Say Hello to Heaven Chris Cornell

Yesterday was a punch in the gut as I learned my favorite musician had committed suicide in Detroit.  Anyone who has heard his music could tell he had suffered from depression before. But having followed him through the years, I thought it was something he had beaten. Heartbreakingly, that appears to have not been the case. I wish the best for his wife and kids. 

I became a huge fan of Chris Cornell when the first Audioslave album came out. I had liked Soundgarden before, but hadn't really differentiated them from any other 90's rock. I then rediscovered Soundgarden though and got into all of their stuff (other than their early heavy metal songs). Then I discovered Temple of the Dog and was basically hooked.

I followed him through his Audioslave days, his solo career (even the stint with Timbaland) and of course he reuniting with Soundgarden. And I loved his recent acoustic-based album Higher Truth.

I was lucky enough to see him in concert four times and must say he's a great performer, particularly when it's just him and an acoustic guitar. He was quite funny and really engaged the audience. And good lord, he could sing. Those acoustic concerts included something like 30 songs, which, as an amateur musician, I can tell you would not be easy to get through. Especially with the range he sings at.

Regardless, I will always be glad for the music he brought us while here. In parting, I think the song he wrote for Jeff Buckley when he died best illustrates how I feel. Thank you Chris and rest in peace.