Chris Cornell

Chris Cornell (born July 20, 1964) is an American guitarist/singer-songwriter best known as the lead singer, guitarist and songwriter of the rock band Soundgarden (1984-1

Chris Cornell (born July 20, 1964) is an American guitarist/singer-songwriter best known as the lead singer, guitarist and songwriter of the rock band Soundgarden (1984-1997) and later Audioslave (2001-2007). He began his musical career as a drummer, before moving on to become a singer and guitarist. He also enjoyed acclaim as a solo performer with his first solo album Euphoria Morning (1999). Its follow-up Carry On is set for release in June 2007.

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, rarely leaving the house. At one point, he spent a whole year without leaving his house, during which time he would play drums and guitar.[citation needed]