He is an American musician and singer-songwriter. His last name is his mother's
maiden name. Serves as a lead vocalist. He is notable for his vocal style, and considered a cultural icon of alternative rock.
He once worked part-time as a gas station attendant at night. Through the Southern California music scene, he met former Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Jack Irons, who became a friend and would play basketball with him. Later in 19XX, Irons gave him a demo tape from a band in XXXX that was looking for a singer. He listened to the tape shortly before going surfing, where lyrics came to him. He then wrote lyrics for three of the songs in what he later described as a "mini-opera"; the songs tell the story of a young man who (like him) learns that he had been lied to about his paternity and that his real father is dead, grows up to become a serial killer, and is eventually imprisoned and sentenced to death. He recorded vocals for the three songs, and mailed the demo tape. The three songs would later become recorded, major songs.
After hearing his tape, he was invited to XXXXXX to audition for a new band. At the time, the musicians were working on the Temple of the Dog project as a musical tribute to Mother Love Bone's frontman Andrew Wood who died of a heroin overdose at age 24. XXXXXX stepped in to sing not even knowing what the band wanted, and he sang his part exactly the way they wanted it, instinctively. Ultimately, a new band was formed by the musicians in this project, and XXXXX was invited to be the lead singer.
His vocals have been described as a "Jim Morrison-like vocal growl." He also became one of the most copied lead singers in rock music. His lyrical topics range from personal, to social and political concerns His lyrics have often invoked the use of storytelling and have included themes of freedom, individualism, and sympathy for troubled individuals.
Who is this? (too easy?)
