It is another sad time in music as another musical legend has left this Earth. On Thursday, May. 18 I switched my phone off of airplane mode and news reports began popping up. My dad held up his phone and showed me a link that read “Rock legend, Chris Cornell, dies at 52.” I was so upset when I read that. Chris Cornell is one of my favorite musicians, I have always loved his music. From his work with Temple of the Dog to Audioslave and of course, Soundgarden. I couldn't believe it. My jaw fell open and I just stared at the headline.

Once I came out of shock I decided to look more into it. Death by suicide-- it was chilling to read that. Many of my favorite idols have died that way, it was hard to stomach. I regret not trying harder to go see him perform. I had a recent opportunity when he toured with Temple of the Dog. He came to my hometown and I didn't go see him. I had missed the tickets' deadline and to go would have cost me a fortune-- but I wish I would have.

Many people can't understand why we get upset over celebrity and musical artists' deaths because we didn't know them. I've always tried to explain why but failed and never knew how to put it. Until now that is. Someone shared a picture on Facebook that I think describes it perfectly.

“For people who don't understand why others mourn the death of artists, you need to understand that these people have been a shoulder to cry on. Our rock. They've been family, friends, leaders, teachers & role models. Many have taught us what we need to know and what to do when times get rough. They've helped us move on. They've pushed us out of bed. They've helped us live when nobody else had time to. Artists have inspired us in endless ways and have been with us through stages in our lives. We've made memories with them. So when they die, a part of us dies too.”

I couldn't have explained that any better. I didn't know Chris Cornell but his music and many others have helped me through some of the roughest times. There have been many days where I wanted to give up, forget the world and just let myself waste away into oblivion. We all have had days like that, sometimes there's just too much going on and you don't want to deal with it.

Music has helped me see through that, it has given me the strength and confidence to face the day, it has let me vent when no one else could, it has calmed me down when nothing else worked, it has been my shoulder, my teacher, my rock. Just as all my favorite bands and musicians have been: Michael Jackson, Jesse McCartney, Rise Against, Linkin Park, Aerosmith, Nirvana, The Beatles, Evanescence, Eminem, Green Day, Pearl Jam, Three Days Grace, Motely Crue, Guns N' Roses, and yes.... Chris

Chris Cornell was a unique artist who was multi-talented and involved with various musical projects. He began work with Soundgarden in 1984 where he released grammy-award winning singles such as “Black Hole Sun” and “Spoonman.” Soundgarden was a very important part the Seattle Grunge sound, biography.com notes them as one of the forerunners for it. When Cornell broke up with Soundgarden in 1996, he worked on some solo content and in 1999 he released his debut solo album Euphoria Morning which gained critical praise. After the release of his solo album, he began to work with some of the members of Rage Against the Machine and formed the band Audioslave.

With Audioslave he released two albums, one in 2002 (Audioslave)and one in 2005 (Out of Exile), the latter reached platinum status. He left the band in 2007 and released three more solo albums, while working on the band he started as a gift for his friend, Andrew Wood, who had passed away, the band was called Temple of the Dog. Cornell rejoined Soundgarden in 2010.

Like any great artist, Cornell suffered from various personal problems. He suffered from depression, social phobias, and substance abuse early in life. He checked into rehab as result of his substance abuse and was reportedly sober since 2003. One of the things that probably stands out most to me, other than his impressive recording career, is the fact that he was noted as a loving husband and a devoted father. He was married twice and stayed married to his second wife from 2004 until his death. Celebrities often gain bad track records and have difficulty staying married for long periods of time. The ones who manage to make it work in the craziness of their lives are a nice reminder that they are just like you and me.

Chris Cornell was an amazing entertainer with an impressive almost 4 octave vocal range. He was highly talented and an important part of grunge music as well as music as we know it today. His impact on the musical world is significant and will not be forgotten. The world is definitely a sadder, quieter place without his unique voice, sound, and musical opinion. He will be sorely missed.

“In my shoes, a walking sleep/ And my youth, I pray to keep/ Heaven send, Hell away/ No one sings like you, anymore.” --Chris Cornell, Black Hole Sun