September 12, 2017
Autumn Hayes
This is a picture I drew of Chris Cornell. I am praying for his family and I will miss him dearly.
I wish I could send the physical copy of the drawing. I hope this is of good enough quality.
– Autumn
This is a picture I drew of Chris Cornell. I am praying for his family and I will miss him dearly.
I wish I could send the physical copy of the drawing. I hope this is of good enough quality.
– Autumn
I was first introduced to Chris Cornell’s music back in high school when my friend James turned me on to Audioslave’s self titled album. I instantly connected to Chris’s lyrics and fondly remember listening to their discography on loop. As I became more engrossed with his ability to paint beautiful landscapes and imagery with words, I delved deeper into his back catalog of music. Euphoria Mourning was my next fixation. To this day, I cannot say I’ve connected more to an album in my life than I have with Euphoria Mourning. The lyrics were so sad yet beautiful that they always provided a strange sense of comfort in my own times of sadness.
Flash forward 10+ years and there isn’t a single piece of Chris’s music that I haven’t heard yet. From Temple of the Dog to him filling in with Mad Season, I’ve had the opportunity to listen to some of the most beautifully composed music one has ever been so generous to share with the world. To say his songwriting has gotten me through some tough times would be a massive understatement.
Still, the best gift Chris ever gave me, was the chance to perform music with him side by side. At one of Soundgarden’s shows in 2013, I had the grand idea to hold up a poster asking to perform Spoonman on guitar with him and the rest of the band. Even I knew the odds of this happening were extremely unlikely but I figured, “What the heck, can’t hurt to try”.
As the set progressed that evening, Chris kept making eye contact with me, almost in a teasing manner, keeping me in suspense if my wild wish would be granted. After the 4th song ended, he addressed me directly and said “Can you actually play it?”, to which I enthusiastically nodded yes. At that point he gestured for security to let me on stage and I was given his personal guitar to play. Never have I been so nervous in my life. One of the most prolific and influential songwriters in my lifetime has just brought me on stage to perform with him. The song progressed wonderfully and at its conclusion we shared a brief embrace and waved to the crowd.
Moments like this are what defined Chris. Not just as a musician, but as a caring and compassionate human being. He had no obligation or duty to invite me on stage. But he did. He saw my face in the crowd and took a chance. For one brief moment in my life, he made me feel like a rock star. Moments like that are how he should be remembered.
I really miss you Chris. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world. As you once said, “No one sings like you anymore”.
-Adam Baczkowski
As a relatively new fan of Chris and his music, I know that the sadness I feel about his passing pales in comparison to long time fans and especially his family. In his music and through his words, both in song and in interviews, I am awestruck at what an amazing talent he was. . So insightful, articulate and compassionate, as well as a consummate singer and musician. A true Renaissance Man. I take solace in the fact that his music and voice will live on forever in his recordings and online. For those that were lucky enough to know him personally, those memories will live within their hearts forever. As a Jewish prayer says after one has passed. “May his memory be a blessing.” RIP, CC
Sue
I’ve been listening to your music, your voice for years with adoration…I had watched you happily with Soundgarden in Istanbul, 2014. With your passing we have all fallen on black days, that’s still hard to believe…Say hello to heaven, we’ll love you and hug your songs forever…Love and respect from Turkey.
Gamze Ozpinar
I went through my own struggles of severe addiction & depression for 15+ yrs & during that time Chris Cornell’s music is what I listened to the most. His lyrics soared right through me to my very core. It was like he was there w/me through it all.
His loss has been so heartbreaking for me. I felt like a piece of me was taken away. All the memories of listening to him while fighting my battles came rushing back full force. And I mean everything! I never realized just how important he was to me & my life. Every movie, every song, every album; I have. From Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, Audioslave to ALL of his single albums.
One of my best friends & I got to see him w/Soundgarden in 2014 in Houston & I’m so so glad I did. Was hoping to catch another show one day. That is the pic. I attached this too.
I know he never meant for this to happen especially leaving his family. I believe this w/every fiber of my being. Now, he is as important to me today as is was back then. I doubt I’ll ever get over it but I do plan to visit him at Hollywood Forever come next Summer. I pray daily for peace for you, Vicky, as well as for his children. God bless you all & rest easy Chris…………..
Phyllis
A quick crappy little painting I threw together trying to cope with the pain:
Fell on Black Days / Shadow of the Sun…,
Chris, thank you for all of the years of great music you shared with us. It truly helped us through more hard times than you could ever have known. So glad I was able to hear you perform solo once, your voice and songs just so amazing. We will miss you, I hope you have found peace.
Brian
Glad to hear of your ease in this hard times that y’all must be going through Vicky. I’ve been checking out other people’s covers of his songs since his passing. And it’s truly amazing. I watched Norah Jones’s piano cover of Black Hole Sun and it was rough on me. But it was really enjoyable at the same time. He was a true musician in every way. His words meant a lot to me over all the years. Heaven gained a wonderful person and I wish all the best for you and your children. Things won’t be the same, but they will get better with time. Thank you for reaching out to the fans so much. It means a great deal to know that despite your loss, you recognize ours as well. Much love and keep up the good spirit. We will greatly miss him – Cory
All my love and support for Chris Cornell’s family. He was an amazing and talented singer; songwriter and exceptional man. He was able to fill so many people’s lives with hope and solace. His lyrics and melodies are able to change a dark day into a brighter one. I really admired him and He will always be in my best memories. He will never die for us.
love and affection from Chile…
María
Chris,
To say I was a fan of you would be inadequate. To say I am a student would be much closer to the truth.
I was a child that never met my father. The only thing I ever really knew about him was that he was a musician. Some part of me needed something from him, so I fashioned myself as a musician. I would use it as a way to cope, to ground myself. Music can go anywhere, and as a poor kid, the fact that singing was free let me “be someone” even just if for myself. I would sing along with the radio, on the school bus and for the few friends I had. I thought I was pretty good. Then I heard you sing. I was blown away. “How does he reach these notes eith such ferocity?” So, every day I would play music and stand directly in front of the speaker, singing directly into it, in an effort to match your pitch and tone, attempting to find some greater secret. I learned so much about the craft I hold so dear to my heart from you. Music is still my release- it still keeps my soul safe from crushing depression. You have so much to do with this. You saved me. I know there are countless stories like mine that have you as the protagonist. It’s a wonderful testament to how many lives you touched- changed for the better. Thank you for that.
When I heard the news you were gone, I felt empty. You seemed immortal; untouchable; a constant in the universe. I listened to Euphoria Mourning, Seasons, and Sunshower on repeat, poring over your lyrics over and over. I found new meaning, exhilaration, and many, many tears singing along with one of my oldest friends whom I’d never met.
When I’m down is my favorite song to sing. Thank you for the gift you shared with all of us. I am so sorry what the muse of the tortured would eventually lead you to. In a small way, I feel a bit guilty that something that brought me so much joy and stability in my life cost you yours. It’s not enough to say thank you, but it’s all I can give. So thank you, a million times a million times.
Ken
In 2006 my daughter, Alicia, was killed by her mentally ill boyfriend. She was only 19. I was devastated.
My husband and I had to come up with photos and music for a slideshow for her funeral. It was emotionally draining.
Since we have always been Soundgarden fans (and Chris Cornell fans in general), we went through some of his songs. As we listened to Sunshower we were both so moved. We used that beautiful song as the main song for her slideshow.
I wrote to Chris to thank him for the song. He and Vicky actually sent an orchid (Alicia’s favorite flower) along with a kind note. What a kind and thoughtful gesture.
When I learned of Chris’s recent passing I was just heartbroken. I have so much sympathy for what his family is going through. Prayers to all of you. You’ll never get over the loss but you will eventually get to the other side of it.
Love, Gwen
