Guide Note

Chris Cornell's illustrious career began when he fronted the Seattle-based grunge outfit Soundgarden from the late '80s into the '90s. When Nirvana propelled grunge and alternative into the mainstream, Soundgarden followed and hit their peak of success with the 1994 album Superunknown, led by the single "Black Hole Sun." After the band broke up in 1997, Cornell released his first solo album entitled Euphoria Morning which secured him a Grammy nomination for the song "Can't Change Me." Shortly after, however, he jumped right back into a full band setting when he joined the members of Rage Against the Machine (minus lead singer Zack de la Rocha) to form the supergroup Audioslave. Once again, Cornell was the frontman for a worldwide success, but this time it would only last three albums before he quit in 2007 due to creative differences. That same year his second solo album, Carry On, was released, including a cover version of Michael Jackson's "Billy Jean" and the theme to the James Bond film Casino Royale, "You Know My Name."

Fast Facts

1. Soundgarden (1984-1997)
2. Temple of the Dog (1991)
3. Audioslave (2001-2007)
4. Known for his wide vocal range and ability to sing high notes
5. Recorded Casino Royale theme "You Know My Name"
6. "You Know My Name" nominated for a Grammy
7. "Wave Goodbye" from Euphoria Morning is a tribute to Jeff Buckley