The list of musicians who found success with multiple bands AND a solo career isn't all that long. But Chris Cornell is on it. And whether you tend to gravitate to the music of Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, or Audioslave, their common denominator is that voice... one of the most recognizable and powerful in all of rock music.
It's been three years since the passing of Chris Cornell, and as I reflect on the influence of his music on my life, a curiosity was sparked on knowing the best song from each of his projects, including his solo career.
"Hunger Strike" - Temple of the Dog. The song was first performed live at the Off Ramp in Seattle on November 13, 1990, and it went on to become their most successful, peaking at number four on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.
"Like A Stone" - Audioslave. Released in 2003, this song was the band's biggest hit in the US and became the eighth best performing song on the Mainstream Rock chart of the decade. If you need more proof, the music video has more than 655 million views on YouTube.
Chris Cornell's music was and will continue to be such an important beam in the structure of Seattle's musical framework. We're certainly missing him on what marks the third year since his passing.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, know that you are not alone and someone is always here to listen. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
Happy Rocking (from a safe social distance),
Taryn Daly
#TarynItUp