Photo: Getty Images South America
Chris Cornell would have turned 60 on July 20, and his widow Vicky Cornell celebrated his life in an emotional Instagram reel that's soundtracked by a previously unheard cover of Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car."
"Chris would have turned 60 today. Although everyone that loved him is sad that he’s no longer here, it’s all of you, the fans who made him, whose love has continued to keep his legacy alive. I’m so grateful to you all for that," she captioned the video, which features clips of the late musician throughout his career. "While I remember him best as the wonderful husband, father and human being he was - I’d like to celebrate his whole life and everything he gave us. On his 60th we can all celebrate his genius as an artist who redefined music, but also the incredible man who touched and changed lives.
"He’s an icon, and he gave us all so much - his unique voice, his poetry, his creativity… his life was a gift to so many," she continued before teasing there's more unreleased music in the vault. "And as you can hear - there’s more to come!!!"
"Sharing this to thank you all for your love and support and come together in celebrating …." Vicky concluded her message. "We love you Chris - happy birthday!"
In 2020, Chris' estate released a collection of covers titled No One Sings Like You Anymore, and from the sounds of Vicky's post there's a second volume in the works. Last year, she and the surviving members of Soundgarden reached a settlement on unreleased music. Chris passed away in 2017. See Vicky's emotional post below.