A very dispiriting day for music. Having just performed with Soundgarden last night in Detroit’s Fox Theatre, Chris Cornell was found dead in a hotel room at the MGM Grand Detroit. His death has been ruled a suicide by hanging. He had a heavy drug addiction and was sober in recent times. It’s unfortunate he was unable to find the enough help to dispel those demons before it was too late.

Not only did Chris have one of the most adaptable and captivating male vocals in rock, he was also a philanthropist.

In 2012, Chris and wife Vicky created the Chris and Vicky Cornell Foundation, which fights to protect the most vulnerable children, developing projects and programs working with leading charitable organizations and partners to raise awareness and mobilize support for children facing tough challenges, including homelessness, poverty, abuse and neglect.

At some point, I had Black Hole Sun playing almost everyday in 90’s. Here’s a video of him hours before his death performing this very song. That is a testament to his talent.

Cornell leaves behind his wife Vicky Karayiannis and kids Christopher, Toni, and Lillian Jean. We’ve truly lost one of the greatest musicians of our time. You will be missed. RIP.