'90s Rocker From Iconic Supergroup Ranked Among ‘Best Vocalists of All Time'
Chris Cornell, the legendary frontman of the supergroup Audioslave and grunge band Soundgarden, continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest vocalists in music history.
Despite his death in 2017, the singer and songwriter left a legacy that still resonates with generations of rock fans.
Through Audioslave and Soundgarden's massive success in music, the '90s rocker was widely recognized as one of the greatest vocalists of all time.
In a list shared by Consequence, the publication named the 100 greatest frontmen and singers in music history. Whether from rock, punk, hip-hop, R&B, famous artists, or new performers, it is a celebration of the power of great vocalists.
The rankings are based on the survey of more than 50 musicians who were asked to name singers they believed deserved to be on the list.
As for Cornell, his "vibrato, swagger, rasp and high range" helped him secure the top 19 spot on the prestigious list.
Beyond this, the two-time Grammy winner was known for having a nearly four-octave vocal range, which is why he was able to perfect the powerful belting technique.
Another interesting detail that was pointed out was the way the frontman "pronounces his words," making listeners feel the melancholy he captured in his music.
In a 2008 interview with Juice magazine, Cornell spoke about his approach to vocal training and singing.
"I got a little bit of training here and there, and I've gone a long way with that," he shared, adding, "In terms of vocal coaching over ten years, I've had six lessons. It's helped at times. As a rock singer, you have to take what works for you. Most vocal training is based on opera singing. Rock is not opera, but applying some of those techniques has helped me a lot."
The frontman also mentioned the impact of his rock star lifestyle on his singing voice that affected his performance.
"I was touring a lot and started having problems with my voice because I was smoking," he told the outlet, adding, "I was overdoing it. I was singing songs that were really difficult to do and playing guitar at the same time. There are certain things you can learn to help you do that right."
Unfortunately, in 2017, rock fans were stunned after news confirmed the passing of the 52-year-old singer due to suicide following his concert in Detroit.
Prior to this, he was open about battling severe depression, anxiety and addiction throughout his life.
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This story was originally published May 9, 2026 at 7:08 PM.