According to the Associated Press, Chris Cornell, legendary frontman of Soundgarden and Audioslave, passed away last night at the age of 52. According to his representative Brian Bumbery, Cornell’s passing while he was on tour in Detroit was “sudden and unexpected.” Soundgarden’s tour began in late April and was expected to run until May 27.
A founding member of the iconic ’90s rock act, Soundgarden, Chris Cornell, along with Kurt Cobain and Eddie Vedder, helped define the grunge movement, entire era of alternative rock music that originated in the Pacific Northwest. Their 1994 record Superunknown launched the band into the upper echelons of rock bands with singles like “Black Hole Sun” and “Spoonman.” Cornell also collaborated with members of Rage Against The Machine as the band Audioslave, releasing three albums. On all of these projects, Cornell’s intense, sand-washed vocals were the center of gravity, a transfixing beacon that demanded your attention.
Cornell also did a lot of memorable work for TV and Film. In 2006, he penned the James Bond theme song for Casino Royale; in 2011 Cornell earned a Golden Globe nomination for his song “The Keeper,” which appeared in the film Machine Gun Preacher.
Be sure to check Nerdist later for more tributes to Chris Cornell and the legacy he left behind. And in the meantime, we would love to hear your favorite Chris Cornell songs and stories. Let us know in the comments below and on Twitter.
Image: BB Gun Press
