hiatus in 2010 and released King Animal in 2012.
Music with friends.
Temple of the Dog began with songs Cornell wrote after the death of his friend and roommate Andrew Wood. The tribute grew into a 1991 album with musicians who would form Pearl Jam, including Eddie Vedder, his partner on “Hunger Strike.” Cornell later fronted Audioslave with Tom Morello, Tim Commerford and Brad Wilk from Rage Against the Machine.
A voice up close.
His solo work opened another door: Euphoria Morning, the acoustic Songbook performances and Higher Truth. Speaking to NPR in 2015, he described the care involved in leaving room around a voice and guitar. He also wrote for films, including Casino Royale and The Promise, donating his proceeds from the latter song to the International Rescue Committee.
The music continues.
Cornell died on May 18, 2017. His estate now manages his official channels. Recent releases, tributes and Soundgarden’s 2025 Rock Hall induction celebrate his work; his bandmates have also been completing the final recordings he made with them.
Creditschronological, newest first
Music
- 2026Carry On (Expanded Edition)Vocals and songwriting; posthumous expanded edition of the 2007 album
- 2020No One Sings Like You AnymoreVocals; handpicked and sequenced covers recorded in 2016
- 2015Higher TruthSolo artist and songwriter
- 2012King AnimalSoundgarden vocalist and guitarist
- 1994Black Hole SunSoundgarden vocalist and songwriter
- 1991Temple of the DogVocals and songwriting
Film music
- 2017The PromiseWriter and performer of the film’s title song
- 2006You Know My Name · Casino RoyaleSinger and co-writer with David Arnold
Awards
Quotes
Somebody has to make the decision that there’s a better song in there if there’s less.Chris Cornell, NPR interview with Rachel Martin
In September 2015, he explained why “Let Your Eyes Wander” worked with just guitar and singing.
Trivia
- He started Soundgarden as a drummer before moving to vocals and guitar.
- Temple of the Dog recorded its ten-track album in fifteen days at London Bridge Studio.
- His 2011 Songbook album grew out of solo acoustic performances of songs from across his career.
- He was the first male American artist to write and perform a James Bond theme.
- He and Vicky Cornell founded a charity supporting vulnerable children.
Find Chris
Explore his music and follow updates from the Chris Cornell Estate.
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