On May 17th, 2017, the world lost one of rock music’s most iconic voices—Chris Cornell.

The lead singer of Soundgarden and Audioslave, Cornell’s powerful voice and haunting lyrics shaped the Seattle grunge scene and left an indelible mark on rock history.

Yet behind the fame and success was a life filled with turmoil, addiction, and mental health struggles that ultimately led to his tragic death at the age of 51.

This article delves into the life, career, and final hours of Chris Cornell, exploring the complexities behind the man whose music touched millions.

 

Christopher John Boyle was born on July 20, 1964, in Seattle, Washington.

His mother, Karen Cornell, was Jewish and a psychic, while his father, Edward F. Boyle, was Catholic.

After his parents divorced, Chris and his siblings took their mother’s maiden name, Cornell, marking a symbolic break from his father.

 

Chris’s childhood was far from easy.

Raised in a Catholic school where he struggled with religious questions, he was eventually pulled out by his mother before he could be expelled.

He later attended Shorewood High School but found himself increasingly isolated.

A self-described loner, Cornell found solace in music, particularly the Beatles, whose albums he discovered in a neighbor’s basement.

For two years, their music became a form of therapy for him amid a turbulent home life marked by heavy drinking from both parents.

 

At just 14 years old, Chris experimented with PCP, a psychedelic drug that triggered severe panic attacks and agoraphobia.

These mental health challenges forced him to drop out of school and spend two years largely confined to his home.

Despite these setbacks, Cornell worked various jobs—from dishwasher to fishmonger—while battling his inner demons.

 

Chris’s life took a turn when his mother bought him a snare drum, sparking his journey into music.

He quickly honed his skills and formed the band Soundgarden with friends Hiro Yamamoto and Kim Thayil.

Initially the drummer, Cornell soon moved to lead vocals, bringing a distinct voice that would define the band.

 

Soundgarden’s early work on indie labels like Subpop and SST Records paved the way for their breakthrough.

Their debut album *Ultramega OK* earned them a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance in 1990.

Eventually, they signed with a major label, A&M Records, and became pioneers of the Seattle grunge movement alongside bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam.

 

Cornell’s voice was extraordinary—a four-octave range that critics and fans alike hailed as one of the greatest in rock history.

His lyrics, often complex and introspective, combined with the band’s edgy sound, captivated audiences worldwide.

 

Despite his success, Chris’s life was shadowed by loss.

His close friend and roommate, Andrew Wood, lead singer of Mother Love Bone, died of a drug overdose at just 24.

The tragedy deeply affected Cornell, inspiring him to form the supergroup Temple of the Dog as a tribute.

Featuring future stars like Eddie Vedder, the band’s single “Hunger Strike” became a defining moment in grunge history.

 

Soundgarden’s 1994 album *Superunknown* catapulted the band to new heights, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and achieving quintuple platinum status.

The album’s success was a testament to Cornell’s artistry, but underneath, he continued to wrestle with depression and substance abuse.

 

In 1998, Cornell released his first solo album, *Euphoria Morning*, which showcased a more folk-oriented sound.

Though critically praised, it didn’t achieve the commercial success of his work with Soundgarden.

He later formed Audioslave with members of Rage Against the Machine, blending hard rock with soulful vocals.

 

However, Cornell’s struggles with addiction persisted.

In 2002, he entered rehab, and although he achieved sobriety, the battle was ongoing.

In 2005, Audioslave performed a historic concert in Havana, Cuba, at the Anti-Imperialist Bandstand, a venue built for protests against the US.

The concert drew 70,000 fans and was a rare cultural exchange during tense political times.

 

In 2006, Cornell made history as the first American male to perform a James Bond theme song with “You Know My Name” for *Casino Royale*.

The song reached number seven on the UK singles chart, further cementing his legacy.

In 2009, Cornell took a bold musical risk with his album *Scream*, produced by Timbaland.

The electronic sound marked a departure from his rock roots and received mixed reviews, including harsh criticism from peers like Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails.

Despite this, Cornell remained a respected figure in the music world.

 

On May 17th, 2017, after performing with Soundgarden in Detroit, Chris Cornell returned to his hotel room at the MGM Grand.

During a phone call with his wife, Vicky Cornell, she noticed something was wrong—his speech was slurred, and he sounded tired and confused.

He admitted to possibly taking extra anxiety medication.

 

Concerned, Vicky asked Chris’s bodyguard, Martin Kirsten, to check on him.

Kirsten found the hotel room door locked and unresponsive.

After several attempts, he broke down the door and found Chris unconscious with a band wrapped tightly around his neck.

Emergency responders arrived but pronounced Cornell dead at 1:30 a. m.

 

The official cause was suicide by hanging. The news shocked fans and fellow musicians worldwide, sparking grief and disbelief.

Questions arose about the timeline of events and the role of Cornell’s doctor, Dr. Robert Koblin, who had prescribed mind-altering medications without seeing him in person.

Vicky Cornell filed a lawsuit alleging negligence, which was later settled confidentially.

Chris Cornell’s funeral on May 26, 2017, was a star-studded, emotional event. His band Audioslave’s “Like a Stone” played, followed by his final song, “The Promise.”

 

Chester Bennington and Brad Delson of Linkin Park performed Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” honoring a man who inspired countless artists.

 

Seattle’s Space Needle darkened its lights for an hour in tribute, symbolizing the city’s mourning for one of its greatest sons.

 

Researchers analyzing Cornell’s lyrics found increasing references to depression, failed relationships, and morbid thoughts over time, suggesting a cry for help that went unnoticed.

His story is a poignant reminder of the hidden battles many face behind the scenes.

 

Chris Cornell’s life was a complex tapestry of brilliance and pain.

His voice, once a beacon of rock’s raw power, also carried the weight of his struggles. His untimely death left a void in music and in the hearts of fans worldwide.

Yet through his songs, Cornell continues to speak—about love, loss, and the human condition—forever immortalized as a legend who gave everything to his art.