Kurt Cobain was born on February 20, 1967, in Aberdeen. From an early age, he showed artistic sensitivity; he drew extensively and developed a strong interest in music. After his parents divorced when he was nine years old, his childhood changed drastically, something that would later often echo in his lyrics. As a teenager, he was inspired by punk rock bands such as Sex Pistols and Black Flag, as well as alternative and underground music.

In 1987, he founded Nirvana together with bassist Krist Novoselic in the state of Washington. After several lineup changes, drummer Dave Grohl joined in 1990, completing the band’s classic formation. Nirvana soon became a key figure in the emerging grunge movement from Seattle.

The breakthrough came in 1991 with the album Nevermind. The first single, Smells Like Teen Spirit, became an unexpected global hit. With its explosive dynamics and catchy chorus, the song turned into the anthem of a generation. Nevermind even displaced Dangerous by Michael Jackson from the top of the American charts — a symbolic moment that underscored the shift from mainstream pop to alternative rock. Nirvana’s success brought grunge and alternative rock definitively into the mainstream.

Cobain’s vocals were marked by a raw, emotional intensity, ranging from whisper-soft vulnerability to screaming anger. His lyrics were often personal, cryptic, and infused with themes of alienation, identity, and social criticism. In 1992, he married Courtney Love, lead singer of the band Hole. That same year, their daughter Frances Bean Cobain was born.

Despite his immense success, Cobain struggled with serious health problems. He suffered from chronic stomach pain, battled heroin addiction, and experienced depression. The sudden worldwide fame and constant media attention weighed heavily on him. In 1993, Nirvana released the darker, rawer album In Utero, on which Cobain deliberately distanced himself from the polished sound of Nevermind.

On April 8, 1994, Cobain was found dead at his home in Seattle. Investigations showed that he had died three days earlier from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His death at the age of 27 placed him in the so-called “27 Club,” a group of influential musicians who died at the same age. The news caused shockwaves around the world and sparked a broader discussion about mental health, addiction, and the pressures of fame.

More than three decades later, Kurt Cobain remains a cultural icon. His music with Nirvana influenced countless artists and permanently changed the landscape of rock music. His authenticity, uncompromising attitude, and emotional honesty ensure that his work continues to resonate with new generations of listeners.