Chris’ music has been the soundtrack of my life since the 1990s. Words cannot explain just how much his music meant to me. As an African-American girl growing up in the Midwest, life can be difficult when your first love for music is rock, and not R&B. That’s the power of Chris’ music: it reached across all walks of life, and unified people through song.

I had the privilege of seeing Chris perform live three times. On the Higher Truth tour in Baltimore, I yelled out to him from the audience “we love you, Chris”! As a classic introvert, I have no idea what possessed me to do that, however, I’m grateful that I did. Gracious as always, Chris acknowledged me from the stage. The last time I saw him was November 2016 in NYC for the Temple of the Dog show!! That concert was one of the best that I’ve ever seen. Chris and the band were at peak performance level. It’s a night I won’t forget. Also, whenever I get sad, I can always think about the fact that I’m captured on video right before he launched into River of Deceit.

Chris was talented far beyond words. His ability to connect with his fans was truly a divine element. I will forever miss him. I hope that he truly knew just how much he meant to all of us. Artists like Chris come along once in a lifetime. I’m forever grateful that I had the chance to share the plane with him. To his family, I can’t imagine how this feels for you. I wish you nothing but love and light. Thank you for sharing this beautiful soul with us.

Michelle