Chris Cornell

Chris Cornell (born July 20, 1964) is an American guitarist/singer-songwriter most well-known for being the lead singer of Soundgarden and Audioslave. He is considered to be one of the most talented vocalists and songwriters in the rock industry. He began his musical career as a drummer, before moving on to become a singer and guitarist.

Cornell was born in Seattle, Washington and lived there in his childhood. His Irish Catholic parents are Ed Boyle (a pharmacist) and Karen Cornell (an accountant). Cornell's last name used to be Boyle, but after his parents divorced he and his siblings took his mother's maiden name. He suffered from a severe case of depression during his teenage years, leaving the house rarely. At one point, he spent a whole year without leaving his house, during which time he would play drums and guitar.

"My lifestyle was transformed after many years of drinking a lot, isolating myself a lot and going into long periods of depression."

The Audioslave song "Doesn't Remind Me" appears to relate to this part of his life.

Along with Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Alice in Chains, Soundgarden becam...