My Day With Chris Cornell
Three years ago today, May 18th 2017, the world lost an amazing talent. The following story is about the day I spent with Chris Cornell and my on-air radio partner – a day I will never forget.
Five years ago today, May 18th 2017, the world lost an amazing talent. Soundgarden lead singer Chris Cornell passed away. The following story is about the day I spent with Chris and my on-air radio partner - a day I will never forget.
The day was October 17th 2005 and I did mornings at 99X/WJBX in Fort Myers, FL with my partner Bob Garrett (Zito and Garrett). We had an interview that morning with Chris Cornell, who was in Audioslave at the time. Bob and I were huge Soundgarden fans and were really nervous speaking to Chris that day. Honestly, our only concern was whether or not he liked us. Halfway through the interview, we calmed down and started talking like we were old friends. I actually brought up the time Soundgarden covered the Ice-T fronted Body Count song "Cop Killer" at Lollapalooza '92 in Orlando when police in riot gear surrounded the stage. He remembered it instantly, and continued on about how antagonistic he thought law enforcement was being at that moment.
It was maybe an hour or so later that my Program Director got a phone call from Audioslave's label rep James Bishop with Interscope Records. He went on to tell him how impressed Chris was with our interview with him. Bob and I were so thrilled! I remember us both saying "He liked us!". What an honor, but it didn't stop there. James said Chris wanted to invite us to a soundcheck party the band was having that day before their show with Seether and 30 Seconds to Mars. If we left Fort Myers by noon, we could get to the Sundome in time to meet Chris, Tom Morello, Brad Wilk and Tim Commerford. Needless to say, we were also huge Rage Against The Machine fans! Well, that settles it, we're going!
We finally got there and just in time. Audioslave just took the stage to begin their soundcheck. They jammed at least 6 or 7 songs in front of about 20 people inside the Sundome. What a surreal moment. I remember the band jumping off the stage and everyone running over to Tom Morello for a picture and/or autograph. Cornell stayed on stage, grabbed an acoustic guitar and began to play the Soundgarden masterpiece "Black Hole Sun", solo. I stood 10 feet away and stared at him like some kind of stalker.
Photo by James Bishop/Interscope RecordsWhen he finished, he jumped off the stage and was instantly surrounded by everyone lucky enough to be there that day. Bob and I were able to get his attention as we said, "Hey, we're the guys from Ft Myers, Zito and Garrett!". Chris instantly remembered us. He put his hand on my shoulder , walked us away from the crowd and started telling us the story of when he met Johnny Cash on the phone when he wanted to cover Soundgarden's "Rusty Cage". I was numb. Completely star struck. I had met so many rock stars in this business over the years, but this was different. We spent a good 15 minutes together. I remember looking at Bob and saying, "There is no way this day gets any better. It can only go downhill from here." He agreed.
We then left after driving 2 hours to Tampa, and spending 45 minutes at the Sundome. My partner and best friend Bob Garrett passed away February 12, 2017. That day we spent together in 2005 was easily one of the greatest days of my life.
- Jeff Zito
Chris Cornell was born on July 20, 1964.
Throughout his life, rock fans were well aware of just how gifted he was, but we are reminded of his remarkable talent even more so in his absence. In tribute of his career and life, we've assembled the gallery of photos below.
No one sings like you anymore. Frankly, no one ever did in the first place.
Remembering Chris Cornell
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 18: Chris Cornell and Family attend the New York Screening of "The Promise" at The Paris Theatre on April 18, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 20: Singer Chris Cornell performs at Prophets of Rage and Friends' Anti Inaugural Ball at the Taragram Ballroom on January 20, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 20: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally converted to black and white.) Musicians Chris Cornell (L) and Tom Morello of Audioslave perform at Prophets of Rage and Friends' Anti Inaugural Ball at the Taragram Ballroom on January 20, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 20: Musicians Chris Cornell (L) and Tom Morello of Audioslave perform at Prophets of Rage and Friends' Anti Inaugural Ball at the Taragram Ballroom on January 20, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 20: (L-R) Musicians Jack Black, Chris Cornell and Tom Morello perform at Prophets of Rage and Friends' Anti Inaugural Ball at the Taragram Ballroom on January 20, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 20: Musicians Chris Cornell (L) and Tom Morello of Audioslave perform at Prophets of Rage and Friends' Anti Inaugural Ball at the Taragram Ballroom on January 20, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
FORDS, NJ - NOVEMBER 26: Chris Cornell attends Back To Black Friday at Vintage Vinyl on November 26, 2011 in Fords, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul Zimmerman/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 20: (L-R) Musicians Jack Black, Chris Cornell and Tom Morello perform at Prophets of Rage and Friends' Anti Inaugural Ball at the Taragram Ballroom on January 20, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
MALIBU, CA - JANUARY 14: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been shot in black and white. Color version not available.) Alex & Ani host ROCK4EB! with Sting and Chris Cornell at EBMRF Benefit on January 14, 2017 in Malibu, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for EBMRF)
Remembering Chris Cornell
TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 11: Musicians Chris Cornell (L) and Serj Tankian attend the "The Promise" premiere during the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall on September 11, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 11: Musician Chris Cornell (L) and Toni Cornell attend the "The Promise" premiere during the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall on September 11, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 10: Musician Chris Cornell (R) attends the Saint Laurent show at The Hollywood Palladium on February 10, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 02: Soundgarden performs at Citi Presents Exclusive Soundgarden Performance Celebrating 20th Anniversary of "Superunknown" at Webster Hall on June 2, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Citi)
Remembering Chris Cornell
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 02: Soundgarden performs at Citi Presents Exclusive Soundgarden Performance Celebrating 20th Anniversary of "Superunknown" at Webster Hall on June 2, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Citi)
Remembering Chris Cornell
NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 27: Musician Chris Cornell performs at The Ryman Auditorium on October 27, 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 08: Musician Chris Cornell attends the "Into The Woods" World Premiere at Ziegfeld Theater on December 8, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 02: Chris Cornell of Soundgarden and Jason Aldean perform on the 2014 CMT Artists Of The Year at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center on December 2, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT)
Remembering Chris Cornell
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 13: (L-R) Musicians Chris Cornell, Matt Cameron and Jimmy Page pose at a private reception and dinner for Jimmy Page to celebrate his new autobiography "Jimmy Page by Jimmy Page" at the Sunset Marquis Hotel and Villas on November 13, 2014 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 12: Musicians Chris Cornell (L) and Jimmy Page speak onstage at "An Evening With Jimmy Page And Chris Cornell In Conversation" at the Ace Hotel on November 12, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 12: Musician Chris Cornell (L) and his wife Vicky Karayiannis arrive at "An Evening With Jimmy Page And Chris Cornell In Conversation" at the Ace Hotel on November 12, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 18: Inductee Nancy Wilson of Heart accepts award from presenter Chris Cornell onstage at the 28th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on April 18, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 18: (L-R) Musicians Tom Morello and Chris Cornell perform onstage at the 28th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on April 18, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 18: Singer Chris Cornell speaks in the press room at the 28th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on April 18, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 18: (L-R) Musicians Mike McCready of Pearl Jam and Chris Cornell and inductee Nancy Wilson (L) on stage at the 28th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on April 18, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 18: (L-R) Inductees Ann Wilson and Nancy Wilson of Heart and presenter Chris Cornell speak onstage at the 28th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on April 18, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 24: Singer Chris Cornell and Vicky Karayiannis attend Neuro at 21st Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party at West Hollywood Park on February 24, 2013 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Neuro)
Remembering Chris Cornell
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 24: (L-R) Musicians Dave Grohl and Chris Cornell attend the 21st Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party at West Hollywood Park on February 24, 2013 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for EJAF)
Remembering Chris Cornell
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 16: Musician Kim Thayil (L) and singer Chris Cornell of Soundgarden perform at The Wiltern Theater on February 16, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 16: Singer Chris Cornell of Soundgarden performs at The Wiltern Theater on February 16, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 13: Chris Cornell of American rock group Soundgarden performs live on stage during the first day of Hard Rock Calling, at Hyde Park on July 13, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Jim Dyson/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 13: Kim Thayil and Chris Cornell of American rock group Soundgarden perform live on stage during the first day of Hard Rock Calling, at Hyde Park on July 13, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Jim Dyson/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
HOLLYWOOD, CA - APRIL 11: Musician Chris Cornell and the band Sound Garden arrive at the premiere of Marvel Studios' 'The Avengers' at the El Capitan Theatre on April 11, 2012 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
HOLLYWOOD, CA - APRIL 11: (L-R) Musicians Chris Cornell, Matt Cameron, Kim Thayil and Ben Shepherd of Soundgarden arrive at the premiere of Marvel Studios' "The Avengers" at the El Capitan Theatre on April 11, 2012 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
HOLLYWOOD, CA - APRIL 11: Musician Chris Cornell (C) and family arrive at the premiere of Marvel Studios' "The Avengers" at the El Capitan Theatre on April 11, 2012 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 26: Chris Cornell of Soundgarden performs on stage at Big Day Out 2012 at the Sydney Showground on January 26, 2012 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JANUARY 15: Musician Chris Cornell (L) and wife Vicky Karayiannis arrive at the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 15, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
CULVER CITY, CA - DECEMBER 03: Musician Chris Cornell of Audioslave and daughter arrive at the VH1 Big In '05 Awards held at Stage 15 on the Sony lot on December 3, 2005 in Culver City, California. (Photo by Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
CULVER CITY, CA - DECEMBER 03: Musician Chris Cornell of Audioslave and daughter arrives at the VH1 Big In '05 Awards held at Stage 15 on the Sony lot on December 3, 2005 in Culver City, California. (Photo by Mark Mainz/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
CULVER CITY, CA - DECEMBER 03: Musician Chris Cornell of Audioslave and daughter arrives at the VH1 Big In '05 Awards held at Stage 15 on the Sony lot on December 3, 2005 in Culver City, California. (Photo by Mark Mainz/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
HOLLYWOOOD - SEPTEMBER 10: Musician Chris Cornell of Audioslave poses backstage with his daughter Toni at the "ReAct Now: Music & Relief" benefit concert at Paramount Studios on September 10, 2005 in Hollywood, California. The special, featuring musical performances from a wide array of artists, seeks to raise much-needed funds for The American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, America's Second Harvest and similar organizations as they continue their relief efforts in the devastating wake of Hurricane Katrina. (Photo by Amanda Edwards/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
HOLLYWOOOD - SEPTEMBER 10: The members of Audioslave pose backstage at the "ReAct Now: Music & Relief" benefit concert at Paramount Studios on September 10, 2005 in Hollywood, California. The special, featuring musical performances from a wide array of artists, seeks to raise much-needed funds for The American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, America's Second Harvest and similar organizations as they continue their relief efforts in the devastating wake of Hurricane Katrina. (Photo by Amanda Edwards/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
HOLLYWOOOD - SEPTEMBER 10: Audioslave perform at the "ReAct Now: Music & Relief" benefit concert at Paramount Studios on September 10, 2005 in Hollywood, California. The special, featuring musical performances from a wide array of artists, seeks to raise much-needed funds for The American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, America's Second Harvest and similar organizations as they continue their relief efforts in the devastating wake of Hurricane Katrina. (Photo by Amanda Edwards/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
HOLLYWOOOD - SEPTEMBER 10: Musician Chris Cornell of Audioslave poses backstage with his daughter Toni at the "ReAct Now: Music & Relief" benefit concert at Paramount Studios on September 10, 2005 in Hollywood, California. The special, featuring musical performances from a wide array of artists, seeks to raise much-needed funds for The American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, America's Second Harvest and similar organizations as they continue their relief efforts in the devastating wake of Hurricane Katrina. (Photo by Amanda Edwards/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
IRVINE, CA - MAY 21: Lead singer Chris Cornell of Audioslave performs at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater on May 21, 2005 in Irvine, California. (Photo by Karl Walter/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
IRVINE, CA - AUGUST 16: Lead singer of Audioslave Chris Cornell performs on the main stage during the show at Lollapalooza at the Verizon Amphitheatre in Irvine, California August 16, 2003. Lollapalooza is a multi act festival that is touring the country. (Photo by Carlo Allegri/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
Chris Cornell of Audioslave at the 2002 KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, CA. Saturday, December 7, 2002. Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images.
Remembering Chris Cornell
Chris Cornell of Audioslave at the 2002 KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, CA. Saturday, December 7, 2002. Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images.
Remembering Chris Cornell
FORDS, NJ - NOVEMBER 26: Chris Cornell attends Back To Black Friday at Vintage Vinyl on November 26, 2011 in Fords, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul Zimmerman/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 11: Musician/actor Chris Cornell arrives at the premiere of "Machine Gun Preacher" at Roy Thomson Hall during the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival on September 11, 2011 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 09: Musician/actor Chris Cornell of "Machine Gun Preacher" poses for a portrait during 2011 Toronto Film Festival on September 9, 2011 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Matt Carr/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
HOLLYWOOD - SEPTEMBER 27: Musicians Kim Thayil, Chris Cornell, Matt Cameron and Ben Shepherd of Soundgarden attend the "Guitar Hero: Warriors Of Rock" launch at Paramount Studios on September 27, 2010 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Activision)
Remembering Chris Cornell
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - AUGUST 28: Musician Chris Cornell and family arrive at the screening of Disney's "Tinker Bell And The Great Fairy Rescue" on August 28, 2010 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Valerie Macon/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - AUGUST 28: Musician Chris Cornell and family arrive at the screening of Disney's "Tinker Bell And The Great Fairy Rescue" on August 28, 2010 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Valerie Macon/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 08: Chris Cornell of Soundgarden performs onstage and headlines the 2010 Lollapalooza festival in Grant Park on August 8, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Roger Kisby/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
CHICAGO - MARCH 13: Timbaland (L) and Chris Cornell (R) appear in the Verizon Mobile Recording Studio Bus on March 13, 2009 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for BWR Public Relations)
Remembering Chris Cornell
BERLIN - FEBRUARY 27: Singer Chris Cornell is performing at the Columbia Club on February 27, 2009 in Berlin, Germany (Photo by Florian Seefried/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 06: Musician Chris Cornell performs at the 2009 MusiCares Person of the Year Tribute to Neil Diamond at the Los Angeles Convention Center on February 6, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 07: Musician Chris Cornell arrives with daughter Toni at the Kennedy Center for the Kennedy Center Honors on December 7, 2008 in Washington, DC. In its 31st year, the Kennedy Center Honors recognizes honorees for their lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts. (Photo by Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 05: Musician Chris Cornell and daughter attend the Conde Nast Media Group's Fifth Annual Fashion Rocks at Radio City Music Hall on September 5, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 05: Musician Chris Cornell and family attend the Conde Nast Media Group's Fifth Annual Fashion Rocks at Radio City Music Hall on September 5, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 15: Musician Chris Cornell performs at LA's Home Depot Center on September 15, 2007 in Carson, California. (Photo by Paul Butterfield/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - MARCH 11: Actor Chris Cornell and his family attend the John Varvatos 5th Annual Stuart House Benefit at the John Varvatos store March 11, 2007 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Mark Mainz/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
LONDON - NOVEMBER 15: Chris Cornell and guest arrive at the 2006 World Music Awards at Earls Court on November 15, 2006 in London. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 19: Musician Chris Cornell and his daughter attend the John Varvatos 4th Annual Stuart House Benefit at the John Varvatos Boutique on March 19, 2006 in West Hollywood, California. The Stuart House serves the special needs of child victims of sexual abuse. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
HOLLYWOOD - FEBRUARY 08: Audioslave lead singer Chris Cornell and guest arrive at the SONY BMG Grammy Party held at The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on February 8, 2006 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
Remembering Chris Cornell
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Chris Cornell and guest arrive at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center on February 8, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images)
