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MGK’s Top 20 Classic Rock Singers: 11. Chris Cornell

11. Chris Cornell Throughout the month of February, 102.9 WMGK will count down the 20 greatest classic rock singers decided by our listener vote.  We’ll dedicate daily blocks to one…

Chris Cornell, Soundgarden
Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Citi

11. Chris Cornell

Throughout the month of February, 102.9 WMGK will count down the 20 greatest classic rock singers decided by our listener vote. 

We’ll dedicate daily blocks to one singer who's made the list every weekday throughout the month.

MGK will celebrate Chris Cornell on Tuesday, Feb. 14. 

Chris Cornell is one of the most influential musicians of the peak era of grunge rock during the 1990s. He became the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for Soundgarden and helped the band rise to prominence through the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Their 1994 album Superunknown officially put them on the map with other iconic Seattle rock bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam.

Cornell also became the lead vocalist for Audioslave from 2001-2007. He passed away tragically in 2017.

His memorable career and legacy earned him the #11 spot on the list in 2023. 

MGK’s Top 20 Classic Rock Singers

20. Brad Delp

19. Steven Tyler

18. Bruce Springsteen

17. Don Henley

16. Jon Anderson

15. Mick Jagger

14. Phil Collins

13. Stevie Nicks

12. Billy Joel

11. Chris Cornell

10. ?

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2. ?

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In death, it’s easy to elevate an entertainer’s talent or importance. But in the case of Chris Cornell, even before his shocking death in 2017, he was already considered one of the greatest voices in rock history.

From Soundgarden to Audioslave to his solo work, his vocals never failed to move a room. He could sing anything. Literally anything. Genre be damned!

In honor of his life, extraordinary career and remarkable voice, we gathered nine of our favorite Cornell cover songs he either recorded or performed live.

Spoiler: You’ll never hear “Ave Maria” the same way ever again.

'Stay With Me Baby' – Soul standard originally sung by Lorraine Ellison

'Redemption Song' – Reggae classic by Bob Marley

'I Will Always Love You' – Originally performed by Dolly Parton, popularized by Whitney Houston

'One' – A hybrid of U2/Metallica tracks

'Nothing Compares 2 U' – Originally sung by Prince, popularized by Sinead O’Connor

'Billie Jean' – Classic from Michael Jackson

'A Day In The Life' – Classic from The Beatles

'Long As I Can See The Light' – Classic from Creedence Clearwater Revival

'Ave Maria' – Standard often used in Catholic services

Colin Newby is a contributor for 97.5 The Fanatic who transitions Beasley Media's radio content onto digital platforms. His work includes on-site coverage of the Philadelphia Flyers and Philadelphia Phillies.