Kurt Cobain

Early Life

• Born: February 20, 1967, in Aberdeen, Washington.
• Family Background: Son of Wendy Elizabeth and Donald Leland Cobain.
• Siblings: Younger sister, Kimberly.
• Heritage: Mixed ancestry including Dutch, English, French, German, Irish, and Scottish.
• Musical Family: Uncle Chuck Fradenburg played in a band; aunt Mari Earle played guitar; great-uncle Delbert was an Irish tenor.

Personal Struggles

• Experienced a profound change in personality after his parents divorced.
• Frequently switched between homes of family and friends due to family issues.
• Identified as a devout Christian for a period during his teenage years.
• Struggled with chronic bronchitis, stomach issues, and depression.

Musical Beginnings

• Influences: Inspired by bands like Electric Light Orchestra, the Beatles, and Led Zeppelin.
• First Instrument: Chose a guitar over a bike at age 14.
• First Band: Formed Fecal Matter in 1985.

Formation of Nirvana

• Formed Nirvana with Krist Novoselic and Aaron Burckhard in 1987.
• Breakthrough: Achieved success with "Smells Like Teen Spirit" from Nevermind (1991).
• Hit Songs: Wrote many of Nirvana's hits like "Come as You Are," "Lithium," "Heart-Shaped Box," etc.

Personal Life

• Marriage: Married Courtney Love in 1992; had a daughter, Frances Bean Cobain.
• Struggled with heroin addiction and spotlight from his fame.

Death

• Died: April 5, 1994, in Seattle, Washington.
• Cause: Suicide by gunshot.
• Legacy: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.

Legacy

• Considered a spokesman for Generation X.
• Noted for his influence on rock music and culture.
• Contributions to music remembered, including anti-establishment themes.
• Recognized posthumously in various music lists and honors.

Trivia

• Known for using inexpensive guitars and equipment.
• His music featured themes of personal reflection and social issues.