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…
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
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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.
