Chris Cornell, one of the most powerful and influential voices in rock music, had an estimated net worth of $40 million at the time of his death in 2017. Known for his wide vocal range, poetic songwriting, and contributions to the grunge movement, Cornell left behind a legacy that continues to shape the music world today.
| Chris Cornell Net Worth | $40 Million |
| Date of Birth | July 20, 1964 |
| Place of Birth | Seattle, Washington |
He achieved global fame as the lead vocalist for Soundgarden and Audioslave, and he also released several successful solo projects that contributed to his earnings and long-term wealth.
Early Life
Chris Cornell was born Christopher John Boyle on July 20, 1964, in Seattle, Washington. He grew up in a large family with five siblings. His parents eventually divorced, and Chris took his mother’s maiden name, Cornell.
From a young age, Chris showed strong musical curiosity. He learned piano and guitar and was heavily influenced by artists like Alice Cooper, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and The Beatles. Despite his talent, he struggled with anxiety and substance use during his early teens, leading to periods of isolation.
Cornell attended Shorewood High School but dropped out before graduating. By age 16, he was playing drums and performing in local bands. During this time, he crossed paths with Hiro Yamamoto and Kim Thayil—musicians who would later become his bandmates in Soundgarden.
Rise to Fame With Soundgarden
In 1984, Cornell formed Soundgarden with Kim Thayil and Hiro Yamamoto. Initially, Chris handled both vocals and drums until Matt Cameron joined as the band’s permanent drummer.
Signed by Seattle’s Sub Pop Records, Soundgarden released the EPs “Screaming Life” (1987) and “Fopp” (1988), helping shape the foundation of the Seattle grunge movement.
Soundgarden quickly became one of the “big four” grunge bands alongside Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Alice in Chains.
Key milestones included:
- Ultramega OK (1988) – Grammy nomination
- Badmotorfinger (1991) – Their first major commercial hit
- Superunknown (1994) – International breakthrough, topping the Billboard 200
“Superunknown” went 6× Platinum in the U.S. and won two Grammy Awards, powered by iconic singles like:
- “Black Hole Sun”
- “Spoonman”
- “The Day I Tried to Live”
The financial success of Soundgarden’s albums and world tours became a significant contributor to Cornell’s net worth.
Breakup, Solo Career, and Audioslave
After releasing Down on the Upside in 1996, tensions within the band grew, and Soundgarden disbanded in 1997.
Chris released his first solo album, “Euphoria Morning” (1999), which received critical praise and a Grammy nomination for its lead single. Although not a massive commercial hit, his solo tours drew large crowds and added to his income.
In the early 2000s, the remaining members of Rage Against the Machine approached Cornell about forming a new group. They connected instantly, and Audioslave was formed.
Their debut album, “Audioslave” (2002), was a commercial success—selling over 3 million copies in the U.S. The band produced several hits and released two more albums:
- Out of Exile (2005) – Debuted at #1 in multiple countries
- Revelations (2006)
Despite success, Cornell left the band due to creative differences. This period significantly boosted his career earnings and global recognition.
Soundgarden Reunion
Soundgarden reunited in 2010, releasing “King Animal” (2012) and embarking on several successful tours. Cornell also continued his solo career, recording and performing until his final days.
Personal Life
Chris married twice:
- Susan Silver, Soundgarden’s former manager — one daughter (born 2000).
- Vicky Karayiannis, a publicist — two children.
In 2013, Chris and Vicky founded the Chris and Vicky Cornell Foundation, which supports vulnerable and homeless youth—reflecting Cornell’s long-standing commitment to humanitarian work.
Chris Cornell Death
On May 18, 2017, Chris Cornell was found dead in his Detroit hotel room hours after performing with Soundgarden. He was 52. The medical examiner ruled his death a suicide.
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His widow, Vicky Cornell, later questioned this conclusion, pointing to high levels of prescription medication in his system. She filed a negligence lawsuit in 2018 against a former doctor, claiming the drugs may have impaired his judgment.
Chris Cornell Net Worth
Chris Cornell net worth was $40 million.
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